One lady’s description of labour is "it’s like a deep internal "pulling” - like someone kept reaching deep inside, grabbing hold of whatever internal organs they could, and trying to tug them out”. But that’s just her. Another said it felt like the worst menstrual cramp or gas pain she’s ever had - combined with being stabbed repeatedly in the stomach. 

These might be personal testimonies, but, it is common knowledge that labour pain is ridiculously strong. With this, you’d think midwives would make the experience as easy as possible, in a civil manner, giving all the help they can.

Instead, some have chosen to unleash their wrath on women in labour, shouting obscenities and slapping them around in an attempt to keep them quiet. This week, a few women talk about their rough encounters in the labour ward and some midwives point out the need to be considerate and caring when handling a woman in labour. Turn to pages 16 and 17 for more on this story.

Rachel Garuka