Profile: Mother of triplets walked 12 kilometers to a health center to give birth

Marie Chantal Nyirahabimana an unemployed 32-year –old mother, successfully gave birth to three healthy male triplets on June 19th, 2011. She is a resident of Kivugiza Village of Gikomero Sector, Gasabo District. Nyirahabimana was transferred to Kibagabaga Hospital after the health center in her area could not handle the situation. The shy and soft spoken mother said: “The pregnancy was as normal as that of my previous three children. Besides the size of the belly, I was comfortable and I didn’t experience anything that was rare,” she says. Due to financial constraints, she was not able to do an ultra sound to detect the sex and position of the fetuses. “I got contractions late in the night and my husband escorted me to the health center. I didn’t know that I would have triplets although I was told that my belly was too big and that I should expect twins,” Nyirahabimana recalls. With contractions, she walked to C.S Gikomero Health Center which is 12 kilometers away from her home. The terrain of the area is characterized of steep hills yet her house is in the valley. “When I reached the health center, I was told they could not handle my situation. The pain was unbearable, and I could not walk any more luckily; the health center provided a car to take me to Kibagabaga Hospital,” she narrates. The triplets and mother were in good shape with no complications during birth, the first baby weighed 2.3kgs, the second 2kgs and the last one 1.9kgs. “Although I had never dreamt of having triplets, it was a miracle. I thank God for them and I believe they are a blessing,” Nyirahabimana expresses. Both Nyirahabimana and her 34-year-old husband, Theogene Murindabyuma are not employed. They got married in September 2002 and have three daughters who precede the triplets. Thier mud-house with rusted iron sheets is so small that a six by six inch mattress can’t fit. Nyirahabimana collected dry banana leaves, which she topped with a mat and a sheet to make beddings for her and the triplets. The environment is unfavorable for the two-week–old boys. According to Geutille Mukafurere, who is in charge of C.S Gikomero health center, Nyirahabimana needs to feed well since she is breast feeding. “Although the health of the triplets seems to be in good condition, the environment they are living in is a threat to their life,” Mukafurere explains. The triplets need extra milk for feeding because breast milk is not enough since their weak mother doesn’t have enough fluids and foods to feed on. To supplement breast milk, Nyirahabimana feeds the triplets with cold cow milk which is not good for two-weeks –old babies. “I barely sleep at night since they cry all the time. I’m confused when they all cry at ago. It’s hard for me to do anything besides taking care of the triplets,” she explains. Murindabyuma, the father of the triplets says that he had little savings which he attained from odd jobs to cater for the unborn child but was shocked when his wife gave birth to triplets. “I was at home taking care of our three daughters when the community health worker in our cell told me that my wife had given birth to triplets. I was happy that my wife and triplets had no complications although I have to work harder to cater for them,” says Murindabyuma. He further adds that God willing, he would want to get someone to help his wife with the children in cases he is away doing odd jobs. “I’m not having more children. We will have to go through a family planning method with the help of the health center. These children are enough, therefore I don’t mind if I’m stopped,” Murindabyuma discloses. The couple’s eldest daughter is seven years old. Jacqueline Mukamukunzi, usually helps to nurse the triplets when the cry. “I sing for each of them and they stop crying,” she giggles. The family considers having the triplets a miracle, but with their standard of living, the future of these handsome babies is at stake. Any assistance can be channeled through Kibagabaga Hospital. The couples don’t have a mobile phone but one can contact Theogene Murindabyuma through his brother Damascene Murindindabigwi on (0788276449). Dorau20@yahoo.co.uk