‘Keep your babies’

Despite some apprehensions during the early stages of her pregnancy, 33-year-old Rasheeda Sudah is urging expecting mothers to keep their babies and avoid abortions.

Sudah, who delivered her third child Armia Lee Riveres on exactly the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day, spoke to Newsday at the Mt Hope Maternity ward yesterday and said while she had some misgivings about being a mother for the third time, doctors and nurses persuaded her to keep the baby and said she did not regret her decision.

“The strange thing is apart from the care I got at the hospital, I was also encouraged by the doctors and the nurses to keep the baby. I wasn’t sure if I wanted her but I don’t believe in abortion and I’m happy with my decision.

“To any women who get pregnant, no matter the circumstances for whatever reason you might be doubtful of keeping the child, please avoid abortion. Your baby could be the next prime minister or leader. Keep your babies.”

Sudah also praised staff at the Mt Hope Women’s clinic for the support and assistance she received in the months leading up to her delivery. She said while her husband was at work and could not make it to the hospital, he kept in contact with her throughout the day and joked that she wished men could experience childbirth too.

“I wish all men could have babies. I feel that if they could experience labour they might have more appreciation for their wives and mothers,” Sudah said.

Second time mother, Josanne Patrick, 23, gave birth to her first son, Darion Jayvon Brown at 12.20 am and thanked God and the staff at the hospital for their work in helping deliver her child.

“I just want to thank God for everything. I began feeling pain last Friday and was taken to the hospital on last (Monday) night. The nurse was very pleasant and I’m grateful for their help.”

Yesterday the mothers were greeted by officials from the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) who presented them with hampers.

One official at the hospital said baby Armia’s birth was the first in 30 years, in which the baby was delivered at exactly 12 midnight.