Moving to Uganda in 2017 for what I thought would be a six-month volunteer trip turned into a life-changing adventure. I fell deeply in love with the country and its people, including my now-husband. Seven years later, I'm still loving life in the Pearl of Africa.
When I became pregnant back in 2022, my husband and I quickly decided I would give birth in Uganda due to the high visa costs and uncertainty surrounding my husband's ability to join me in the UK. My late grandmother's experiences giving birth to three children in the Cameroon’s in the 1950s inspired me; if she could do it, why couldn't I?
However, after years of struggling with unexplained infertility, I was starting to feel anxious. Finding maternity care that I felt comfortable with in Uganda felt overwhelming, especially given the country's varying healthcare standards. My heart was set on a natural delivery, but the high C-section rates in some Ugandan hospitals made me feel uneasy. I prayed for a facility that would support my birth plan and give me the best possible chance of delivering naturally, while feeling safe and empowered to do so.
At six weeks pregnant, I visited a clinic that left me feeling unsettled due to a rough ultrasound technician. A 12-week scan at another hospital was much better but still not ideal. After seeking recommendations, we discovered a small clinic in a village outside town, overlooking beautiful Lake Victoria and surrounded by beautiful woodlands. It was perfect!
From the start, the midwives made me feel welcome and cared for. Their kindness and warm smiles put me at ease during each antenatal visit. But it was during labour that they really took care of me. They surrounded me, offering encouraging words and prayers that gave me strength and confidence to bring my baby into the world. One midwife stayed with me most of the night, rubbing my back, and walking with me through contractions. She even stayed past her shift to witness my delivery.
Our hospital stay had its challenges – no mobile phone network made it hard to contact home, and no food services meant my husband made multiple trips to town over four days to bring meals, and to contact a worried Mother in the UK. We packed lots of essentials, including a kettle, making our stay kind of feel like camping!
One memory that stands out was when two women “helped” pack my baby in her car seat. As my husband loaded our car, they wrapped blankets around her saying, "Africa is cold!" despite the heat. They questioned why I couldn't hold her as she was too little for the car seat, most ladies here left the clinic holding their little ones on boda bodas (Motorcycles) so I understood their concern. I gently rearranged, removed the blankets and strapped her in properly once we got to the car, and then had a good giggle about it later.
Baby Alba, all wrapped up!
Overall, Despite minor complications during labour, the midwives' genuine care made all the difference. My birthing experience in Uganda was overwhelmingly positive and was a real testimony.
As we settled into life at home, the realities of being a first-time mother in a foreign culture began to sink in. My husband and I discovered we had differing parenting styles and expectations, and some visitors during the first week, though well-intentioned, brought extra responsibilities – and messes to clean up. We also decided to turn down the offer of a house help being sent from the village (Normal practice here) as my husband and I weren’t on board with the idea of a stranger living with us…things were just a little hectic.
I also struggled to navigate local customs and advice, often finding them confusing. Being told to keep my baby under several blankets in the heat seemed odd, and not being able to hold her in a sitting position, even for burping. However on the plus side the true meaning of "it takes a village" became crystal clear. One neighbour started offering me crucial support. One time she arrived at 6am to help calm my overwhelmed baby (and me!). Her willingness to lend a hand was a beautiful reminder that community can make all the difference.
Breastfeeding proved challenging, and my milk supply was all over the place. The emotional toll of new motherhood, combined with adjusting to this new reality, left me overwhelmed. Just when we needed it most, my mother, a retired neonatal nurse and midwife, arrived for a visit. Her expert guidance and reassuring presence helped my husband and I find our footing. She shared valuable insights with us and general care – making lots of cups of tea and giving my husband and I time to rest. She helped empower us to navigate our new roles with confidence. Although her visit was only 2 short weeks it was incredibly helpful for all 3 of us!
As the saying goes, the first 8/10 weeks are the most trying. But once we cleared that hurdle, our routine began to stabilize. Now, with my baby approaching 14 months, I'm grateful for the joys of parenting in Uganda: I love the community culture, I love that she always has someone to play with whenever we go out, I love that children/babies are so welcomed here and people don’t see them as a burden. My husband has really grown into the role of being a father beautifully and if I do say so myself I think I’ve done a great job of being a mum.
Us 3, enjoying life!
Any Advice? Well, your comfort as an expectant mother is extremely important. Find a healthcare provider that makes you feel secure and confident, and don't hesitate to ask for help. Plan ahead with your partner, discussing expectations of one another and even doing things like planning meals in advance will help. Remember to set boundaries, prioritize your well-being, and cherish this journey - it really does go fast!
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