Syria- Damascus, 5 May 2024
Starting her career as a midwife in 2007, Nermin Ebrahim has supported women in various rural and urban areas after graduating from the midwifery institute. She has provided birthing assistance in Al-Hol camp, in northeastern Syria and in the maternity department of the national hospital in Hasakeh city, ensuring the safety of women during childbirth.
In 2020, Nermin took on the role of a midwife at the UNFPA-supported Ommali clinic in Hasakeh city. Her extensive experience in midwifery has earned her recognition among women in Hasakeh city.
Whenever women, especially pregnant ones, encounter her outside of the clinic, they seek her advice and ask questions related to their concerns, highlighting the trust and respect she has built over the years.
A dedicated mom and diligent healthcare professional
Besides her job tasks, Nermin is also a housewife and mother, doing housework after work hours, and spending one to two hours every day teaching her 8-year-old daughter, and helping her do her homework.
Well, it's not just that, she is also a breadwinner for her family as her Husband has had a disability since 2011 due to the war.
“The thing that gives me the energy to keep doing my responsibilities in the clinic and at home, is my daughter. When I see her grow up and do well at her school, I gain great energy to continue,” confirmed Nermin.
Comprehensive reproductive health care services
The Ommali clinic caters to approximately 40 beneficiaries daily, predominantly seeking pregnancy care and family planning services. Midwife Nermin plays a central role in providing comprehensive care, including pregnancy care, family planning, antenatal and postnatal care, gynecological examinations for infection and sexually transmitted disease screening, and education on reproductive health topics. “Women choose the UNFPA-supported clinic for its free high-quality services, as well as the warm and welcoming reception offered by the clinic team.” confirmed Nermin
The significance of awareness sessions and their multifaceted impact
During the awareness sessions that Nermin conducts, the most frequent inquiries from beneficiaries, both within the clinic and outside, are related to family planning. Their concerns range from which method is most suitable for them to the safety of using these methods.
Two primary factors contribute to the rising use of family planning methods in this region:
The 1st factor is increased awareness among women about the importance of family planning, facilitated by sessions conducted in UNFPA-supported facilities.
The 2nd factor is the deteriorating economic situation faced by many families, making it challenging for them to meet the basic needs of their children.
In emergency scenarios, professionals navigate complex and fluid environments characterized by numerous challenges
Nermin's observations suggest that the high costs associated with private hospitals and clinics, coupled with transportation difficulties, particularly for women residing in rural areas, have contributed to the growing preference for home births.
Due to her reputation, Nermin, along with other midwives in Hasakeh, is frequently contacted by families seeking assistance with safe birthing services.
Nermin is dedicated to her profession and will not hesitate to aid any pregnant woman in need of emergency childbirth assistance, regardless of the time, location, or circumstances.
Explaining her role, she remarked, "When a call for assistance comes in, I promptly respond, carrying the birthing kit to offer the required support." She continued, "Following each birth, I experience a sense of fulfillment, knowing that I have contributed to the well-being of two lives—the mother and the newborn."
Drawing from her extensive experience in the field of midwifery and reproductive health, Nermin imparted valuable messages and guidance to expectant mothers:
To ensure a healthy pregnancy and the well-being of both the mother and the fetus, the doctors recommend a comprehensive approach. Firstly, I emphasize the importance of regular prenatal checkups and visits to reproductive health clinics, at a frequency of once per month or as needed, to monitor the health of the mother and track the development of the fetus. Secondly, I stress the significance of maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet throughout the pregnancy to provide adequate nourishment for the growing baby. Lastly, I advise women to plan and space their pregnancies to allow for proper recovery and preparation for future pregnancies
