In May 2024, we launched an exciting programme to train women from the Khayelitsha community to be Labour Companions for those who come to birth at Khayelitsha District Hospital (KDH).

 

With over 400 births a month, the Labour Ward at KDH is constantly busy and staff are often overwhelmed and exhausted. This means they have little time to sit with women in labour, who are often unsupported, young and scared. 

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The benefits of emotional support in labour are extensively documented and result in better birth and long-term outcomes for both mother and baby, so we made it a priority to address the clear need and introduce Labour Companions.

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After a thorough application process, suitable candidates were selected and trained by qualified midwives. Three volunteer Labour Companions commenced work and were warmly welcomed by both patients and staff. They work daily in the Labour Ward, supporting and encouraging women in labour, assisting staff with non-medical functions, as well as distributing baby packs to every new mother.

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Since the inception of this programme, we have had entirely positive feedback and heard deeply encouraging stories. The midwives are relieved and grateful for additional support, and the obstetricians and doctors have said what a difference it has made, the Labour Companions themselves report feeling appreciated and valued and then finally, but not least, we have witnessed enormous gratitude from new mothers. One of the Labour Companions, Mavis Mpulu, received a call from the mother of a teenage girl who she had assisted in labour, thanking her for turning the situation around and helping her daughter experience birth in a positive way.

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We are delighted with the success of the Labour Companions programme; our dream is to expand it and reach a point where we are able to pay the Labour Companions - rewarding them for their valuable work and assuring their retention. Please get in touch if you are interested in supporting this much-needed and deeply impactful programme.