Quang Thi Chieu is an ethnic minority midwife (EMM) from Long Bon Village in Son La province of Vietnam. She is very proud to provide support and care to women in her village during labour and childbirth.

From Quang Thi Chieu’s experience

It was a hot day when I returned home from my farm, earlier than usual. Around 10 am, a woman from a neighboring village came to my home and asked me to visit her sister who was in her last trimester of pregnancy. Her sister was experiencing excruciating pain and a pink discharge. I hurried over to her home carrying with me a safe delivery box that was provided by the commune health worker (CHW). When I arrived, I saw the head of the baby. I immediately knew there was no time to go to the commune health station for delivery and I would need to rely on my recent training to manage this birth.

At this point, her family members were confused and scared because the baby was coming a lot earlier than expected. During the delivery, I guided the mother and directed members of her family. I had recently been trained as a midwife and I was equipped to handle this situation. I supported and cared for the mother and baby during delivery and comforted her family members. Fortunately, everything turned out fine, and the mother and her baby were healthy and happy. I was delighted by how grateful the family members were for having my support during this uncertain time.

I am happy that my knowledge can help people in my community. I am very thankful for the opportunity to become a trained midwife in my village.

This project is undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through Global Affairs Canada.