After years of pregnancy loss, Balkisu can now plan for her future
Balkisu (25) is a mother of four children. Since she got married at the age of 19, she has become pregnant almost every year, with inadequate spacing between each birth.
Balkisu frequently experienced short-spaced births, becoming pregnant only several months after a previous birth. These pregnancies were difficult and, sadly, Balkisu miscarried three times in a row. These repeated pregnancies and losses took a serious toll on Balkisu’s emotional and physical health.
Financially, life also proved challenging. Balkisu’s husband is physically disabled and earns his living rearing animals at home earning ₦500 per week (~36 cents). To support her family, Balkisu grinds corn and millet for others, earning ₦50 (~3.6 cents) per cup. On a good day, Balkisu can make ₦250 (~18 cents) for 5 cups, which is insufficient to cover her family’s needs. Family planning services in Balkisu’s community cost ~₦2,000 ($1.45), which she could not afford when her family struggled to meet basic needs. Consequently, she relied on traditional family planning methods, which proved ineffective.
““Receiving free family planning services has given me hope and peace of mind. I no longer worry about becoming pregnant before my body has recovered. I can now focus on caring for my children, improving my health, and supporting my family.” ”
When Basira Mohammad, a Lafiya Sister, visited Balkisu’s home during a house-to-house community outreach, Basira counselled her on family planning. After the counselling session, Basira confirmed that Balkisu was eligible for DMPA-SC. She taught her how to self-inject and provided her with three doses, enough for one year of protection. Basira also shared her contact information and assured Balkisu that she would support her if she faced any challenges.
Now, Balkisu does not have to worry about getting pregnant, and can focus on getting healthier so she can build out her business further.
Balkisu (25) with her youngest, in Kebbi state