The heart of care: lessons from a phenomenal midwife named Gertrude
- Jamidah Nakato, PhD
- Nov 4
- 4 min read
Written By Jamidah Nakato, PhD
Department of Marketing and Management,
School of Business,
College of Business & Management Sciences (COBAMS)
In the bustling world of medical care, where efficiency often takes precedence over empathy, it is rare to encounter a professional who embodies both qualities in perfect harmony. Yet, that is exactly who Gertrude is – a midwife whose approach to care leaves an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to meet her.
As an African woman, society expects every woman to become a wife and mother as soon as one becomes of age. As I look back on this, now that I have five children, who I have given delivered in the same hospital, I realise that this is an experience that should have turned to routine but each time, it is anything but, thanks to Gertrude. Before I became a mother, I harbored an intense fear of childbirth, one rooted in the tales of agony, indifferent care and impersonal treatment that were shared by other women who had given birth in in various circumstances and places over the years lingered in my mind. When I got pregnant for the first time, hospital visits though necessary, often came with a sense of dread, fear and anxiety.
Gertrude is not just a midwife; she is a care giver in the truest sense of the word.
I had a doctor’s appointment, but before I could see a doctor, she was there to prepare me for the doctor’s appointment. From the moment I walked into the hospital for the first time, she made me feel seen and heard, with no judgment whatsoever. In a world of unfavorable statistics related to childbirth, I had my fears, but Gertrude turned that narrative on its head, proving that in the right hands, medical care can be as much about the soul as it is about the body. She wanted to know me as a person, not just a mere patient with symptoms. One of the most striking things about Gertrude is her ability to handle difficult moments. Childbirth, for all its glory, is not without its challenges and heartaches. Yet Gertrude know how to break bad news with grace and empathy. She does not shy away from the truth, but she delivers it in a way that feels supportive rather than shattering. Her presence in those moments is a reminder that even in pain, there can be a kindness and understanding.
Gertrude was not just a bystander, but took an active role to listen and respond, which seemed to melt my fears away. She asked about me, checked on me every day, entertained my questions with ease, asked about how I felt, allowed me to air out my fears, worries, anxieties and hopes about labour-she listened to it all with patience which made it seem surreal. She shared with me favorable statistics and stories of survival, hope, love and care; she further showed me that I was in the best of hands in the best possible place in the world and everything will be okay. Her answers were thorough and thoughtful with a touch of humour, all which she delivered with a sense of calmness that. She does not even stop there, after discharge from hospital, she would still stay in touch to let you know about the progress of your recovery as well as advising you on ways to stay healthy as a mother and have a healthy baby. She would even share her number so that you can call and talk to her no matter the day or hour, whether it be in the night, weekend or holidays. Even when she would miss your call, she would call you back when time allows. No time was she too busy for me. There are instances where she forfeited her own leave to come and support me in a time when I needed her. That is not just dedication; it is love and passion for what she does.
What sets Gertrude apart is her willingness to go the extra mile, even when it is not expected – or required. She makes it a point to know her patients personally rather than treat them as case numbers. This personal connection inspired trust, which is no small feat when you are navigating the complexities and fears of childbirth most especially in developing countries. She did not just deliver my babies; she delivered peace of mind and confidence that everything will be alright. To date, I recommend her to others, because I want others to experience what I have, a rare blend of competence and compassion.
In Gertrude’s approach to care, there are lessons drawn not only for health care but also in life. While health care can often feel mechanical, Gertrude is a shining reminder that genuine health care is more than just performing a duty but show up for people, listen without judgment, go the extra mile and treat every interaction as an opportunity to make someone’s life better. What made my experience so different wasn’t just the outcome, but the journey. With health care workers like this, the world would be a much better place to live in. Gertrude, thank you for having a heart of care.
