Multiple births are high risk, mothers need care, support

Kakamega County Health CEC Rachael Okumu checks on the quintuplets that were delivered by Everlyne Namukhula at Kakamega County Referral hospital. Ms Namukhula and two babies died last week due to birth related complications. [File, Standard]

Following the death of Everline Namukhula, barely eight days after losing two of her quintuplets, Dr Wala Elizabeth, a mother of triplets, highlights why mothers who give birth to multiple babies need special care, and how they and their babies could be helped to live healthy

The radiographer’s face changed from business-as-usual to perplexity as he moved the cold wet probe of the ultrasound machine over my lower abdomen. “I can see two sacs. Both at 11 weeks of gestation. Oh wait, here is a third one!”