A Miracle in the Labour Ward

For most Nigerian women, they would rather have a vaginal delivery than a Caesarean section. Such was the case with one Mrs F. A. (name witheld because of my Hippocratic oath), who I met in the labour ward at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in the year 2012 (I was in my fifth year of medical school then).

She had been in labour for some hours, and I was, by divine providence and by the roster, on call that night. However, at some point in the middle of the night, it was decided by the obstetrician in charge of her case that she would need a Caesarean section because the position of the baby's head was wrong (persistent occipitoposterior position, in medical terms). At that point, my colleagues and I went to sleep, some on chairs and others on benches; hoping to be alerted when the time came for surgical action.

Some hours later, we were roused from our slumber, only to discover that she was still there because some needed logistics were not yet in place. It was almost 6am and I needed to go back home to freshen up in preparation for the day's work, but before leaving, I sat beside her with a wall clock, placed my hand on her tummy (as though monitoring & timing her contractions) and began to pray softly in unknown tongues.

After about 10 minutes (the usual length of time for monitoring contractions), I stood up and told her, "when the nurse comes to move you to the theatre, don't say that you're declining the surgery, but request that she examine you one more time". I didn't want to put myself in any trouble, you know? I just wanted to believe God on her behalf for a miracle, not create a departmental incident!

When I returned a few minutes to 8am for our usual morning review, I was told some news that I can never forget: she had delivered vaginally, a healthy baby! I got the details when I went to rejoice with her: as she was about to be moved to the theatre, she had requested that the nurse check her again, and the expected miracle was discovered, the baby had turned. This was her testimony, translated from the Yoruba language which she spoke, "your God answers prayers". I really couldn't agree more.

I have written these things that you, the new (kainos) creation, may be reminded of the reality of the supernatural today; and that remembering, you may walk in it. So walk in it!