Ruth was pregnant with her sixth child when she lost her husband and the father of her children, yet she made better decisions for herself and her baby – guided by a community health worker who kept showing up.
Ruth John is a mother of six who lives in Mzimoni village in Arusha, Tanzania. These days, she spend most of her time caring for her four-month-old baby, Ethan, born in June this year. Pregnancy and motherhood are journeys filled with unknowns, and for Ruth, it took a hard turn while she was pregnant with Ethan, when she suddenly and unexpectedly lost her husband and had to start supporting the children by herself. It left her feeling lonely at times.
“If the children’s father were here, I’d have someone to consult about the children. I just can’t manage everything alone, but I do what I can. There are things I can handle, and things I fall short on where I have to ask others for advice.”
Since her husband’s death, two people have consistently shown up for her: her community health worker, Israel Siara, and her mother-in-law. Ruth has been seeing Israel since the first trimester, and he will now be checking in on baby Ethan until he is five years old. Israel will flag any developmental concerns or health issues that might need more specialized support from a health worker at a facility. Israel is supported by the Government of Tanzania through D-tree and is serving several communities in this area. He has received training and is equipped with a digital tool that guides him each time he sees a patient like Ruth – on key early childhood development issues, including when to refer to a health facility, what to recommend pregnant and postpartum women or children to eat, and how to provide responsive care. All based on government-approved and aligned protocols.
Even as a mother of six, Ruth found Israel’s guidance practical, shaping small decisions along her pregnancy and postpartum journey. From what to eat in the first trimester, when the nausea was constant, and through to the third trimester, when her joints were aching, but she kept moving her body and it eased the pain.
Israel also talked to her about malaria protection, and how to talk to the baby while he was still in the womb. She also learned from Israel that it’s completely normal for a baby to want to nurse for over an hour — that’s how enough milk is produced to fill his tummy.
“I definitely would have struggled without Israel, because I had no one to discuss some of my health issues with, especially with my husband gone. But because I got the guidance and took it properly, I struggled less.”
Some of the guidance is now also changing how Ruth is parenting Ethan. With her older children, she started solids early, but with Ethan, she has decided to breastfeed exclusively for six months. She plays with him more, too, and says “that’s why he’s so lively.”
The other person who has been of great support is her mother-in-law, who’s moved in with Ruth and the children, making daily life a little less heavy.
“She really helps me. Since I gave birth, I’ve been staying in, and mama is the one helping me. She cooks, she works out what the children will eat in the evening and she looks after how I’m doing, too.”
When Ruth reflects on her journey as a mother, she feels proud. She’s always prioritized the children’s education.
“I raise my family well. Ask me in front of anyone how I raise these children, and I can answer proudly. I’ve given them a foundation to study hard and build their future.”
This story was made possible by story sourcing, interviewing and coordination from Pastory Mfoy – thank you.
