I knew I would not die without a child – 68-year-old woman who had twins recounts ordeal

A 68 year-old woman who had  recently gave birth to a set of twins at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital after 44 years old marriage recounts how she was very sure that she would give birth to children before she would die.

Here are her conversations;

How did you feel when you realised you were pregnant and when you eventually had your twins after being childless for over four decades?

I was very happy throughout the period I was pregnant up until when I delivered. I was very strong, I did not fall ill at all while I was pregnant and till I delivered. I was surprised myself. I thank God. People were saying, ‘Mama, you are very strong.’ I was wondering how that was possible. The only thing I felt was that the two of them made me heavy; that was the only feeling I had during the period. I couldn’t move my body easily or smartly, I was heavy.

My tummy was very small so some people were surprised when I had twins. They said ‘from that small tummy?’

How were you able to cope with the pain that came with the CS?

It went on smoothly. The doctors also said ‘Mama, you are very strong’. They didn’t sedate me so I saw everything they were doing in the theatre. They were all praising me. I thank God; it was not by my power.

When a couple are childless in Nigeria, they, particularly the woman, are put under pressure by family and friends, what was the worst kind of pressure you faced?

I only focused on God because there was nothing I could do. Only God could do it. I didn’t put pressure on myself, I continued to pray. I didn’t bother myself. I knew God would do it and He has done it.

Did you lose hope at any time?

I had faith. I didn’t lose hope. I never lost hope for once. I always told my husband that we would not die like this; that was my motto.

I knew we would see our children before we would die. He too had faith and he always told me not to worry, that God would do it for me. I put my faith in God.

Many people believe it is not good for people in your age to have children. What if you can’t be there for them at a time when they will need you in their lives?

I have not heard that; we will do whatever we can do and we will get a home help to us in caring for them – an elderly one.

The doctors said nothing was wrong with the two of you. Sometimes regarding such situations in Nigeria, people put pressure on the husband to marry another wife, were you worried about that?

He would have done that since he wanted to do it but he didn’t. If he wanted to do that, he could. He knew I was not afraid. I put my hope in God

What advice do you have for couples who are childless and hoping to have a child of their own?

They should not lose hope; that is my only advice.