International Mother's Day 2025 is themed “Celebrating Motherhood: A Timeless Bond,” highlighting the enduring mother-child relationship. However, the journey to motherhood is often fraught with challenges, particularly in maternal healthcare. Many women face disrespectful treatment and systemic failures, especially in public hospitals, contrasting sharply with the experiences in private facilities.

Daisy Mitei's experience at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in September 2021 illustrates these challenges. Despite knowing she was in labor, nurses dismissed her concerns, delaying necessary care even after an ultrasound revealed the umbilical cord was wrapped around her baby’s neck. She was eventually admitted only through personal connections but faced further delays and accusations. A solitary and terrifying C-section followed, where nurses mocked her and provided inadequate post-operative care. Daisy was blamed for lacking breastmilk and proper newborn care, highlighting a systemic failure rather than personal inadequacy. She emphasizes that respectful maternal care should be a right, not a luxury.

Betty Cheptoo's experiences further underscore the disparities in maternal care. Her first delivery in 2000 was traumatic, marked by neglect and insults from nurses. She delivered her baby virtually alone, leading to post-partum hemorrhage and prolonged hospitalization. Her second experience in 2006 involved a hospital linked to a child trafficking scheme, where a nurse warned her of a planned, unnecessary C-section intended to steal her baby. Betty's gratitude towards the nurse who saved her highlights the dangers some mothers face.

The discrepancies between public and private hospitals significantly impact maternal health. Public hospitals are often understaffed, leading to disrespectful treatment and limited personalized care. In contrast, private hospitals offer more attentive care due to better nurse-to-patient ratios and comfortable amenities. Laura Otieno's private hospital experience exemplifies this, with attentive nurses providing comprehensive support during and after delivery.

Divinah Bosibori’s positive experience at Kenyatta National Hospital in 2014 shows that good care in public facilities is possible. Kind nurses and thorough explanations of her post-partum hemorrhage helped her feel supported. Divinah advises expectant mothers to prioritize finding healthcare providers with a true calling for nursing, emphasizing that the quality of care significantly influences the birthing experience.

The experiences of Daisy, Betty, Laura, and Divinah highlight the critical need for improved maternal healthcare, particularly in public hospitals. Respectful, informed, and supportive care should be the standard for all mothers, ensuring safe and positive birthing experiences.