From Fear to Strength: Comfort’s Journey to a Healthy Birth

By Ernestina Esinam Glikpo, Communications Manager

In Kukubuso, a vibrant community in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, 22-year-old Comfort, a mother of two, once faced pregnancy with fear and uncertainty. Today, thanks to Self-Help International, she holds a healthy baby in her arms and a renewed sense of confidence.

When Comfort had her first child, the pregnancy came with many complications. In the end, she delivered through a cesarean section (C-section). The experience left her physically and emotionally shaken. So when she became pregnant again, she feared she would face the same health challenges.

“I was very scared,” Comfort recalls. “I didn’t want to go through that again.”

At six months pregnant, a friend introduced her to Self-Help International’s Growing Healthy Food, Growing Healthy Children (GHFGHC) program by. She signed up. That decision changed everything.

Through the program, Comfort received both nutritional support and practical guidance. She was given fortified Tom Brown porridge and eggs to support her need for additional calories and protein. For both her and her baby’s well-being, nutritionists encouraged Comfort to eat locally grown, nutrient-rich foods – including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Comfort also received coaching on safe exercise and maternal care to ensure the health and safety of both mother and child. 

With this support, Comfort began to feel stronger week by week, both physically and emotionally. Her fear slowly gave way to confidence.

When labor set in, Comfort delivered her baby naturally, with the help of a neighbor who is a trained midwife. After delivery, she visited the hospital, where her baby girl, Sabi, was assessed and found to have a healthy birth weight of 2.9 kg (6.4Ibs).

Today, Comfort is still part of the program, receiving regular counseling and support, including education on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding. As of April 2026, baby Sabi is 5 months old and weighs 6.4 kg (14.1Ibs), growing well and staying healthy.

Comfort shares, “This program helped me when I was at my lowest. I am strong now, and my baby is healthy.”

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