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It was a cold windy day
in January when Lily came into the lives of Azmat Ali and
Monsura Begum. Although it was cloudy outside, sunshine of
a different kind shone in their home.
Monsura had been pregnant once before, but a lack of knowledge
of health and nutrition had contributed to a miscarriage.
Everyone blamed Monsura for her misfortune, and she was told
she would never be a mother. Her husband Azmat left her, and
married again. He only returned to Monsura when his second
wife died.
Monsura was convinced that her life was ruined, and she would
never have a child. But events took a different turn.
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Monsura Begum (24) and Lily
(9 months) of Ranipukur, Rangpur district
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When Monsura felt some pain she went to speak to Rahela,
a neighbour who was a Traditional Birth Attendant attached
to Islamic Relief.
A check-up confirmed that Monsura had in fact conceived. Rahela
knew Monsura's story, so she listed her as a high risk pregnancy
and took her to Islamic Relief's Mother and Child Health Centre.
From that moment on Monsura received proper prenatal care.
Although Monsura had many fears from her last pregnancy, with
the guidance of the MCH staff they gradually decreased.
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She gained greater confidence when a qualified doctor, the
MCH manager, visited her at home.
Both Azmat and Monsura prayed for a healthy child. Finally,
one Wednesday, Monsura gave birth to Lily - a beautiful and
healthy baby. Lily's name was chosen by her grandparents.
Monsura wept and thanked Allah for the child she thought she
would never have. She was also grateful to the MCH centre
and staff who helped her through the pregnancy and birth.
Lily is now a much-loved, healthy, 9 month-old baby.
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