By Elizabeth Olagoke Abai
A new mother identified as Esther has appealed for urgent medical assistance after her newborn’s condition worsened following what she describes as premature discharge and inadequate care at the Christian Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State.
Esther, who delivered a baby boy via Caesarean section on October 8, said she noticed immediately after birth that the child was coughing and experiencing catarrh. She alerted the nurses and doctors on duty, and the baby was briefly taken for examination before being returned to her.
Despite repeatedly insisting that the symptoms persisted, Esther said she was discharged without receiving clear answers or comprehensive care for her son’s condition.
According to her, the baby’s health has continued to deteriorate since they left the hospital. She explained that: “The baby struggles to breathe, his stomach appears unusually tight, and he defecates immediately after every feeding.
“Even if he feeds 20 times, he will poo 20 times,” she said.
Worried, Esther sought help at another facility, Life Shield Hospital, where she was prescribed an oral suspension (Otrivin). However, she said the baby’s condition did not improve and instead has continued to worsen.
On October 23, in a desperate attempt to get proper treatment, Esther tried taking her son to a General Hospital. She was, however, told by another patient that paediatric doctors are not always on duty during weekends.
A nurse at the Christian Medical Centre, identified as Confidence, who was on duty during Esther’s delivery, confirmed that the baby showed signs of aspiration after birth.
“She only complained that the baby was aspirating, which didn’t appear serious at the time,” the nurse said.
“I suctioned him again. I don’t know if she later reported to the Medical Director or the doctor on duty. That was why I advised her to see a paediatrician instead… not knowing the situation was serious. Many babies present the same way and after suctioning, that is usually the end but this case seems different.”
On Tuesday, September 18, 2025, Esther contacted our correspondent again, sounding exhausted and distressed.
“I’m tired. My baby’s condition is not getting any better,” she said. “He can’t breathe. His chest looks congested. I don’t know what to do. All the General Hospitals are on strike. Please, I need help.”
Esther is calling on health authorities, child-health specialists, and relevant agencies to intervene urgently as her baby’s life is at risk.