“God could not be everywhere, so he made mothers” deeply resonates with our story today.
Every heartbeat carries stories of love, strength, and resilience. A mother sacrifices everything for her child, experiencing every step of pregnancy over nine months. However, for rural mothers from the Dalit communities in Bihar, these sacrifices are compounded by significant challenges.
Recently, I met Sita Devi (name changed), 30, pregnant with her fourth child. Married at 16 and raised among seven siblings in a bustling household, Sita’s education ended abruptly after the 8th grade due to financial constraints. Sita’s story mirrors the broader struggles of many Dalit women in rural Bihar, who face early marriage, limited access to education and healthcare, and poverty. Her husband is a daily wage labourer who migrates to metro cities, returning home for only short durations. Short phone calls are her only social support. She lives alone with her three young children in a house made of wood and chaff. Yet, she stands strong for her family.
Recently, Sita joyfully received the news of her fourth pregnancy. Each of her pregnancies has stirred deep emotions of joy, anticipation, and a profound sense of purpose. In her home filled with love, Sita cherishes every moment with her children with whatever resources they have. She recalled that she detected her first pregnancy by noticing subtle signs, such as feeling nauseous from certain food smells, rather than medical tests.
During her pregnancy journey, Sita felt a deep bond with her growing baby, treasuring those first kicks and imagining their life together. However, the support and care she needed during pregnancy were insufficient. Without any elderly care, access to healthcare and support from Anganwadi and ASHA workers became vital for Sita, but it was not enough. While vaccinations were given regularly, essential medical supplies like calcium and multivitamins were often unavailable. Sita relied on the Anganwadi for basic supplementary nutrition, though these supplies usually didn’t meet her and her family’s needs.
On asking about her dietary habits, she naively said she drinks packed fruit juices to satisfy her cravings. The milk in her house was primarily for her three children, leaving little for herself. She told me, “Mothers have to sacrifice for their children,” a statement that underscores her enduring love and resilience but also highlights the pressing need for better maternal nutrition and healthcare support in rural Bihar.
As I listened to Sita’s story, I couldn’t help but think about the critical importance of good nutrition and care during pregnancy and the first 1000 days of a child’s life. This period lays the foundation for a healthy life. Unfortunately, many mothers like Sita lack access to the necessary resources to provide optimal care and nutrition, which can have long-term impacts on her and her children’s health and development.
Sita’s story is not unique. It reflects the reality of thousands of women in rural Bihar who face similar hardships. These mothers often forego their own health needs to ensure their children are well-cared for, a choice no mother should have to make. Despite these challenges, Sita’s strength and unwavering love shine through, exemplifying the enduring power of love and joy in nurturing life. Her ability to remain positive and hopeful despite the adversity she faces serves as an inspiration to others in her community.
Her story underscores the urgent need for improved maternal healthcare services, adequate nutritional support, and addressing socio-economic barriers. Through collective efforts, we can make a difference, ensuring that every mother and child has the opportunity to thrive.
Sita’s story not only inspires us but also compels us to act, care, and think deeply about the future of maternal health among underprivileged communities in India.