Welcome Labour Room: The Story of Maternal Health in Nepal


  • Photographer
    Kelly McIlvenny
  • Prize
    Honorable Mention
  • Date of Photograph
    26/6/2011

“Welcome Labour Room” is a photographic documentary on the challenges women face during pregnancy and childbirth in the developing country. The work aims to provide a forum to discuss the issues surrounding maternal health in remote regions and the individuals who work tirelessly to protect women from harm everyday. Trying to balance the gravity of the situation with the natural delight of new life. To find out more visit www.welcomelabourroom.com

Story

Welcome Labour Room is Kelly McIlvenny’s ongoing photographic documentation of the challenges women face during pregnancy and childbirth in developing Nepal. Photographed at the Baglung District Hospital in Western Nepal and the Kalimanti Clinic in the capital city of Kathmandu, the work aims to balance the wonderful spirit of both the mothers and staff with the gravity of the situation. She found in the foothills of the Himalayas a duality—a contrast. From the dire circumstances in which these are often forced to give birth to the extreme lengths individuals were taking to protect the women of their communities. The striking difference between the stories of tragedy each woman had to share to their own optimism and humility. Or quiet simply, the new lives being made before her eyes and the death that lingered in the fridges.

The Baglung District Hospital serves over 600,000 people in the Kali Gandaki Valley. The hospital has the only operating theater in the district. Many women do not survive the journey to the hospital, as it often taking hours to be carried to the nearest road, then bartering passage to the hospital. In Kathmandu, the Kalimanti Clinic works to alleviate the two overwhelmed city hospitals. Dr. Hira Shresta volunteers at the clinic, coming everyday and staying as long as she is needed.

For more information about both the plight of these women as well as maternal health world-wide please visit www.welcomelabourroom.com

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