This unexpected early delivery disrupted Shela’s plans to give birth in her home country, forfeiting her return ticket and adding overwhelming responsibilities — from managing hospital bills and documentation, to acquiring baby supplies.
Unlike many clients, Shela came to PathFinders after delivering her baby. With support from her caseworker, she arranged for her partner’s arrival to sign Ella’s birth certificate and is being supported to secure a medical fee waiver. PathFinders is also providing essential premature baby supplies and shared a music cassette for Ella’s ward. In addition, Shela has found comfort from other migrant mothers by attending our weekly Education workshops.
After 14 weeks of maternity leave and Ella needing to remain in NICU, Shela returned to work. With her employer’s approval she visits Ella daily. Shela is also journaling her progress, hoping one day to show her daughter the strength it took to survive those first and weekdays.
