Celebrate Life – Life Bringers

We had the honour of scouring the minds of four professionals who nurture and help other women give birth

DR ESTHER ROCKSON, 33,

Obstetrician-Gynaecologist Inspired by: I’m a nurturer by birth, and being an obstetrician-gynaecologist complements that as it helps me when reassuring those patients who walk in apprehensive. As a result, my patient-doctor consultations aren’t typical — they’re very conversational. I’ve wanted to be a doctor from as early as Grade 7. My very first inspiration was my sister’s paediatrician. I loved how graceful she was, and how special and safe she made her patients feel. I opted for gynaecology because I wanted to understand my body better.

Career highlights: Completing my post grad in record time and getting a distinction in my oral exam. Another highlight was obtaining a diploma in cosmetic gynaecology at a Polish university. The aim was to treat women’s problems that we, in black communities, seldom talk about. Using non-invasive methods, I treat — amongst others — conditions like vaginal laxity and incontinence after childbirth, vaginal dryness, improper stitching that can lead to pain during intercourse and recurring urinary tract infections. Being fulfilled: The journey of seeing a little dot at six weeks, and then nurturing it into a fully-fledged human being is a beautiful one. The beginning of a life determines someone’s destiny. If I’m present at the beginning of any child’s life, and treat their mother with the utmost care, I’m already paving the way for that child to soar. Childbirth is an intimate moment for a family, and to be invited to this occasion is a privilege I could never trade in for anything.

My true calling: The only thing I’d add is teaching medical students — I miss it so much.

DR LUSANDA SHIMANGE MAT SO SE ,38, Obstetrician Gynaecologist

Inspired by: Medicine is the only profession I’ve always wanted to pursue. As a child, I’d hang out at my dad’s surgery and pretend to give my dolls injections [chuckles]. In matric, I suddenly felt an urge to become a chef, but suppressed it and proceeded to medical school. It was during my internship as a doctor that I decided to indulge my passion of going to chef school, but only part time. After being exposed to all my internship rotations — from working in trauma to paediatrics — it finally dawned on me, in 2008, that gynaecology and obstetrics was where my heart belonged. I started specialising in 2011. I also felt that I had a lot to offer when it came to educating and empowering women about their health. With this in mind, I started my company #MyFirstGynae. My passion for women’s health affords me the opportunity to work privately at Sandton Mediclinic, and in the public sector at Charlotte Maxeke.

Career highlights: When I graduated as a gynae, my dad Dr Oscar Shimange, was the one who capped me. Being in theatre with him is always remarkable — we don’t work together, but there’ve been moments where he needed assistance, and vice versa. My first solo surgery after qualifying will always be special. Being fulfilled: Someone trusting you with their baby’s and own life is a huge responsibility. Delivering a baby still astounds me to this day. I still marvel at how our bodies are able to grow entire human beings. I know, how silly of me considering that I have three boys [chuckles]. I don’t take my work for granted and always encourage my students to have the same attitude towards their jobs.

My true calling: I love what I do and will always advocate for women’s health. I was fortunate to give the chef thing a bash, but obsgyn is my true calling.

PHINDI MASHININI, 62, Private

Midwife

Inspired by: I was already a professional nurse, but was clueless as to what field I wanted to specialise in. During my first pregnancy, I went for my check-ups at a midwifery obstetrics centre in Soweto. The midwives journeyed with me from the start of my pregnancy right through to the sixth week post-delivery. My fascination with this profession began during that time, and I was inspired to provide the same quality care I’d been afforded to other women. I started my training when my son was nine months old, and have been at it for 35 years.

Career highlight: The joy I feel when I witness the happiness, firstly, on the mother’s face — and then the entire family — as the little one makes an entry into the world, is priceless. Knowing that I helped contribute in that joy makes my job worthwhile. Being fulfilled: Being a midwife is a huge responsibility — one that I definitely don’t take lightly. It comes with both happy and sad moments. The maternal support that I give to mothers always makes me feel as though I’m doing my bit for women empowerment. Childbirth, on it’s own, is an empowering act. But it’s even better when paired with support from other women. I always tell the moms, whom I’ve been fortunate to hand-hold through the early stages of motherhood that it’s a struggle sometimes, and reassure them that I’m available to help round-theclock. No mom should ever claim to know it all because children differ in character and mannerisms.

My true calling: Private midwifery can be exhausting because of the travelling, the unexpected nature of labour and long hours, but I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.

NONHLANHLA LENGANA, 36,

Midwife

Inspired by: My initial plan was to study medicine, but I was hindered by a lack of finances. After matric, I worked at a crèche for a year, until I caught wind of nursing school application forms being disseminated. I figured nursing would bring me closer to medicine, so I applied. I fell in love with midwifery in second year. For our practicals, we witnessed childbirth in action — that moment remains etched in my memory. When I left the public sector in 2011, I intended to start my own private midwifery clinic, but didn’t have the financial means. I became very close with Dr Esther Rockson, who used to locum for a doctor that I currently work for. During one of our conversations, I told her about my dream of starting a maternity unit where a woman from a suburb and one from a township could both experience the same care. She offered me her practice, which is where I operate the clinic from on Tuesdays and Saturdays. I offer ante- and postnatal care, vaccinations for babies and antenatal classes.

Career highlight: While on maternity leave in 2014, I received a call from the then maternity unit manager at Sunninghill Hospital, saying I should prepare to take over from her upon my return.

Being fulfilled: There’s a difference between happiness and joy. The former is temporary, while the latter is long-lasting. Witnessing new life enter this world brings me unmatched joy. When I start my week without a baby delivery, I write it off as a bad one [chuckles]. Getting to be in women’s spaces at their most vulnerable, and have them trust me with their babies, means a lot to me. My true calling: With all the challenges in our healthcare system, I’d still choose midwifery any day.