B.G., a mother of three daughters, became pregnant with her fourth child in the hope of having a son to carry on the family name and provide financial and emotional support in her old age. Despite being advised during her pregnancy to consider family planning and undergo sterilization after delivery, she was initially reluctant, as her desire for a male child strongly influenced her decisions. Recognizing the underlying societal and cultural factors driving B.G.’s choices, our CLWs engaged in consistent and empathetic counseling sessions with her. They explained the risks of repeated pregnancies on her health, the importance of family planning for her overall well-being, and how giving equal attention to her daughters could ensure a better and brighter future for the entire family. The team highlighted that daughters are equally capable of supporting their families emotionally, financially, and socially, and that the notion of sons being the sole providers is outdated.
When B.G. delivered her fourth child—a healthy baby girl weighing 3 kilograms—on 28th December 2024, she initially felt disheartened. Our team stepped in immediately to offer her emotional support and prevent the onset of postpartum depression. They reminded her of the value of empowering her daughters by ensuring they receive proper education, care, and opportunities to thrive. This counseling focused on shifting her mindset from wanting a male child to embracing and nurturing the beautiful family she already had.
With continued encouragement and trust built over weeks of guidance, B.G. agreed to undergo operation. She recognized that her health and the well-being of her existing children required her to make this decision. Shortly after her delivery, she underwent the family planning procedure, ensuring a secure and stable future for her daughters and herself. B.G.’s journey reflects the profound impact of empathetic counseling and consistent support in challenging deeply rooted beliefs and enabling individuals to make informed decisions. Her story is a testament to the importance of empowering mothers to prioritize their own health and their children’s future, fostering a new narrative of equality and opportunity for all.