Breaking Barriers: Valmira Piraku’s Journey to Motherhood through Group Care

 

Breaking Barriers: Valmira Piraku’s Journey to Motherhood through Group Care
When Valmira Piraku first learned she was pregnant, the joy of the news was quickly overshadowed by fear. A 33-year-old from Fushë Kosova, Valmira had always dreamed of becoming a mother. However, her deep anxiety about medical visits made prenatal care a daunting challenge.

“Even the thought of a routine checkup felt overwhelming,” she recalls. “I was afraid of medical visits and didn’t know where to begin.”

Things changed when a health concern led Valmira to the Main Family Medicine Center in Lipjan while visiting relatives. What seemed like a routine visit turned into a transformative moment when she met midwife Shemsije. Her gentle and empathetic approach immediately made an impact on Valmira.

“Shemsije didn’t just address my immediate concerns,” Valmira remembers. “She listened to me, understood my fears, and explained the options that could help me.”

One of those options was the Group Care Program for pregnant women, a series of sessions providing not only medical guidance but also emotional support and a sense of community for expectant mothers. Despite initial hesitation, Valmira decided to join.

Building Confidence in a Community of Mothers

When Valmira attended her first session, she was only two months pregnant. She walked into the room with hesitation, unsure of what to expect, but was surprised by the welcoming atmosphere.

“It felt like stepping into a circle of friends,” she says. “We shared stories, asked questions, and found reassurance in each other’s experiences.”

Led by midwives Shemsije and Teuta, the sessions covered everything from nutrition during pregnancy and mental health to birth preparation and newborn care. What impacted Valmira the most was the personalized approach of the midwives.

“They made us feel important and heard,” she says. “No question was insignificant, and their encouragement made all the difference.”

Valmira soon came to treasure the sessions, attending them regularly and applying everything she learned to her daily life. Over time, her fear was replaced by confidence, and she began embracing her pregnancy with joy instead of anxiety.

 

Putting Knowledge into Practice: A Natural Birth Journey

The lessons Valmira learned during the Group Care sessions went beyond managing pregnancy. Every piece of advice became a tool she used during labor. She was especially determined to have a natural birth, understanding the emotional bond it would create with her baby and the health benefits it would provide.

“Through the Group Care sessions, I learned so much about the importance of natural birth,” she says. “I knew it would not only help me emotionally but also be better for my baby.”

Although there were some complications during delivery, Valmira remained calm and cooperative with her doctors, midwives, and gynecologist. Her calmness and informed approach eased the process, and the medical staff respected her decision to trust her body.

“I understood the power of staying calm, listening to my body, and following the advice I had learned,” Valmira explains. “Even when things got tough, I focused on the connection I wanted to build with my baby.”