Ruth Sally Kodam, also known as Midwife Sally, is a prominent figure in maternal health education. With a nursing degree from the Nursing Training College, Korle-Bu, and a degree in midwifery from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, she has become a significant influencer with over 230k followers on Facebook, where she shares invaluable advice and information with expecting mothers.
In an interview with Just4WomenAfrica, Midwife Sally discussed her journey and mission. She became known as Midwife Sally after discovering the alarming statistic that black women are more likely to die from childbirth than women of other races. Motivated by this revelation, she decided to create a platform dedicated to educating expecting mothers, aiming to reduce pregnancy-related deaths in Africa.
Pregnancy Duration and Delivery
When asked if women can be pregnant for 10 to 12 months, Midwife Sally clarified that a woman should not be pregnant for more than 42 weeks. She explained that once a pregnancy reaches 41 weeks, a doctor will advise on the best form of delivery, either by cesarean section (CS) or induction. She noted that some women might mistakenly believe they have been pregnant for longer than nine months due to irregular menstrual cycles after a previous birth, making it difficult to determine the exact conception date. After 42 weeks, the placenta stops functioning effectively, which can result in the baby’s death.
Managing Morning Sickness
Midwife Sally shared tips on managing early morning sickness, attributing it to the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) released during pregnancy. She explained that morning sickness is most active during the first trimester and usually subsides in the second trimester. To reduce morning sickness, she advised women to wake up slowly and eat on time.
Hair Chemicals During Pregnancy
When asked if pregnant women can use chemicals in their hair, Midwife Sally reassured that chemicals in hair products do not affect the baby in the womb. However, she noted that some women might experience scalp sensitivity and advised them to opt for braiding their hair during pregnancy.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Advice
Midwife Sally emphasized the importance of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. She advised against consuming foods with no nutritional value, smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming caffeine. She also stressed the importance of giving birth in a hospital, as it is better equipped to handle complications. She urged women to go to the hospital as soon as they go into labor.
Sex During Pregnancy
Regarding sex during pregnancy, Midwife Sally confirmed that it is safe to have sex up until the ninth month, unless a doctor has diagnosed a condition that could threaten the baby’s life.
Author and Advocate
Midwife Sally is also the author of “Sally Pregnancy Tips,” a resource that provides expecting mothers with practical advice and information to ensure a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.
Through her platform and educational efforts, Midwife Sally continues to make a significant impact on maternal health in Africa, striving to reduce pregnancy-related deaths and improve the health outcomes of mothers and their babies.
