“Family Planning Has Given Me the Freedom to Rest and Care for My Children” — Babirye Mildred.
At 30 years old, Babirye Mildred, a resident of Kyakabindi in Isingiro District, Uganda, is a proud mother of six. Her firstborn is 13 years old, followed by her second at 11, her third at 9, her fourth at 6, her fifth at 3, and her youngest, now 2 years old.
Mildred appreciates Shared Action Africa for bringing its Family Planning Services Project into her community — a program she says has changed her life and made her proud as a mother.
“Shared Action Africa came to our community and gave us the knowledge and services we needed. They trained me, and I made my choice. They offered me the service for free, and now I feel fine,” Mildred said.
Her family planning journey began with Sayana, an injectable short-term method. While she says the method was good, she wanted a longer-term solution.
“I started with Sayana, but later I changed to Jadelle because I wanted more time between my children. Sayana is short-term, but Jadelle lasts for five years, and that’s fine for me. I’m going to enjoy this time,” she explained.
For Mildred, switching to a long-term method was a deliberate choice to give her body, mind, and family a much-needed break.
“I want my two-year-old to first breastfeed well and mature well. I also want to rest from giving birth, care for my body, and regain my energy so that I can have better results in my life,” she said.
She emphasizes that the training and counselling she received from Shared Action Africa played a critical role in helping her make an informed decision about her reproductive health.
“Shared Action Africa has done all the trainings. They are all over in the communities and in regional hospitals with health workers who are doing a great job for women’s lives,” she noted.
Mildred’s story reflects the broader impact of accessible family planning services in rural communities. For mothers like her, these services mean healthier children, better family planning, and the freedom to focus on personal well-being.
“I have time now to care for my children and myself. I’m grateful to Shared Action Africa for the knowledge, the services, and for thinking about women like me,” she concluded.
Through programs like these, Shared Action Africa continues to empower women in Isingiro District and beyond, ensuring that family planning is not just about preventing pregnancies, but about giving women control over their health, their futures, and their dreams.