Add more children's laughter.

With the arrival of spring, the mountains and forests seem to "awaken" after the long winter days. New shoots sprout, wildflowers bloom beside the peaceful wooden and earthen houses nestled on the mountainside. In this transitional moment, the villages not only welcome the new season but also the birth of new life.

Behind that joy lies the image of the village midwife – women who silently traverse steep slopes and deep forests, carrying knowledge, responsibility, and compassion, safeguarding the health of mothers and babies, and "weaving" peaceful springs.

In the highlands of Pờ Sì Ngài, Bản Xèo commune, Thào Thị Pà, a Hmong midwife, has dedicated herself to the village with both responsibility and love. This petite woman, with her sun-tanned skin and calloused hands accustomed to farming, walks briskly in her traditional attire, her gentle eyes reflecting kindness and care. On her shoulder is usually a small bag containing a medical record book and necessary medical supplies – the familiar tools of a midwife who has become an integral part of every household.

Nearly 15 years ago, after completing her training, Ms. Pà returned to her hometown to take on the role of village midwife and health worker. At that time, transportation was difficult, the trails were steep and slippery in the rainy season, and thick fog prevailed in the winter. Accessing healthcare services was not easy for pregnant women. Giving birth at home remained a common choice for many families, posing significant risks to both mother and baby.

Not only did she face harsh terrain, but Ms. Pà also had to overcome a major barrier from the long-standing beliefs and customs of the local people. Many still believe that childbirth is a natural process, simply relying on experience passed down from previous generations. Faced with this reality, Ms. Pà chose to persistently educate and persuade with dedication and responsibility. She walked to each family, visiting, chatting, guiding them on how to care for their pregnancy, explaining the benefits of regular prenatal checkups and giving birth at medical facilities. Some of these outreach sessions took place by the campfire, lasting until late at night, all stemming from a desire to help people understand and change for their own safety.

Ms. Pà's quiet efforts gradually yielded results. From a time when very few women went for prenatal checkups, now the majority of women in the village have proactively accessed healthcare services. In Pờ Sì Ngài, 80% of pregnant women have regular prenatal checkups, 70% of births have the support of healthcare workers, and 90% of mothers and newborns receive postpartum care. Each statistic not only reflects the change in people's awareness but also serves as proof of the perseverance and dedication of village midwife Thào Thị Pà.

Currently, Ms. Pà is also taking on the additional role of village health worker, becoming a "bridge" between the commune health station and each household in the village. She monitors the health status of the people, guides them on maintaining environmental hygiene, administers expanded immunization, and tracks children's growth. During seasonal changes, she proactively disseminates information on preventing and controlling infectious diseases. When people are sick, she promptly guides them to the health station for examination, advising them against superstitious practices and using herbal remedies. She conveys the often dry medical knowledge in a familiar and easy-to-understand way, using the local dialect, which is suitable for the customs and traditions of the Hmong ethnic group.

What is admirable about Ms. Pà is her perseverance and sense of responsibility. For her, being a midwife and village health worker is not just a assigned task, but also a deep connection to her village. Despite limited allowances and difficult travel conditions, she diligently carries out her work, from record-keeping and statistics to meetings with the health station and directly guiding people to change their lifestyles for long-term health protection. Thanks to this persistent support, the awareness of the people of Pờ Sì Ngài regarding healthcare has improved. People are proactive in disease prevention, vaccination, and medical examinations and treatment; pregnant women and children receive regular attention and monitoring.

At the "Safe Motherhood Campaign Launch Ceremony" in 2025, Ms. Thào Thị Pà was honored as an outstanding midwife for her achievements in maternal and child health care in the community. This recognition is not only a reward for her tireless efforts but also a token of appreciation for the team of village midwives who are working day and night in the remote highlands.

Thanks to the contributions of village midwives, maternal and child health care in Lao Cai province has achieved many encouraging results. By 2025, the percentage of women receiving four or more prenatal checkups during their three pregnancies increased from 56.4% in 2021 to 81.3%; the percentage of women giving birth with trained healthcare workers reached 91.8%; and the percentage of women receiving postpartum care in the first six weeks reached 87.3%.

Mr. Luc Hau Giang, Deputy Director of the Department of Health, shared: With the advantage of being close to the community and understanding the language, customs, and traditions, village midwives have become a reliable "bridge" between the people and health facilities. They directly examine and support pregnant women, promptly assist with normal deliveries, and at the same time, promote and encourage people to give birth at health facilities. As a result, the rate of home births has decreased significantly, obstetric complications have been limited, contributing to improving the quality of reproductive health care, especially in remote areas of the province.

Spring has arrived again, the vibrant colors of wildflowers fill the air along every path, and the small houses are filled with the warmth of children's laughter. In this place, village midwives like Thào Thị Pà quietly accompany the people, bringing peaceful springs to their villages.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/them-tieng-cuoi-tre-tho-post894263.html