Altunay—The Impact of a Doula’s Intervention

Altunay is one of the dedicated doulas in our Birth Project, supporting women throughout Bishkek with pregnancy preparation, labor assistance, and postpartum care.

One night at about four am, Altunay suddenly woke up and checked her phone. She found a message from a woman who had contacted her a week earlier about doula support but had not finalized their contract or been in touch since. The message simply read, “Can you help me? I am alone at home.”

Altunay immediately called her and realized the woman was likely in labor. While coaching her through breathing techniques over the phone, she made her way to the woman’s home. By the time Altunay arrived, the woman was already in active labor and could barely walk. Because the taxi they called failed to find them, they asked a man sitting in his car next to them for help. Without hesitation, he agreed to drive them to the hospital.

As they drove toward the hospital, the labor intensified. The mother was kneeling on her hands and knees in the back seat while Altunay supported her and rubbed her back through each contraction. Then the woman suddenly said, “I think something is coming out.” But instead of seeing a head, there were two feet appearing. The baby was a breech. Despite the risks, the baby girl was born safely before they even reached the hospital. Later examinations confirmed that both mother and daughter were perfectly healthy. The driver, who had so willingly helped a stranger in need, asked for nothing in return and was simply grateful he could assist. Years earlier, his own wife had given birth unexpectedly on a sidewalk, he shared. He understood the urgency of the situation.

Although this young mother continues to face significant challenges—her husband left her after the birth, and her parents, who are already caring for her three-year-old child, were unwilling to provide further support—she and her baby daughter found refuge in a shelter for three months. Looking back on her experience, she told Altunay,  “It is only God who sent you into my life.”

Altunay is still in close contact with the young mother, providing after birth care and support.