“I suffered a lot, but I found relief in my pain.”

My name is Naïlie Monjoie. I came from a very poor family and was the fifth child born into this family. I never knew my father until I was 20.

I come from Les Roches, a place where the heat is unbearable. Living conditions are dire. It is more than just misery.

As soon as I knew I was pregnant, I had other choices, but I could not bring myself to have an abortion, despite my newborn’s father not caring about me. But I always kept a smile on my face. I was born with a smile, even as the misery increased.

I was determined to make sure my child was healthy. I learned he weighed 3.5 kg (7.7 pounds) and was 50 cm long (19.7 inches). That is good.

I would like to congratulate you for what you do for us. Otherwise, how could I be here to give birth?

She told me… Not so much, really.

As told to Mr. Samuel, who works at the Birthing Center.

Sherry Burnette