Former Big Brother Naija housemate Bamike Olawunmi Adenibuyan, widely known as Bambam, has courageously shared her harrowing childbirth experience, revealing critical medical complications that nearly cost her and her daughter’s lives. Speaking on a recent episode of “Me and My Girls” on Fertitude, the reality star provided a raw, unfiltered account of the dangerous childbirth complications that are often left undiscussed in public conversations about motherhood.
Bambam’s revelations shed light on the severe medical emergency she faced during delivery, recounting how multiple organ systems began failing simultaneously. My kidney failed, my heart became weak, my liver, everything was just shutting down,” she explained, describing a cascading medical crisis that developed rapidly. The situation became even more critical when her daughter detached from the placenta, creating a life-threatening scenario where oxygen deprivation could have resulted in stillbirth.
“If I was a second late, she would have lost oxygen, and I would have had a stillbirth,” Bambam stated, highlighting the razor-thin margin between tragedy and survival. The mother of two expressed profound gratitude for the medical intervention that saved both their lives, though the experience left deep psychological scars that required professional help to address.
The reality star, who is married to fellow BBNaija alumnus Teddy A, spoke candidly about the psychological aftermath of her near-death experience. “Every time I look at her, I just say ‘what if. That word tormented me; what if the doctor wasn’t attentive? What if the nurse didn’t do her due diligence?” These intrusive thoughts plagued her recovery period, forcing her to seek therapy to process the trauma and focus on gratitude for their survival rather than the catastrophic alternatives.
Bambam’s decision to share her story represents a significant contribution to the growing conversation around maternal health and the realities of childbirth complications. Her celebrity status amplifies this message, potentially reaching millions of women who may be struggling with similar experiences in silence or preparing for childbirth without full awareness of potential complications.
This isn’t the first time Bambam has opened up about her difficult maternal journey. In previous interviews, she revealed that she suffered from preeclampsia during her first pregnancy and battled postpartum depression afterward. Preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure and potential organ damage, can be life-threatening for both mother and baby if left untreated.
Beyond the physical complications, Bambam also addressed the psychological challenge of adapting to her postpartum body, confessing that she “never imagined her body would ever get thick” and that she would “change so much.” This body image struggle was compounded by cruel social media commentary about her weight gain, forcing her to “develop a tough skin” against public criticism during an already vulnerable time.
The reality star credited her husband, Teddy A, for his unwavering support during this challenging period, noting that he “never made her feel bad or body-shamed her.” This positive domestic support contrasted sharply with the external criticism she faced, highlighting the importance of a supportive partner in navigating the complex physical and emotional landscape of new motherhood.
Bambam’s testimony also touched on an often-overlooked aspect of childbirth – the moment of confusion and concern when her daughter was born with “a different skin tone,” prompting her to question medical staff. This candid admission addresses the unexpected elements of childbirth that can catch new parents off guard, even when they’ve prepared extensively.
Maternal health experts have praised Bambam’s openness, noting that celebrity testimonies about childbirth complications help destigmatize these experiences and encourage women to advocate for themselves during pregnancy and delivery. Dr. Adeola Ogunwusi, an obstetrician specializing in high-risk pregnancies, comments, “When public figures like Bambam share their stories, it normalizes the conversation around childbirth complications and potentially saves lives by increasing awareness.
Nigeria faces significant challenges in maternal healthcare, with one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally. According to the World Health Organization, a Nigerian woman has a 1 in 22 lifetime risk of dying during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum, compared to 1 in 4,900 in developed countries. Bambam’s experience underscores the critical importance of timely medical intervention and attentive healthcare providers in preventing these tragedies.
The reality star’s emphasis on seeking therapy after her traumatic experience also highlights the importance of mental health support for new mothers. Postpartum depression affects approximately 15% of new mothers globally, yet remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in many regions, including Nigeria, where mental health services are often scarce or stigmatized.
As Bambam continues to share her journey, she joins a growing movement of women using their platforms to challenge the romanticized portrayals of motherhood that dominate social media. By speaking openly about organ failure, emergency interventions, body image struggles, and psychological trauma, she presents a more complete picture of the maternal experience that resonates with countless women who have faced similar challenges.
Her story serves as both a warning and a source of comfort – illuminating the potential dangers of childbirth while simultaneously demonstrating that with proper medical care and subsequent psychological support, women can survive even the most severe complications and find healing afterward.
For her followers and fans, Bambam’s continued openness transforms her from a mere entertainment figure to an advocate for maternal health awareness, using her voice to potentially save lives by encouraging preparedness, medical vigilance, and psychological support for the journey of motherhood.
