Woman and Birth’s Post

Women and Girls: the real experts in their #reproductive and #maternal #health journey “I want clean toilets and bathrooms in the maternity ward.” Theresa Akinyi, 28 a mother from Vihiga County says. While the county government has put up the structures in the sub-county hospital, a new mother is overly and understandably concerned about hygiene. “I have to breastfeed - exclusively - my newborn.” She says, “I must bathe and wash my hands after visiting the toilet. But if the taps are dry, how do I do that?” Theresa echoes the voices and demands of many mothers and midwives when asked, What do women want for their Reproductive, Maternal, and Newborn health? At White Ribbon Alliance Kenya, we firmly believe that women have #voices—and that voice is their inherent #power. True change starts with #asking women what they want and #listening to their #demands. By listening to these voices we're better informed to #act with them and others and drive meaningful #change for them. That is why we #asked and #listened and on September 5th, 2024, launched five (5) key reports highlighting the voices and demands of women. 1. Lived Effects of Climate Change, Conflict, COVID-19, and the High Cost of Living on Reproductive.  2. Maternal and Newborn Health. 3. What Women Want for Economic Empowerment. 4. What Women Want; Midwives' Voices, Midwives' Demands. 5. What Newborns Want for Quality Care. The flagship, #WhatWomenWantCampaign, which birthed the five reports, revealed an important and urgent need to listen to the needs of women and girls, to meet their #reproductive and #maternal health needs. More than 127,000 women and girls across different counties in Kenya demanded respect and dignity for their reproductive and maternal health care as their TOP request. We further sought women's and girls’ perspectives. Read the full reports;https://lnkd.in/dsA_nbDU We call upon those who make #decisions on behalf of women and girls to take into consideration the asks highlighted in these reports, and involve women as the #real experts of their healthcare. Real change starts by #Asking #Listening #Acting on their demands. #AskListenAct Read the full reports on our website 👇👇👇 https://lnkd.in/dsA_nbDU #ListenandAct #MothersLost #NewbornsLost #FamiliesleftBehind CENTRE FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) PMNCH SDG Partnership Platform Kenya Ministry of Health, Kenya UNICEF Angela Nguku USAID MOMENTUM Robyn Churchill CNM, MSN, FACNM FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) FIND Coalition for Women's Health in Africa (COWHA) AlignMNH

“The RCM says its ‘alarming’ to see the rates of women dying during or shortly after pregnancy, and babies dying within 28 days of being born, have increased for the first time in a decade. Given the increase in more complex pregnancies and the impact social complexities can have on women during pregnancy ensuring services have the right, staff in the right place at the right time with the right education and training has never been more crucial says the RCM. Also, mental ill-health ranks with physical factors as one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in the UK, and yet this is not reflected in the resources allocated to it according to the RCM.” As hard is it is in the current climate the government needs to financially prioritise improved maternity services from the ground up. Investment in maternity services will see savings right through the health service. Money for estates, funds for continuous professional development. Every single staff member I work with works so hard to do the very best they can for the families in our care. we know increasing numbers of early career midwives are leaving along with the perfect storm of increased retirement. We need to invest in the psychological safety and development for all midwives. Let’s create an environment where everybody has their basic needs met and feels real joy at work. Safe staff providing safe care every day.

Cultural safety during pregnancy - it means many things but it also means feeling safe to talk to your midwife, health worker about your challenges without the fear of infant removal hanging over you. Cultural awareness takes time to learn for non indigenous healthcare workers- its not just about ticking a box and doing a course - time, listening and deep understanding and care are needed Excellent article about the resources and systems we need - practical support implemented with heartfelt care - now https://lnkd.in/gtW22h_9

Midwives challenged to improved supervised deliveries despite the low-middle income country status In Papua New Guinea (PNG), several factors contribute to pregnant women not delivering babies in health facilities, leading to higher rates of home births. One primary reason is the lack of accessibility and availability of healthcare facilities, particularly in rural and remote areas. Many communities in PNG are geographically isolated, with limited infrastructure and transportation networks, making it challenging for pregnant women to access medical facilities for childbirth. Inadequate road infrastructure, long distances to health centers, and the absence of reliable transportation options further hinder women's ability to reach healthcare facilities in time for delivery. Moreover, cultural beliefs and traditional birthing practices also influence women's decisions regarding childbirth. In some communities, home births are preferred due to cultural norms and beliefs surrounding childbirth, where women may seek the assistance of traditional birth attendants or family members rather than accessing formal medical care. Additionally, perceptions of healthcare quality and trust in the healthcare system can impact women's decisions to deliver in health facilities. Negative experiences or lack of confidence in the healthcare system may discourage women from seeking institutional care for childbirth. Furthermore, socioeconomic factors such as poverty, limited education, and financial constraints may also play a role in women's decision-making regarding childbirth. The cost associated with accessing healthcare services, including transportation, medical fees, and other expenses, may be prohibitive for many women and their families, leading them to opt for home births as a more affordable alternative. Addressing these barriers to facility-based childbirth in PNG requires a multi-faceted approach, including improving healthcare infrastructure and accessibility, culturally sensitive healthcare delivery, community engagement and education, and addressing socio-economic inequalities. By addressing these challenges, PNG can improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes and ensure that all women have access to safe and skilled care during childbirth. #CommunityEngagement #Collaboration #Culture #Leaders

I was having a chat with my good friend Chris today and something truly shocking but all too real emerged. He recently traveled to the villages of Turkana, where he trained new and teen mothers on essential newborn care and pregnancy best practices. What he witnessed there was a brute reminder of the severe gaps in maternity care in Kenya - and I guess many other parts of Africa and the world! In the remote regions of Turkana, expectant mothers face a harrowing reality that is difficult to fathom. Picture this: a labor room crafted from nothing more than grass, with no roof to shield against the harsh elements, and a bare, mud floor. This is not a scene from an old story but a present-day struggle for women who are about to bring new life into the world. There is no running water, no emergency equipment, no basic amenities to ensure their safety during one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Contrast this with the 'ideal' labor room as recommended by the World Health Organization. A properly equipped labor room should have clean, sterile environments, essential medical supplies, access to emergency care, and trained staff ready to handle complications. It should be a sanctuary of care where both mother and child can be assured of #safety and #dignity. The disparity between these two realities is heartbreaking. In Turkana, women face an overwhelming risk every time they go into labor. Without #access to proper facilities, they are left to navigate a perilous journey without the critical support they need. This is not just a local issue; it is a global challenge that reflects a profound #inequity in healthcare. Why is this acceptable? Why are expectant mothers in one part of the world met with such dire conditions, while in other places, advanced healthcare is a given? The answer lies in our collective responsibility to prioritize women's health and ensure that every mother-to-be has access to safe, compassionate, and well-equipped maternity care. WE MUST ACT NOW! 1. Advocate for investment in maternal health infrastructure. 2. Support organizations working to improve conditions, and 3. Demand that every government agency and healthcare provider recognizes the urgency of this issue. No woman should have to face childbirth in a makeshift room devoid of the essentials for survival and care. Let us unite to close this gap and ensure that every expectant mother, regardless of her location, receives the care she deserves. Because every #life matters, and every mother deserves a #safe and #dignified journey into #motherhood. 😔 #MaternalHealth

#HITshow: Exciting Interview Alert! In honor of #MinorityHealthAwarenessMonth this April, we're thrilled to share insights from our recent interview with Anish Sebastian, CEO of Babyscripts, a company dedicated to revolutionizing maternal #healthcare and closing the racial disparities in #maternal outcomes. Anish passionately discusses the challenges facing #maternalhealth in the United States, especially for minority women, and #Babyscripts' mission to address them head-on. "We do a really poor job of taking care of our moms delivering in the United States," says Anish. "So our goal is to try to improve some of those numbers and those statistics by improving access to care — that's at the heart of Babyscripts." Anish sheds light on the critical role that #Babyscripts plays in bridging the gap in maternal healthcare in access-poor areas, which disproportionately affects minority women. "Health systems across the nation are struggling to improve the quality of care and access," he explains. "There's a massive shortage of OB-GYNs, nurse midwives, and doulas in maternal health, so they come to Babyscripts to find solutions for those problems." Through innovative technology, Babyscripts enables data-driven remote care and monitoring, ensuring moms receive objective, timely interventions and support throughout their pregnancy journey and beyond, regardless of their race or income. "We implement technology to improve access to care," Anish emphasizes. "Think about using simple things like the smartphone everyone has in their pockets, remote monitoring technologies like blood pressure cuffs or weight scales." Anish highlights Babyscripts' comprehensive approach, which begins as soon as a woman becomes pregnant and extends to one year postpartum. "It starts as soon as mom gets pregnant," he says. "We're going to put you on Babyscripts, and we're going to change the way we deliver our care by using Babyscripts because that is better for you and ultimately also lowers the total cost of care." Join us in celebrating Babyscripts' commitment to improving maternal health outcomes! Let's team up and make the world a better place for moms and babies.   #health #healthit #hit #MaternalHealthcare #HealthTech #Innovation #hcldr #HITsm

Improvements to maternity services need to be guided by the experiences of women and their families. Our latest Collection brings together research that demonstrates the value of listening to women and involving them in decisions about their care. Read the evidence 👇 https://lnkd.in/d82QGFzU

New research from the Australian Birth Experience Study (BESt) highlights that over 85% of women would make different choices if they were to have another baby. Key insights from over 6,100 women reveal: 🔹 Self-Advocacy: 39% would prioritize advocating for their birth preferences. 🔹 Specific Birth Experience: 28% desire a specific type of birth (e.g., vaginal over cesarean). 🔹 Continuity of Care: 18% value continuous care from a midwife for better outcomes. 🔹 Access Barriers: Some face challenges in accessing their ideal care due to geographical or financial constraints. This study underscores the need for better education, access, and empowerment in maternity care. As healthcare professionals, we must listen and adapt to the evolving needs of mothers. #MaternityCare #WomensHealth #BirthExperience #HealthcareInnovation #Obstetrics

🚨 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟖.𝟕𝟐% 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐛-𝐒𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲, 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐦? 🚨 Despite maternal and neonatal care's life-saving potential, over 80% of women still face challenges in receiving comprehensive maternal services. 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝟑𝟖% 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟕.𝟓%. Wealth, education, and urban residence are the top factors associated with increased care access. 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝟏.𝟔𝟖𝐱 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐝𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐮𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝟐.𝟔𝟗𝐱 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧. We must advocate for equitable access and address these socio-demographic gaps to save lives. What are we waiting for? 🌍 Mullu Getachew Frezer Abebe ROBERA OLANA FITE kassahun alemu Lisanu Taddesse Delayehu Bekele Getachew Tolera Alemnesh Hailemariam Mirkuzie Luchuo Engelbert Bain #MaternalHealth #HealthcareAccess #SubSaharanAfrica #ContinuumOfCare #WomenEmpowerment #HealthEquity #MaternalMortality #PublicHealth #HealthcareForAll #SDGs #GlobalHealth

You can read our full Amma Birth Companions Birth Outcomes and Experiences report here. The report reveals that migrant women in Glasgow experience poor and discriminatory practice, widespread issues in accessing interpreting during their maternity care, high rates of inductions and c-sections, and low rates of spontaneous labour. The report makes for difficult reading, particularly the testimonies from our clients, but we think it's really important that this is better understood. We want to continue our productive work with NHSGGC, the NHS Equalities Team, and the Scottish Government, so that we can create a more inclusive and person-centered maternity system. chttps://lnkd.in/esDwdhbS