Overcoming D-day fears

Many expectant mothers have worries towards the end of pregnancy. They worry about the outcome of pregnancy, anticipated financial demands, extra efforts required in the care of the awaited new born among others.

Quite a number are not sure what they really want or expect, with 60 per cent delivering at home instead of well established delivery units. Others find themselves delivering on the way to hospital. It is worse when their partners are not co-operative or are away from home at the time they are most wanted.

Delivery experience should, be simple and straight forward under the care of skilled and committed service providers in well established delivery units. In these units are the labour ward, areas specialized to care for mothers. Reasons why mothers don’t come to labour ward for delivery.

Why mothers do not go to the labour ward for delivery include the following:

• Fear of financial demands.

• Lack of awareness of the quality and standards of care offered.

• Overconfidence and trust in home deliveries.

• Fear of service provider attitude.

• Ignorance about dangers and risks involved.

• Fear of undue exposure.

• Dogmatic attitudes and lack of co-operation from husbands.

• Absence of husbands or decision makers at the time of need.

• Fear of undergoing Caesarian section

• Fear of being induced and suffering undue pain.

• Following the practice and advice of other women who have delivered at home in the past.

• Cultural, traditional and religious demands.

• Lack of health-seeking behavior embracing preventive and promotive care.

• Suspicion of services in modern health delivery units.

• Ignorance about available services and privileges.

• Negative attitude and discouragement by close friends and relatives

• Lack of maternal empowerment in decision making

• Lack of birth preparedness

• Environmental, transport and security factors making it difficult tor mothers to reach the facilities.

• Harboring feelings of undue shame of sharing facilities with younger women.

• Distance from service delivery points.

• Unnecessary delay at home or on transit.

There are many more reasons why women finally deliver away from designated delivery units. This subjects them to unnecessary risks which make some lose their lives or that of their expected babies.

They may also have irreversible but preventable damage that compromises their lives and well being.

What is expected in labour ward?

The labour ward provides high quality delivery services under the care of qualified service providers. They are specialized persons with experience and skills required for safe delivery care. Further, there is guaranteed quality assurance and mechanisms to support any mother with disappointment or grievances.

The following are some of the expectations one has in the labour ward:

• Good reception and orientation.

• Proper clinical assessment and plan for care

• Supervision, counseling and support services

• A proper clean delivery environment with due respect, dignity, confidentiality and privacy.

• Successful conduct of the labour process at all stages until successful safe delivery is achieved

• Skilled post delivery observations and care.

• Affordable delivery service tailored to your choice of delivery unit.

• Appropriate baby care support services and breast feeding counseling.

• At all stages prevention and management of risks or dangers that may present.

• Adequate preparation for your discharge and successful home return.

There are many other benefits like interacting with service providers and other expectant mothers, seeking information and advice from experts, many facilities and support services being made available and so on, all designed to your benefit. There is also the faster acquisition of birth certificates.

In some labour wards, self selected birth partners are also allowed to be with you at the time of need.

Overcoming the labour ward creeps

Labour wards are designed to be mother-friendly and an available for all delivering women. Existing government policies ensure that standards and quality of care are met and maintained. This is further enforced by maternal audits carried out in all delivery units. There should therefore be no fear of the labour ward. To overcome the fear, several things can be done, which include:

• Understand the nature of your pregnancy and its demands on you and your life.

• Be sensitive towards your safety and the value of your life to your family and society.

• Prepare yourself early and adequately for your delivery with all deserving care Involved.

• Have a positive attitude towards modern health delivery units for your own good and safety

• Stay close to a delivery unit when nearing the time of confinement.

• Don’t be carried away by hearsay or false advice from others who may not be skilled in delivery care

• Develop a positive attitude towards skilled service providers.

• If not satisfied with the service you are getting, Note that you have a right and opportunity to be assisted.

• Attend antenatal clinic early to give you enough time to be assisted and prepared for your delivery.

• Familiarize yourself with your chosen delivery unit and the facilities it offers.

• Visiting the delivery unit before the time of confinement will enhance this familiarization

• Read and be informed about pregnancy and its related matters as much as possible.

• Snare your plans with someone who has successfully delivered in the delivery unit of your choice before.

• Request for special services if needed prior to the time of confinement.

Always remember that the best gift you can give to your unborn baby is to ensure that at the time of its delivery the conditions were as safe as possible.

END:PG46/50-51