Bacnotan District Hospital Promotes Safe Motherhood
By: Melanie Holt Photo By: GPC-BDH Date: May 14, 2019
SAFE MOTHERHOOD. Mrs. Salvacion Bravo, an experienced mother shares her insights to expectant mothers during her testimonial speech in celebration of Safe Motherhood Week on May 14, 2019 at Bacnotan District Hospital (BDH), La Union. The activity aims to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality; improve the maternal and neonatal health; and eliminate the probable risks that may occur.
“I thank you for keeping track of your health during your pregnancy. There are women out there who chose to abort their babies, while others are longing to have one. When you are pregnant, you should smile, because life is a gift,” said Mrs. Salvacion Bravo, an experienced mother and one of the attendees during her testimonial in celebration of Safe Motherhood Week on May 14, 2019 at Bacnotan District Hospital (BDH), Bacnotan, La Union.
BDH staff led by the Basic Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care (BEmONC) and Breastfeeding Committees conducted lectures for 30 pregnant women during their prenatal check-ups. Topics about pregnancy, family planning, and risks like cervical cancer were specifically discussed.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as mentioned in the lecture, about 99% of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries due to minimal access to quality medical care; and around 25–40% of maternal deaths can be eliminated if unplanned pregnancies are prevented.
The Safe Motherhood Program of the government ensures that women receive the appropriate services during pregnancy, childbirth and post-natal period, including family planning and emergency obstetric care. It aims to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality; improve the maternal and neonatal health; and eliminate the probable risks that may occur.
Safe Motherhood is comprised of family planning, antenatal care, obstetric care, and postnatal care. Family planning is considering the timing, spacing between pregnancies, and number of children. Various contraceptive methods were also presented by the lecturer, Ms. Dyesebel Dumo, midwife.
Furthermore it was mentioned that antenatal care is necessary for early detection of complications during pregnancy and treat them. Vitamins, iron and folic acid supplements, and vaccinations were also provided to maintain a healthy and safe pregnancy.
In the obstetric care, the pregnant women were encouraged to abide by their check-up schedules, keep physicians’ advice unfailingly, and have their babies delivered only at accredited health care institutions. Postnatal care includes teaching mothers about breastfeeding and caring for their babies; and also caring for the mother’s health after the delivery.
Baby clothes donated by a long time partner of BDH, Mrs. Joan R. Cabatu, founder and president of In His Presence Unto All Nations, Inc. Ministry, were given to the expectant mothers.
