Maternity waiting homes (MWHs) seek to reduce the distance to timely, high quality health care, which is often a major obstacle in the decision to seek care—especially for pregnant women living in rural areas. Findings from two recent studies offer three keys to unlocking the full potential of MWHs around the world…read more
A larger role for midwives could improve deficient U.S. care for mothers and babies
Posted onIndividualized, supportive care key to positive childbirth experience, says WHO
Posted onWHO Recommendations: Intrapartum Care for a Positive Childbirth Experience
Posted onNew Intrapartum Care Guideline from the World Health Organization Focuses on a Positive Childbirth Experience
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To complement the 2016 antenatal care recommendations, the World Health Organization (WHO) has published new recommendations on intrapartum care for a positive childbirth experience. Notably, the guideline recommends respectful maternity care and companionship of choice during labor and childbirth for all women. WHO also states that unnecessary medical procedures should be avoided if labor is progressing normally and the woman and her baby are in good condition…read more
Measuring Person-Centered Maternal Health Care
Posted onHumanising birth: Does the language we use matter?
Posted onEffectiveness of respectful care policies for women using routine intrapartum services: A systematic review
Posted onDisrespect and Abuse During Childbirth in Ethiopia: Comparing Women’s Reported Experiences and Researchers’ Direct Observations
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According to a new study from Ethiopia, researchers observed substantially higher frequencies of disrespect and abuse (D&A) during interactions between health care providers and women than those reported by women themselves. Notably, the study found that women who experienced any complications or whose newborn faced any complications were over 15 times more likely to report any D&A than women who did not face such complications…read more