By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Dr Shukurat Okesina, the Chief Medical Director, Ayisha Buhari Mother and Child Hospital, Eiyenkonrin, Ilorin, says the Kwara government has introduced supportive care for pregnant women during childbirth.

Okesina told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ilorin that medical health care workers have received the required training to commence supportive care during delivery in their facilities.

According to her, the supportive care includes allowing husbands and partners to be present with their wives during delivery.

She described supportive care for pregnant women during delivery as physical comfort measures, emotional support, and providing information to help women navigate the labour and delivery process.

Okesina, who is an Obstetrician and Fistula Surgeon, explained that women are allowed to choose the position they want to deliver their babies.

She pointed out that healthcare workers are now open to the idea of allowing women to squat on the floor to deliver, adding that the labour room has been prepared in such a way that it is convenient.

“Pregnant mothers can feed during labour if they are hungry and their companion can come into the labour-room to provide comfort to their wives.

“We call this supportive care. We are introducing it to the healthcare workers and ensuring facilities are conducive for the pregnant women to deliver in positions that are comfortable.

“We train health workers to allow the pregnant mothers what they want, support and counsel them. They are warned against shouting at them,” she said.

Okesina explained further that allowing pregnant mothers freedom to take certain decisions in the delivery room improves healthcare services.

She added that this has encouraged mothers to come to healthcare centres for their deliveries instead of patronising traditional birth attendants for delivery.

According to her, the objective is to reduce maternal and child mortality as mothers can access healthcare facilities and be well taken care of in area of obstetric care.

The expert pointed out that the overall aim of supportive care for women during labour and birth is to engender a positive experience for women.

She added that this will maintain their health and the health of their babies, while preventing complications and enable swift medical responce to emergencies. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni