Ilorin: Dr. Shukurat Okesina, the Chief Medical Director at Ayisha Buhari Mother and Child Hospital in Eiyenkonrin, Ilorin, announced that the Kwara government has implemented supportive care measures for pregnant women during childbirth. This initiative aims to enhance the childbirth experience by allowing husbands or partners to be present during delivery, providing physical comfort, emotional support, and necessary information to help women during labor.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, healthcare workers have undergone training to facilitate the introduction of supportive care practices in medical facilities. These practices include allowing women to choose their preferred delivery position, such as squatting, and creating a conducive environment in the labor room. The measures also permit pregnant mothers to eat during labor if needed and have their companions present for additional comfort.
Dr. Okesina, an Obstetrician and Fistula Surgeon, emphasized the importance of giving pregnant mothers the autonomy to make decisions in the delivery room. This approach has reportedly encouraged more mothers to opt for healthcare centers over traditional birth attendants for deliveries, aiming to reduce maternal and child mortality by providing comprehensive obstetric care.
The introduction of supportive care is designed to ensure a positive childbirth experience, maintain the health of both mothers and babies, prevent complications, and enable prompt medical responses to emergencies. The initiative reflects a broader effort to improve healthcare services and outcomes for pregnant women in the region.