Document Type
Brief
Publication Date
2015
Abstract
Fear of disrespect and abuse along with misconceptions about procedures required to assist women during childbirth often negatively influence the decision to seek care at a health facility. Maternity Open Days provide an opportunity for pregnant women and their families to interact with health care providers and visit maternity units to demystify birthing practices and mitigate fears regarding childbirth in a facility. Such an approach brings together women, their families, and providers to enable pregnant women to understand what happens in a maternity unit. This brief is part of a Respectful Maternity Care Resource Package developed by the Kenya Heshima Project. Among the results: Community members have embraced Maternity Open Days, more cordial relationships have developed between providers and community members, myths and misconceptions associated with facility delivery have been clarified; community participation has improved, particularly for men, in the welfare of clients and staff within the maternity unit. To encourage participation, other services have been integrated into Maternity Open Days, such as health talks and screening for prostate and cervical cancer.
Recommended Citation
"Promoting Respectful Maternity Care Resource Package—Maternity open days: Clarifying misconceptions about childbirth." New York: Population Council, 2015.
DOI
10.31899/rh9.1027
Language
English
Project
Heshima: Promoting Dignified and Respectful Care During Childbirth
Included in
Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, International Public Health Commons, Maternal and Child Health Commons, Women's Health Commons
Comments
Click here to access the entire Respectful Maternity Care Resource Package