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“> BETTER MATERNITY It was only in the early 1800s that people who had the financial means, began to use doctors for childbirth, especially when anaesthesia was introduced in the late 1800s. In those days however the mortality rate for babies and mothers was relatively high and it wasn't until after the second world war in the mid-1940s that hospital births, seen as safer, became more common. Although a hospital delivery is still the most chosen method of having a baby, more and more women are opting for home deliveries, using a midwife and often a doula. A certified midwife is a medically trained healthcare provider, who sees their clients through prenatal and postpartum care, and most importantly are there to deliver the baby. According to experienced midwife Lilo Mthembu, “We don't actually advise women on whether to choose a clinic, hospital, or home birth. We believe this is entirely the woman's choice. Our role is to support her needs, which also depends on whether she is considered to have a ‘low-risk’ pregnancy. “Not all mums are eligible for home or clinic births, and in some cases, a hospital birth is the only safe option. For example, complications during labour such as the need for a Caesarean section, severe bleeding, or concerns about the baby’s health may require emergency intervention and urgent transfer to a hospital. It’s also important to note that gynaecologists do not attend home births.” The midwife provides: » Pre and antenatal care « Tracks pregnant woman's health - ordering tests « Monitors progress of labour » Checks any risks needing intervention during labour « Supports the pushing and delivery phase » Cares for mom immediately postpartum » Provides immediate newborn care (suctioning, APGAR checks etc) » Provides initial breastfeeding support A good way of describing a doula is that of a personal support partner, there to give emotional, physical and educational support to a person throughout their pregnancy, during and after the birth. Tarryn Schmal, a certified doula, changed careers from a job in the mental health field to that
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