Steps in Health Assistance:
A key focus of work in maternal health in Karabagh has been the promotion
of prenatal education classes for women and their husbands which has allowed
women to have support through labour. Family Care works hard with local
health staff in promoting the rights of both parents to be provided with
information and be involved in choices surrounding the birth of their
child.
After more than a year of this practice at the central maternity, midwives
were trained in the regional and village maternity units and this activity
is running successfully at all levels of the service. Staff have reported
a very positive impact on the well being of women in their care as a result
of this, in a traditional society where motherhood is rarely discussed.
The important role that parents play in the care of sick newborn is now
readily accepted, where previously their presence was seen a risk for
cross infection.
At
every opportunity Family Care emphasises the rights of women and families
to choose. Issues of medical ethics, confidentiality, communication and
payments are all areas that Family Care work to bring to the foreground of attention,
empowering people to demand change.