As one way of reducing pain and labour when women are giving birth, Kamuzu College of Nursing (KCN) has announced the rolling out of two new positions, squatting and sleeping on the sides, for giving birth.
Speaking during the official presentation of start-up equipment for the new positions to Bwaila Hospital, KCN principal Mercy Pindani said the methods not only reduce pain but also trauma and prevent some complications such as tears when a woman is delivering using the super-in position (where she lies on her back).
“These new positions have proved to be effective, less painful and prevent complications. Our aim is to make the wishes of women come true that they don’t stay long in labour. We also discovered that children born through these methods are stronger,” she said.
The start-up equipment included birthing stools, topler machines, faetal monitoring machines, heavy-duty aprons and disposable gloves.
“We started with Bwaila because we know it is the busiest hospital not only in Malawi but in the sub-Saharan region. The resources that we have are small that’s why we are appealing for more donors to help us. We have plans to roll out in other hospitals as well,” Pindani said.
Bwaila Hospital matron Joyce Beya Muhota said the new positions have proved effective.
“So far, we have noted that the new methods’ are fast and reduce injuries and tears,” she said.
With only K4 million, KCN started the research in 2008 with a needs assessment.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) later pumped another K4 million into the study which, among others, helped train 138 midwives in the new methods.n
