Promoting safe motherhood worldwide

Judith Kurutac, Private Midwives Consultant Midwife travelled to Kenya with Work the World.

For 5 weeks Judith shared her knowledge, wealth of experience and helped with all aspects of maternity care whilst at the Jemima Crentsil Hospital in Kenya.  During the course of the next few weeks we hope to share some of her experiences with you.

Follow us on facebook and twitter to see to see the story unfold and to see the pictures.

Promoting safe motherhood worldwide – Part 2

Judith writes – my work outside the UK was ably supported by Work the World personnel both at home and in Ghana.

Support from Private Midwives was forthcoming as my new employer.

Exposure to midwifery practice where the midwife is fulfilling her role allowed me personally to regain myself as a practitioner – focussing on the important elements of practice and skill; adapt to the environment (what is actually essential?); accept criticism and praise; be taught and teach; assume credibility as a practitioner with renewed belief in the central role and importance of the midwife.

Respect for midwives and medical staff abounds.

Promoting safe motherhood worldwide – Part 3

Judith writes – The central focus of midwifery care remains the same wherever midwives practice but with particular emphasis on the safety of mothers and babies and the respect for humanity in the context of limited resources.

The dedication, commitment, skill and professional resourcefulness of midwives is central to optimal outcomes and survival of women and their babies.

Promoting safe motherhood worldwide – Part 4

Judith’s first clinical placement was at Effia – Nkwanta Regional Hospital that has approximately 4500 birth per year.  This hospital is the largest and best equipped hospital in Takoradi.  The majority of the clientele are young women aged between 22 and 30 years of age.

Some of the common clinical presentations and referrals at the hospital are malaria, HIV, anaemia, hypertension, antepartum bleeding, cord prolapse, obstructed labour, breech, and twins.  Any underlying general clinical issues that are found are addressed antenatally.

The labour ward pictured lacked privacy and facilities.

The impact of the environment on midwives where practice is focused on ensuring basic care is stringently upheld.

Promoting safe motherhood worldwide – Part 5

Judith’s second placement was at Jemima Maternity Home and Clinic.  There are 30 beds here which are used for Maternity and General Medicine.

There are between 1 and 3 midwives on shift at any one time, often working 2 jobs.  The staff have limited equipment and medical support.

Jemima is a leader in the development and organisation of access to maternity care for women locally.