From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
In a bid to reduce child mortality rates, the International Centre for Environmental Health and Development (ICEHD), in collaboration with the Martins Lydia Foundation (MLF), organised crisis emergency preparedness training for traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in Ibadan.
The training took place over the weekend at St. Patrick Primary School in the Abebi community of Ibadan Northwest Local Government Area.
During the session, Hannah Sowemimo emphasised the importance of equipping traditional midwives with the knowledge to safeguard the lives of both mothers and their babies during pregnancy and childbirth.
She pinpointed the need to recognise early warning signs in pregnant women, such as facial swelling, severe abdominal pain, persistent headaches, restlessness, convulsions, prolonged labour, and abnormal pelvic shapes that could indicate serious complications.
Sowemimo also advised that within the first 60 seconds after birth, it is crucial to prevent infections and initiate skin-to-skin contact by placing the baby on the mother’s chest to encourage breastfeeding.
“Everything a child needs to grow is found in the mother’s breast milk, especially the first milk,” she said. “That’s why exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months is essential. Afterwards, mothers should feed their babies with nutritious, locally available foods, not just processed baby formulas.”
Echoing these sentiments, Mrs. Mary Morohunfolu described the training as a necessary eye-opener for many traditional midwives. She pointed out that errors in practice often contribute to the high mortality rates of mothers and children.
Morohunfolu urged the midwives to maintain proper medical records, understand their patients’ histories, and prioritise saving lives over financial gains. She also stressed the importance of knowing when to refer complicated cases to health facilities.
The training aims to bridge gaps in traditional maternal care and strengthen community health systems through education and awareness.