“Madam as I am being discharged please add this to my education when my husband or partner comes. Tell him to help at home. The stress is too much. Am sure it’s the reason I am always breaking down. I have to do everything all alone.”

Other midwives surely have similar stories.

In other scenarios the reason isn’t because the woman has no support person. But she thinks she has to do it all by herself. She doesn’t allow anyone to help her

During pregnancy resting in between your activities is key to your well being.

Allow people to assist you where necessary

Plan your activities in a way that you don’t end up breaking down

Rest and sleep will reduce your stress, keep you healthy and make you feel better.

Don’t jump from one activity to the other. It will break you down

Allow your partner to assist you.

Get a support person!

Join our Pregnancy class to learn more if you are expecting.0535764057

Outside Ghana click here to join

https://m.facebook.com/groups/224869860512000/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

Get a copy of my book via.

Available on Amazon… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JBY73D2

Also available on

https://okadabooks.com/book/about/sally_s_tips_for_expectant_mums/37081

Scenario : She came to the hospital when she was 43 weeks.

She didn’t even know pregnancy should not go beyond 42 weeks

She didn’t know she has to feel her baby’s movement everyday after quickening

She was waiting for labor to set in.

She didn’t know the placenta stops working after sometime during pregnancy

She traveled and went about everything, thinking labor would set in when time was due. That didn’t happen for her. 

When she realized things were delayed she finally reported to the hospital. At the hospital Fetal heart was absent. Placenta has stopped working, baby is gone!

As much as us she needed to know all these we asked ourselves. Where is her partner? At least he could have reminded her to visit the hospital on her due date

What about the family support system? At least if someone was checking frequently on her asking her how things are going, the story will have been different.

And finally friends who are around us.

Yes this situation could have been different if the support system she had was stronger and showed some concern to her.

Every expectant mum needs a strong support system. To check on you and also to make sure you are healthy. It could be your partner, mother, relatives or friend.

It could also be your private midwife, doula, doctor etc

Don’t keep your pregnancy to yourself. Get someone to support you when need be.

We can change certain stories if we change our approach to pregnancy!

As I always say. A successful pregnancy is not automatic!

Take the right steps.

Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Join our Pregnancy class to learn more if you are expecting.0535764057

Outside Ghana click here to join

https://m.facebook.com/groups/224869860512000/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT 

Get a copy of Sally’s Tips for expectant mums Buy via

Available on Amazon… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JBY73D2 

Also available on

https://okadabooks.com/…/sally_s_tips_for…/37081                         

Throughout the week I have been bothered by this occurrence. Women refusing to take #blood transfusion even at the point of death due to their religious beliefs. 

We all have freedom of worship which we love and cherish, but in fact it has its limitations. As Midwives our greatest joy is to have women give birth without complications , but the fact is once in a while bleeding can occur and we may have no alternative than to transfuse to save life.

That is when our stress begins. When she tells you never! Live me to death! I will go to heaven if I die! Some will even write and sign! In fact at that point we suffer more than the client!! 

Whether this is true or not is something I would like to know. We are losing women of child bearing age and this is disheartening. 

#MyAdvise. 

If you are pregnant, know that complications can occur at the time of delivery. Be prepared if you do not want to be transfused in fact get specialized care to get your Haemoglobin level to above 12.

2. Arrange with a midwife or gynecologist who is skilled and comfortable with your decision for your birth

3. Ask for alternatives to blood transfusion and be prepared before labor sets in

4. Prepare a birth plan and state it clearly

This is hard for me! 

Religious bodies with the teaching that prevents members from taking blood transfusion should at least have a way of supporting their members. It’s hard but we need to speak about this. Who else faced this?  What can we do? 

Let’s raise awareness !

Join our Pregnancy class to learn more if you are expecting.0535764057

Outside Ghana click here to join

https://m.facebook.com/groups/224869860512000/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT 

Get a copy of Sally’s Tips for expectant mums Buy via

Available on Amazon… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JBY73D2 

Also available on

https://okadabooks.com/…/sally_s_tips_for…/37081 

This refers to swelling, or edema, of an infant’s scalp that appears as a lump or bump on their head shortly after delivery.

This condition is harmless and is due to pressure put on the infant’s head during delivery. It usually occurs when…

🔴Having a prolonged or difficult labor

🔴Premature rupture of membranes

🔴Low levels of amniotic fluid in the uterus

🔴Delivering  your baby for the first time

🔴Braxton-Hicks contractions

🔴Certain fetal positions, such as being head down

🔴A delivery that requires instruments, such as forceps or a vacuum

Treatment

You do not need to do anything to it. Let your doctor or midwife see it and examine it. It resolves on its own without the need for any intervention.

Do not use hot water or any substance on it. By 2 to 6 weeks it will resolve.

It can lead to serious complications like jaundice etc, if hot handled well. Just follow your doctor’s instructions.

Join our pregnancy class to learn more 0535764057.

https://m.facebook.com/groups/224869860512000/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

Buy Sally’s Tips via

Available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JBY73D2

Also available on okadabooks

https://okadabooks.com/…/sally_s_tips_for…/37081

Let’s pack your hospital bag for you. 0535764057

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

https://youtube.com/channel/UCOBh2dNFVDgynWU6oMKI5fA

Thank you!

Please and please if you are bleeding due to prolonged menstruation, bleeding uterine fibroids or an abortion please report to the hospital early

We can’t say everything than to make it look like an advise

Prolonged bleeding can take your life

Don’t risk it

Don’t be shy to tell your midwife you are having prolonged bleeding

We are not there to judge you but to save lives

Please speak to us

Let’s know how we can help you!

If you are pregnant kindly join our Pregnancy class to learn more 0535764057

https://m.facebook.com/groups/224869860512000/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT 

Thank you!

Buy Sally’s Tips via

Available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JBY73D2  

Also available on okadabooks

https://okadabooks.com/…/sally_s_tips_for…/37081  

. 

Kindly follow the link in the bio… Thanks

I had lots of clients asking what could be the cause of their stillbirths and how they could prevent this in their next Pregnancy.  They had many questions This may be helpful

#Definition of stillbirth

The definition recommended by WHO for international comparison is a baby born

with no signs of life at or after 28 weeks’ gestation.

#CAUSES OF STILLBIRTHS

🔴Placenta previa and placenta Abruptio

🔴Post maturity

The above conditions causes the blood that reaches the baby to be reduced and

therefore they get a reduced supply of oxygen and in turn causing fetal hypoxia

which results in stillbirths.

🔴Unknown causes

🔴Infections ,example, urinary tract infections

🔴Taking unprescribed drugs (alcohol and smoking)

🔴Growth restriction due to nutritional causes or medical causes.

🔴Trauma to the abdomen

🔴Chromosomal abnormalities

🔴High blood pressure

🔴Diabetes mellitus

Among others

#PREVENTION OF STILLBIRTHS

❤️Effective monitoring of all pregnant women to detect possible abnormalities

and correcting those abnormalities. Monitoring, recording, and interpreting

Fundal height rightly to detect growth restriction.

❤️Screening of patients to rule out infections that can cause growth restrictions

and possible treatments.

❤️Health education on nutrition, personal hygiene, danger signs, rest and

exercise, etc to promote a healthy lifestyle among pregnant women.

❤️Taking prescribed drugs

❤️Providing skilled delivery for all pregnant women to prevent and also

reduce the risk of having prolonged labor which can cause stillbirths.

❤ ️ Preconception care to expectant mothers and their partners.

❤️Performing fetal kick counts starting at 28 weeks of gestation and also being conversant with your body. In recent times it’s recommended that you will be familiar with your baby’s movement. Report if its excessive or reduced.

❤️Calling your midwife when you experience any unusual symptom or sign

❤ ️Taking nutritional supplements to reduce the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, for example folic acid.

Talk to your midwives or gynecologist as well. Remember most of these stillbirths are preventable.

Thanks. Share to help someone

If you are pregnant kindly join our Pregnancy class to learn more 0535764057

https://m.facebook.com/groups/224869860512000/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

Thank you!

Buy Sally’s Tips via

Available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JBY73D2

Also available on okadabooks

https://okadabooks.com/…/sally_s_tips_for…/37081

Catheters are used during cesarean section simply because:

The bladder which stores urine before the urge to urinate comes is just  close to the uterus.

The doctors want to keep it empty

So they don’t hurt your bladder or other vital organs close

When also in place your intake and output is easily measured which is very important in our work.

A diaper can’t do that for you

It can’t replace a catheter

Join our Pregnancy class to learn more 0535764057
https://m.facebook.com/groups/224869860512000/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

Buy Sally’s Tips via
Available on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JBY73D2
Also available on okadabooks
https://okadabooks.com/…/sally_s_tips_for…/37081
.
Kindly follow the link in the bio… Thanks

#maternalhealth #midwifesally #womenshealth #birth #birtheducation #pregnancyclass #catheter #cesareansection #cesareanbirthnbith  #book #africa #ghana

Many women believe there is a wound literally in the stomach or abdomen after birth, they resort to so many preparations and concoctions to heal this wound that is left in the stomach after birth.

Sometimes trying to heal this wound rather brings them more issues since the stomach does not really play a part during labor. Is  it the uterus they call stomach or this is to help new mum take good care of themselves? Let’s learn

During birth the baby is in the uterus/womb and attached to the mother via the placenta. The placenta is what connects mum and baby. After the baby is born in the 2nd stage of labor , the 3rd stage follows which is the birth of the placenta.

After the birth of the placenta the uterus continues to contract which makes it smaller, the smaller it becomes the more bleeding is also prevented. So literally we are more concerned about the place where the placenta detached to heal properly and regain its strength.

Within the next six weeks after birth contractions will continue and the uterus will continue to become smaller. The uterus sheds off all the leftover blood gradually over time and it’s called lochia. It is a natural process and will cleanse itself. The tips you will need to make sure you are safe and free from infection include

⛔Strict personal hygiene, bath twice daily

⛔Change pad frequently and wear clean cotton panties

⛔Take prescribed medications, examples pain medications,haematinics, antibiotics etc. (Please know the medications you are given depends on the individual’s situation)

⛔Eat nutritious meals rich in vitamins and minerals to promote healing

⛔Passive exercise, like walking, and deep breathing exercise

⛔Report immediately

if you have severe bleeding, pain or offensive discharge

⛔Remember, breastfeeding helps the uterus to contract after birth. Breastfeed baby

⛔Rest is also medicine. Get people to help you so you can have enough rest

These basic things will keep you healthy, there is literally no #wound in your stomach. You only need to take care of yourself after birth. If you feel sick talk to your midwife/doctor

Join our Pregnancy class to learn more 0535764057

https://m.facebook.com/groups/224869860512000/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

Buy Sally’s Tips via

Available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JBY73D2

Also available on okadabooks

https://okadabooks.com/…/sally_s_tips_for…/37081

Did you know that as we speak many children born to mums who are HIV positive are free from the infection? Yes! This is a fact! The reality. With these simple steps a mum who is positive can have a child who is negative! This is good to know

✔️ Get tested! Every one should test for it. Its free

✔️ Once you get pregnant you are tested twice before pregnancy ends.

✔️If it’s positive you are immediately put on antiretroviral medications. Once you take it, the viral load decreases and the possibility of passing the infection to your child decreases.

✔️Regular and specialized antenatal care is very crucial. Attend an antenatal clinic and report early when you have any infection or concern.

✔️You will need skilled delivery to help reduce the chances of passing the virus to the new born baby. Deliver in a hospital

✔️After birth, the baby is also put on medication starting on the day of birth. It also reduces the chances of acquiring the infection from the mum.

✔️ ️Mother can breastfeed exclusively as long as she is on the medications and the baby as well on her medication. She should also eat nutritious meals and maintain good personal hygiene.

✔️If you tested negative it doesn’t mean you are free, you can never get it if you do not practice safe sex, we are all vulnerable and remember the ABC’s to prevent HIV transmission.

✔️Partner and family support is very important, be there to support them emotionally and remind them of their appointments.

Be open, speak to your doctor or midwife about  all your concerns. There is support in our various health facilities to help you stay healthy.

Join our Pregnancy class to learn more 0535764057

https://m.facebook.com/groups/224869860512000/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

Buy Sally’s Tips via

Available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JBY73D2

Also available on okadabooks

https://okadabooks.com/…/sally_s_tips_for…/37081