Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Discuss with participants how they can help a pregnant woman to have a safe delivery.
• During pregnancy, the mediator can ask the pregnant woman where she plans to have
the baby. Sometimes births take place at home, without any medical assistance
(attended by an untrained person); sometimes both the mother and the baby are fine
and healthy, but home deliveries are dangerous because a serious problem may arise
at any time and trained medical help is not available.
• The mediator can discuss with the pregnant woman and her family about the need to
prepare in advance for childbirth.
Ask participants:
‣ What preparations should a family make for safe delivery?
• The family should know the signs of labor and of emergencies.
• They should also know the address and location of the nearest hospital
• They should make arrangements for suitable transport (jeep, tractor or a bullockcart),
so that the woman can be transported to the hospital in case an ambulance is
not available. Some money should be kept aside for this purpose.
• The family members must be prepared to donate blood if required by the woman
during any emergency.
• Every pregnant woman should have the following things ready to take with her to
the hospital (by the last month of pregnancy):
o Soap and clean towels
o Tooth brush and paste
o Clean cotton or hygienic tampons
o Clean clothes for mother and baby
List their answers on the flipchart.
Ask participants:
‣ How many families do you think consider these preparations?
‣ What happens when they have to go to the hospital in a hurry?
Few families consider these preparations. As a consequence,
• When an emergency arises, people panic and loose precious time identifying an
appropriate solution; they are unable to find solutions in a timely manner.
• People discover the importance of the “small” things the women needs, which
may require additional visits to the hospital and more expenses for the childbirth.
Divide participants in small groups of 4-5 persons and give to each group a case study
(see trainer document Case Studies). Ask the groups to study their case studies and to
respond to the following questions: (10 minutes)
• What is the woman’s current situation?
• What did she and/or other family members do that led to this situation?
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 6: Pregnancy