Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Participant document
SAFE MOTHERHOOD SERVICES / THE ROLE OF HEALTH MEDIATORS IN
SAFE MOTHERHOOD
Safe Motherhood Services
The following services help to make motherhood safer. They should be readily available
through a network of linked community health care providers, clinics and hospitals.
These integrated services should include:
• Community education on reproductive health and safe motherhood;
• Antenatal care and counseling, including the promotion of proper maternal
nutrition;
• Skilled assistance during childbirth;
• Care for obstetric complications, including emergencies;
• Postpartum care;
• Management of abortion complications, post abortion care;
• Family planning counseling, information and services.
The Role of Health Mediators in Safe Motherhood
The mediators’ role is to:
• Educate pregnant women and their families about a pregnant woman’s special
needs
• Inform their communities about existing maternal and child health services and
about women’s rights to benefit from antenatal care free-of-charge
• Encourage pregnant women to go to the doctor for regular antenatal check-ups
• Inform pregnant women and their families about “alarm signs” during pregnancy,
and when they need to ask for medical care without delay
• Inform pregnant women and their families about the signs of labor and about the
advantages of delivery in a hospital, assisted by qualified health personnel
• Discuss with pregnant women and their families about the need to prepare in
advance for childbirth.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 6: Pregnancy