Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

‣ How did you feel?
‣ What did “the mediator” do to help you to discuss your needs and concerns?
‣ What else could she do to make it easier for you to discuss your situation?
Ask “the mediator”:
‣ How did you feel?
‣ It was hard or easy for you to talk with the young mother?
‣ Think about your responses during the conversation. Do you think you heard and
understood all that the woman wanted to say (including what was behind what she
said)?
‣ How can you be more prepared to respond in difficult situations?
Ask other participants to analyze the woman’s needs revealed during the role-play.
Bring to the group’s attention any myths or misinformation that came out in the
discussion during the role-play.
Discuss the potential role of mediators in visiting the mother and baby after delivery:
postpartum visits provide an excellent opportunity for the mediator to answer questions
the woman may have about breastfeeding, sexual relations, family planning, baby
immunization or other topics. Even if the woman has no questions, this is a good time to
inform her about the importance of postpartum visits to her family doctor.
Describe the prescribed schedule for postpartum visits with the family doctor:
• In principle, the postpartum woman and the baby should receive (at home) the
first visit of the family doctor within 24 hours following their release from the
hospital. However, this does not always happen (especially if the woman was not
monitored by the doctor during the pregnancy or if she changed her address).
The mediator could facilitate access to a health provider for both mother and child
(including informing the family doctor of the birth of the baby).
• Health check-ups are highly recommended within six weeks of delivery, for both
mother and child.
• Ideally, the woman should visit a health center or be visited by a family doctor at
home at 3 weeks and/or 6 weeks postpartum.
Explain that after the birth of the baby, it is important for the woman to know that if she
has sex and is not exclusively breastfeeding, she can become pregnant as soon as 4 weeks
after delivery. Therefore, it is important for her to start thinking early on about what
family planning method she/the couple will use.
The mediator can help the woman think about this issue by:
• Asking the woman/couple about her/their plans for having more children. If she/they
want more children, advise them that waiting at least 2-3 years between pregnancies
is healthier for both mother and child.
• Explaining that exactly when a woman/couple should start using a contraceptive
method after delivery will depend upon whether the woman is breastfeeding or not.
• Providing information about the availability of family planning services, and make
arrangements for her to see a family planning provider if she is interested.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 7: Postpartum Care