In an article by Shakilah Bint Shiekh on State of the Planet, a Columbia University Newsletter, a Mama kit counts in the fight for maternal and child healthcare. Improving maternal health and encouraging expectant women to deliver at a health facility is a priority to boost institutional delivery.
Some of the factors that are typically identified as barriers to institutional deliveries are ignorance, poverty, unable to purchase or pay for delivery equipment, the attitude of health workers, delivery posture, and lack of privacy in the delivery room.
Traditionally the Ibos have local midwives who assist with home deliveries. However, the risks of infection to mother and child are much higher than in institutional delivery.
Peju Jaiyeoba in 2018 BBC stated “We saw women giving birth on bare floors, we saw nurses using their mouth to suck out the mucus of newborns to prevent asphyxia,” she says. “We saw birth attendants severing umbilical cords with rusty blades and glass, exposing newborns to neo-natal tetanus – and many of them dying.
“Basic things like washing your hands is a problem, and putting on a glove is a big deal.”
Bosede Afolabi, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Lagos University Teaching Hospital says “If you have clean gloves, a clean area to deliver in, and clean implements to cut the placenta and umbilical cord then you are likely to have a reduction in infection rates.”
We saw women giving birth on bare floors, we saw nurses using their mouths to suck out the mucus of newborns to prevent asphyxia.
Peju Jaiyeoba
Social Entrepreneur/Lawyer/Activist
In our partnership with primary healthcare of the Ngor Okpala Local Govt, Imo State we have identified their need for donations of Mama kits or Maternal kits. They have found a reduction in infant and maternal mortality with the distribution of these kits in antenatal clinics. This, they say, encourages the pregnant mother to come back for delivery in a safe environment.
For less than $50, this Mama kit contains an Umbilical Cord Clamp (Sterile), Infant Mucus Extractor (Sterile), 1 Catheter (Sterile), 3 Sanitary Pad (Sterile), 1 roll Cotton Wool (Sterile), 1 Glucose D, 1 Pack of Sterile medical examination gloves (100pieces), 1 Pack of underpad Delivery Mat, 1 Blue seal Vaseline (250ml), 1 Baby Cup and Spoon, 1 antiseptic (250ml), Mackintosh (2yards), 6 Brown Paper, Methylated Spirit (200ml), Angel Cotton Bud (200 pieces), and Tiger Razor blades (10 pieces). All in a carry bag.
For $75 the Mama kit will include the above items and also include receiving blankets, baby onesies, baby socks, and baby hats. Also contains a set of baby lotion, soap, powder, oil, a face towel, and a 3-in-1 towel.