compassionate maternity care

Birth in South Africa September 9, 2011January 10, 2023 by Marianne Littlejohn

Birth Trauma : Can We Do Better?

Anna after Annushka's 'natural' birth in hospital

The first lessons in life are learnt at the hands of midwives and obstetricians in maternity care units and hospitals in South Africa. What characteristics are we imparting to future generations of people in South Africa?

Women need to prepare for natural birth in every aspect of their lives, including the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical areas of their being. A woman deserves the right to choose her companions as well as where and how she will give birth to her child.

Pregnancy and birth are normal life events for most women. To this end, interventions should be kept to a minimum wherever possible. A baby who is born gently and welcomed by warm, caring parents receives the best possible start in life.

Women who are well prepared in their minds, bodies and spirits can experience birth as a profoundly moving and empowering event.