Project Lead(s): Natalie Angell-Besseling
Issue
Less than 50% of Ugandan women have access to postpartum care, drastically increasing the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality in the first week after delivery.
There is a lack of data and literature on postpartum care in Uganda, making it difficult to improve service delivery.
Solution
The ‘Propelling Motherhood’ project addressed maternal and newborn health in the Luwero District of Uganda by implementing an innovative collaborative postpartum care model.
The pilot program hired and trained 20 traditional birth attendants (TBAs) to conduct home postpartum care visits to mothers identified through the Shanti Uganda Birth House and Luwero Health Centre.
They utilized home visits in order to improve access to care and work within the cultural structures of families.
An mHealth app was designed to provide TBAs with clinical decision support and improve accountability processes. TBAs also used the app to collect data.
Outcome
591 babies received 4 in-home visits that assessed breast feeding and attachment, breathing patterns, skin health, and umbilical cord care. 992 parents received 4 in-home visits that addressed aspects of safe motherhood and care. 49 mothers and babies were referred to health facilities to receive care for more complex health concerns.
A total of 30 staff were trained on safe motherhood techniques and how to recognize clinical postpartum danger signs for mothers and babies.
Shanti Uganda continues to conduct postpartum home visits for new mothers. However, funding limitations have discontinued the collaboration with public facilities. The organization hopes to expand to new regions in Uganda.