Home birth risky without professional assistance

Some women in Mpumalanga prefer giving birth to their children at home rather than going to hospital, prompting concerns that traditional birth attendants are not skilled to deal with any problems that might occur during delivery.

While most pregnant women who choose to have planned home births deliver without complications, research suggests that home births have more risks than hospital births. 

'I almost lost my newborn'

Sindi Mogale from Bushbuckridge lost her twins during a home birth. 

“I lost a lot of blood and was rushed to the hospital. This practice is still happening – especially in rural communities – because of cultural beliefs and the fact that there are no campaigns to educate communities about the risk of home births,” she said. 

Department of Health spokesperson Dumisani Malamule said health education and community dialogues were being conducted on the importance of delivery under supervision of a health worker. 

Sonto Lubisi from kaMsogwaba said she preferred giving birth at home after a negative experience when she had her first child in hospital. “The nurses vow to serve the community with dignity and respect, but I almost lost my newborn because they were busy gossiping and drinking tea and I had to deliver my baby alone.” 

Community elder Elizabeth Zulu said while culture is very important, women who want to deliver a baby at home should make sure they are helped by someone who is properly trained. “Don’t put your life and your newborn’s life at risk; so rather go to hospital or clinic if there’s no trained midwife,” she said. – Health-e News

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