A limited number of expectant mothers research their options before giving birth which is why childbirth educators, hospitals, and baby product providers such as Huggies, focus on childbirth education annually during Pregnancy Awareness Week in the month of February.<\/p>\n
Choosing to have a baby is a life-changing decision and to ensure that women are well informed during the nine months leading up to childbirth, Pregnancy Awareness Week, which takes place from February 12 to 16, aims to make the journey a little more exciting and fulfilling.<\/p>
The experience of birth profoundly affects women and their families.<\/p>\n
One of the best ways for women to empower themselves before giving birth is to become informed about the many facets of pregnancy; education classes, consulting with childbirth educators and reading various guides that are available for expectant mothers.<\/p>
\u201cWe would like to encourage pregnant women to gain knowledge and know their options.<\/p>\n
\u201cGet evidence based information.<\/p>\n
\u201cKnow dad\u2019s role.<\/p>\n
\u201cMake informed decisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cQuestion all aspects of pregnancy, labour, birth and parenting.<\/p>\n
\u201cLearn more about vaginal births and caesareans.<\/p>\n
\u201cGain insight on breastfeeding options.<\/p>\n
\u201cKnow about skin-to-skin for all moms and babies, as well as self-help techniques,\u201d said Nthabiseng Leso, senior brand manager at Point of Market Entry (POME).<\/p>\n
Pregnant women need to know their rights, including:<\/p>\n
\u2022 The right to choose her companion who will provide her with support during pregnancy and childbirth, and who will accompany her to the antenatal care clinic and help her through labour.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The right to be treated with respect, dignity and confidentiality.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The right to ask questions and to get explanations about her condition.<\/p>\n
Huggies introduced The Huggies Club at public clinics across the country in 2016 to raise awareness on the importance of childbirth education.<\/p>\n
The Huggies Club facilitates a number of health talks which focus on a variety of topics that relate to pregnancy, birth and newborn care.<\/p>\n
These talks are conducted by Huggies Brand Mums.<\/p>\n
These Brand Mums are well-trained, knowledgeable and work together with the Department of Health and public clinics and have been involved in several health-related campaigns.<\/p>\n
The talks cover topics that include:<\/p>\n
\u2022 The opportunity to exclude and manage existing medical conditions which can be aggravated by the pregnancy, such as hypertension, diabetes, infections and anaemia.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Free HIV testing and voluntarily counselling (VCT).<\/p>\n
\u2022 Early recognition of danger signs in pregnancy and post-delivery.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Birth preparedness and complication readiness.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Self-care including nutrition and a high standard of hygiene.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Information on the role of the father or the male partner and the family.<\/p>\n
Lynne Bluff, a registered nurse and internationally recognised childbirth educator, who is also the editor of the Expectant Mother\u2019s Guide, explained how important childbirth education classes are saying, \u201cProper childbirth education can help women become more confident and far less fearful about giving birth.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do what we do because we want moms to come out of labour and be able to say, \u2018that was a wonderful experience\u2019\u201d.<\/p>\n
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