Antwikrom (B/A), June 29, GNA – Pregnant and nursing mothers in some deprived communities in Brong-Ahafo have expressed worry about the emotional trauma they undergo during labour in the hands of some midwives in public health facilities.

They said since they could not withstand the insults, maltreatment and humiliation by the health staff they chose to deliver at traditional birth attendant facilities in their communities.

The aggrieved women raised the concerns when African Assistance Plan (APP), a Christian Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), presented multi-vitamin food supplements to more than 2,000 pregnant and nursing mothers at separate ceremonies at Chiraa, Nsoatre and Bofourkrom in Sunyani West District and Antwikrom in Sunyani Municipality.

Each of the beneficiaries received two bottles of food supplement, all worth GH¢ 6,000.

The women said because of poverty they found it very difficult to buy the required materials and items that midwives asked them to provide whenever they went to deliver at the health facilities.

There have been instances when some women in labour walk several kilometers to the health facility at Antwikrom only to lose their lives.

Dr Paulina Appiah, Sunyani Municipal Director of Health Services, said 76 pregnant women died in the region during delivery in 2011.

She said most of the expectant mothers died through excessive bleeding after delivery, indicating because some of them failed to attend antenatal clinic, they encountered complications during delivery.

Dr Appiah said the best way to reduce maternal mortality rate was regular attendance by pregnant women at the antenatal clinic and to seek prompt medical attention whenever they experienced abnormalities.

She advised the women to always breast feed their children especially within the first six months of delivery and to consume fruits and fresh vegetables.

Bishop David Donkor, Chief Executive Officer of APP, said the NGO was committed to promoting the well-being of women and children.

He advised the beneficiaries to use the food supplements for the benefit of their unborn babies.

Mrs Beatrice Kyere, midwifery officer at the health center at Antwikrom, thanked the NGO for the gesture saying though pregnant women in the area attended regular ante-natal clinic, majority of them failed to deliver at the facility.

Mrs Kyere advised the women to take advantage of the facility to apply family planning methods and help reduce child births.

GNA