Observation Day #1

OBSERVATION DAY #1

We were able to observe and informally conduct interviews with practitioners at the antenatal clinic (ANC) at the UCC TH.  We were able to observe antenatal consultations with patients.  We met nursing and midwifery students attending UCC and were able to discuss the similarities and differences between our experiences.

The protocol for antenatal consultations were clearly posted and follow the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

More infographs in the ANC waiting area about exclusive breastfeeding and malaria prevention.



This is the Maternal Health Record Book that is given to expectant mothers to track their pregnancy. 

During our observation of an antenatal clinic, we learned about the various treatment options for an expecting mother and her child. Every mother is given a Maternal Health Record Book to track all their pre/postnatal visits to the ANC. However, retention during pregnancy and postpartum is not directly documented and mothers are free to visit any local ANC with their record book. As similarly observed in the U.S. most retention is maintiained during pregnancy because positive relationships between the mother and midwivery nurses are developed.

In terms of HIV positive mothers, their status in this booklet is represented by a 3-digit code only known to hospital staff to keep her status confidential. This is important because receiving ART does not mean that the mother has disclosed her HIV status to her partner or close relatives. The lag time in knowing HIV status and disclosure is lengthened by fear of domestic abuse, isolation, unwanted stigma associated with the disease. HIV postive mothers are immediately given first line therapy upon being tested positive for HIV and are currently required to take ARVs up to 18 months postpartum for prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission.