Island recorded no maternal or neonatal deaths last year
Bermuda’s high standards of healthcare meant that the Island recorded no maternal or neonatal deaths last year, it has been claimed.
In addition, a low prematurity of around eight percent, indicated women in Bermuda receive a high standard of prenatal care, according to Maternity and the Special Care Baby Unit clinical manager Janet Wheelan.
Ms Wheelan spoke ahead of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital midwives joining a worldwide campaign marking International Day of the Midwife.
A hospital spokesman said that, while health statistics for pregnant woman and newborns in Bermuda are “very positive”, more than 300,000 women and three million infants in other countries die annually from preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The World Health Organisation advises that midwives are key to achieving global reductions in maternal and newborn deaths and disabilities. Yet currently, there is a worldwide shortage of trained midwives and it is estimated another 350,000 midwives are needed.
“Because women in Bermuda have access to quality healthcare provided by skilled professionals, last year there were no maternal or neonatal deaths,” Ms Wheelan said. “In addition, our overall prematurity rate is around eight percent, indicating women in Bermuda receive a high standard of prenatal care.
“Educating expectant parents about labour and birth greatly contributes to a safe and positive experience. We offer classes that prepare pregnant women and their partners for the birthing process and for antenatal/postnatal care.
“We make every effort to accommodate an expectant couple’s birth plan, while also assuring safe, quality care for both the mother and baby.
“Midwife support during labour can reduce the need for pain medications and other medical interventions. After women give birth, we continue to provide assistance with newborn care and help mothers with their chosen method of feeding.”
The hospital spokesman added that the global theme ‘Midwives changing the world one family at a time’ reflects the role midwives play in providing care that saves the lives of mothers and babies.
Celebrated today, KEMH midwives are inviting the public to view a lobby display and information table running throughout this week. Midwives will also be available in the hospital lobby today from 10am to 12pm to share information and answer questions.
“Hospital midwives provide supportive skilled care to 650 pregnant women each year before, during and following the birth of their babies,” Christine Virgil, Clinical Director for Maternal Child Services at Bermuda Hospitals Board, said.
“We also attend about 60 preterm births and perform over 1,163 fetal heart surveillance tests each year. The hospital employs 23 registered nurses who hold midwife certifications. There are also two midwives who are dual-trained in neonatal care and work in the Special Care Baby Unit.”
For more information about the hospital’s prenatal birthing classes, which run for four weeks, call 239 1682.
* About 40 million women a year give birth without access to any care.
* Midwives prevent many cases of infection through education, including neonatal sepsis, which kills 521,000 newborns a year worldwide.
* Midwives provide both physical and emotional support to women, promoting a positive birthing experience.
* Nearly two thirds of maternal deaths worldwide could be averted with universal access to an educated, regulated midwifery workforce with access to adequate supplies.
* In midwife-led care, women experience less preterm births, less assisted deliveries and greater satisfaction with care.
* If every childbearing woman received care with a well-educated, adequately resourced midwife, most of maternal and newborn deaths could be prevented.
