PARTNERS URGED TO ATTEND ANTE NATAL CLASSES There are still some Batswana who lose their lives due to complications related to pregnancy, labour and delivery as well as during child rearing periods. The deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mr Botsang John said at the launch of the ante natal care (ANC) classes that Government now wanted to empower pregnant women and their partners with knowledge on high risks conditions that might occur during pregnancy, labour and delivery as well as post-delivery. He said the antenatal care classes were meant to promote companionship between partners where husbands would provide support to their wives throughout their pregnancy. “Companionship throughout all the stages of pregnancy reduces stress and anxiety hence reduces the negative effects during pregnancy and delivery,” said Mr John. He said ANC classes would also help to equip couples and single mothers with positive skills pertaining to child upbringing. Furthermore, ANC classes helped to eliminate myths associated with pregnancy. There are some irrelevant cultural beliefs that include food restrictions, such as pregnant mothers not allowed to eat eggs whereas it is recommended that eggs are sources of protein and also vital in body building for both the mother and the baby,” said Mr John. Giving testimonies about ANC classes, Mr Dikabelo Setumo and his wife Khumo Setumo attested that the classes have equipped them with critical information regarding pregnancy. “Through the ANC classes I will be able to assist my wife by the time when she is in labour,” said Mr Setumo. He said since his childhood, he had linked pregnancy matters to be handled by women and grannies. He also encouraged men to break their traditional dogmas and support their spouses throughout their pregnancy trimesters. The ANC classes are already ongoing at Gaborone West clinic, Old Naledi, Mafitlhakgosi (Tlokweng), Lesirane (Tsolamosese) and Broadhurst 3 Clinic (Tsholofelo). Mr John commended the Gaborone (DHMT) for putting up such a rational project and extended the plea to other maternity facilities in Botswana to benchmark since this effort, will minimize pregnancy complications and promote healthy pregnancy, labour and delivery by 2016. (BOPA)
Posted on: Sun, 11 May 2014 18:12:54 +0000
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