A Bundle of Joy

For most women, the news that they are expecting a baby is a happy event filled with excitement in anticipation of the arrival of their bundle of joy.

Each year the Department of Health uses Pregnancy Awareness Week to strengthen pregnancy education and stress important issues to promote and support healthy pregnancies and safe motherhood.

Not only do women need physical and emotional support before, during, and after pregnancy, it is important that they are also aware of their rights while having their partners and families walk beside them on the beautiful and also difficult journey.

Some of the rights of pregnant women are:

• The right of a woman to choose her companion who will provide her with support during pregnancy and childbirth, and who will accompany her to the antenatal care clinic as well as she goes into labour.
• The right of the woman to be treated with respect, dignity and confidentiality
• The right of the woman to ask questions and also to get explanation about her condition.

Alongside the respect of their rights, support from partners for the journey looks like:

• Encouragement and reassurance.
• Asking about her needs and how they can be met.
• Showing affection and being present.
• Help with the lifestyle changes that are necessary for life with the baby
• Try to help each other keep a balanced diet.
• Encourage rest and take turns to help each other relax.

Ultimately, the walk towards birth is one to be treasured and shared together for a happier, healthier pregnancy, birth, and time in motherhood.

#PregnancyAwarenessWeek #HappyFamily #WomensWellbeing