Among future parents, the “doula” – a Greek word that means “servant woman” or "women's servant" – is increasingly popular. Who are doulas and what accounts for their popularity? A doula is someone who provides the support and understanding necessary to make childbirth an enriching and personalized experience. In many countries doulas meet a need that traditional maternity … [Read more...] about Why Do Some Women Want Doulas to Accompany Them During Childbirth?
Women's and Children's Health
International Call for Papers
Brazilian National Program for Improving Access and Quality of Primary Care If you are a researcher in the areas of economics, public health and related fields, this is your opportunity to publish a paper in a special edition of The Journal of Ambulatory Care Management (JACM), a leading international primary care management and policy journal. … [Read more...] about International Call for Papers
Professional Midwives to the Rescue
By Marcella Distrutti. Evidence shows that institutional delivery is positively associated with reductions in maternal mortality rates, still considered a multi-factorial health challenge in Latin America and the Caribbean. Nevertheless, having all births attended by professionals in hospitals does not guarantee a high quality of care and, as a consequence, low figures of … [Read more...] about Professional Midwives to the Rescue
Almost 70,000 pregnant women die from something that could be easily avoided
By James M. Roberts. The number of pregnant women who die yearly due to high blood pressure is very high and 99% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Latin America remains one of the biggest contributors to this figure. Their killer is known as preeclampsia. Do you know what it is? … [Read more...] about Almost 70,000 pregnant women die from something that could be easily avoided
Health without Borders on the Inca Trail
by Lesley O’Connell. Achupallas, a village perched 4000 meters above sea level in the Ecuadorian Andes offers sweeping mountain views, and marks the beginning of the Inca Trail to Ingapirca, the best preserved pre-Colonial Inca ruin in Ecuador that linked Quito with Cuzco. True to its heritage, more than 90% of the village’s population is Kichwa speaking. Not … [Read more...] about Health without Borders on the Inca Trail