Equipping Midwives to Support Pregnant Women in Lebanon

Editor's note: A version of this story was first published on Anera's website here.

Lebanon's healthcare system is under immense pressure due to the ongoing conflict, with pregnant women and new mothers bearing a disproportionate burden. Displacement, bombings, and lack of access to essential healthcare services have exacerbated the difficulties of childbirth and postpartum care.

Amid this crisis, Anera, with support from Direct Relief, donated 12 pallets of midwife kits to hospitals in Lebanon, set to be distributed by the Ministry of Public Health. These kits, which contain essential tools and supplies for midwives and doctors to conduct safe deliveries and provide critical postnatal care, ensure that healthcare workers, like midwife Rasha Koumayha, have the tools they need to provide care in a conflict zone.

Rasha, who also holds a minor in psychology, offered a unique perspective on the challenges faced by pregnant women in these turbulent times.

"Bombings affect pregnant women beyond just the scares and loud noises. The vibrations alone have proven harmful to babies in the womb. Shockwaves from explosions bring intense changes in air pressure that cause direct trauma, which can lead to premature labor, hinder fetal growth, or even lead to miscarriage."

Her firsthand experience reveals the devastating impact of the war on maternal health and the importance of timely, proper medical intervention.

Challenges Facing Pregnant Women in Lebanon

Pregnant women in Lebanon are experiencing unprecedented challenges due to the ongoing conflict. The war has not only physically displaced families but also isolated many women from the support networks they would normally rely on. Rasha highlighted one such story:

"A close friend of mine, who was pregnant and displaced, lost her home. She ended up delivering her baby prematurely. Thankfully, the baby was healthy, and they didn't need to stay in the hospital.

"But the hardest part was that she had to go through it all alone. War has broken up our social bonds - we're all just trying to survive. Instead of being with her as a breastfeeding trainer, instead of her having all of us around, she's left to navigate it alone."

The psychological toll is immense, with many women feeling isolated and unsupported during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives.

"Imagine going through all this while pregnant," Rasha said, emphasizing how the emotional strain is compounded by the physical dangers of war.

She said there has been a significant increase in cases of postpartum depression, exacerbated by the war.

"Baby blues are common, and they can lead to depression. We're expecting more postpartum depression with everything that's happening, the constant uncertainty. Some women even feel guilty about bringing a child into the world right now."

The emotional weight of the situation is heavier for these mothers, who must contend with both the fear of the present and the uncertainty of the future.

The Role of Midwives in Challenging Times

In such a turbulent environment, midwives like Rasha play an essential role in ensuring safe deliveries and offering psychological support to new mothers.

"We need a collective effort to support these women. Physicians, midwives, psychologists, and social workers should combine their efforts to create support systems. But most of all, these women need the support of others in their community, especially from fellow women in the shelters. They're the ones who can make the biggest difference."

Rasha's experience illustrates the vital role midwives play in providing care during times of displacement. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to supporting women, using her skills and training to help navigate the complexities of childbirth in a crisis.

"I'm a midwife with a minor in psychology, and I plan to continue my studies to become a therapist," she said, illustrating her dedication to providing holistic care for women in need.

Direct Relief's Midwife Kits Donation

Direct Relief's donation of midwife kits will significantly enhance the ability of healthcare providers like Rasha to care for pregnant women in Lebanon. The kits, which include medical supplies like sterile gloves, disinfectants, other childbirth tools, and consumables, are a critical step in ensuring that midwives and healthcare workers can continue their work under challenging circumstances.

According to the United Nations Population Fund, around 11,000 pregnant women are currently in need of specialized care in Lebanon, though the real number is likely much higher and continues to grow due to the ongoing crisis.

The Ministry of Public Health will ensure that these midwife kits are distributed to hospitals across the country, prioritizing areas with the most urgent needs. This coordinated effort will help ensure that healthcare providers have the necessary tools to support pregnant women and newborns in the most challenging conditions.

As Lebanon faces its most challenging crisis in years, the need for support for pregnant women and new mothers has never been greater. This donation of midwife kits is a significant step in helping healthcare providers continue to deliver essential care in these trying times.

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