The International MotherBaby Childbirth Organization (IMBCO) has just come out with their International MotherBaby Childbirth Initiatve (IMBCI): 10 Steps to Optimal Maternity Services Worldwide. It's based on the results of a survey of birth and breastfeeding organizations in 163 countries and on input from IMBCO's Technical Advisory Group, international representatives, and from birth experts all over the world who participated in its construction.
It would be great if the Bangalore Birth Network could use this in our advocacy work and to help hospitals improve their maternity care.
Step 1: Treat every woman with respect and dignity.
Step 2: Possess and routinely apply midwifery knowledge and skills that optimize the normal physiology of birth and breastfeeding.
Step 3: Inform the mother of the benefits of continuous support during labour and birth, and affirm her right to receive such support from companions of her choice.
Step 4: Provide drug-free comfort and pain relief methods during labour, explaining their benefits for facilitating normal birth and avoiding unnecessary harm.
Step 5: Provide evidence-based practices proven to be beneficial.
Step 6: Avoid potentially harmful procedures and practices that have no scientific support for routine or frequent use in normal labour and birth.
Step 7: Implement measures that enhance wellness and prevent illness and emergencies.
Step 8: Provide access to evidence-based skilled emergency treatment.
Step 9: Provide a continuum of collaborative care with all relevant health care providers, institutions and organizations.
Step 10: Strive to achieve the BFHI 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
