Aastrika Foundation’s Post

Today, on #InternationalDayoftheMidwife, let's recognise the invaluable role they play in saving lives. When disasters such as climate events or conflict strike, midwives are most often the first responders for women, representing the single-most effective way to avoid preventable maternal deaths. Increasing the coverage of midwives can save 2.2 million lives every year by 2035. "Midwives are at the frontline of climate-related crises especially in the Asia Pacific region, their work is essential in reducing the impact on mothers and babies," said Professor Caroline Homer, Burnet Deputy Director Gender Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. "Supporting quality midwifery care is key to a sustainable future." Read Professor Homer's advocacy work: https://lnkd.in/gR42J8gy More from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): https://lnkd.in/gwJJkqX9 #HealthEquity #Midwifery #MidwivesSaveLifes

First Nations communities experience an unacceptable gap in health outcomes and First Nations babies and their mothers have critically poorer outcomes than non-First Nations people. The Baggarrook Yurrongi culturally inclusive caseload midwifery pilot program began as a collaboration between researchers at La Trobe University, Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and three major Melbourne metropolitan hospitals. Women in the program reported positive experiences of maternity care during labour, birth and the early postnatal period and felt emotionally and physically supported. Numerous studies have found that midwifery-led continuity of care is associated with substantially better perinatal health outcomes. That's why there is such a demand for the Baggarrook Yurrongi caseload midwifery program. This unique model differs from fragmented mainstream care where First Nations women usually receive care from a number of different and unfamiliar health care providers, and often experience racism. Midwives working in the model were also highly satisfied with the work, valuing building close relationships with women and providing continuity of care in a culturally sensitive way. To support this program and other wonderful gender-wise initiatives please visit the AIIW Project Portal via: https://lnkd.in/e7wdphUA #womenshealth #naidoc #keepthefiresburning #genderequality #philanthropy #investinwomen #firstnations #Baggarrookyurrongi #midwifery #genderwise #philanthropy #genderlens #investinginwomen #funding

Lets talk about Human Rights of LGBTI People in Healthcare Field 🌈 During #PrideMonth and #ResourceTuesday, ICM(International Confederation of Midwives) spotlighted the statement on LGBTI Human Rights. We advocate for inclusive, compassionate midwifery care, ensuring dignity and respect for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. 🌈 Ensuring the human rights of LGBTI individuals in the field of midwifery involves many of the same principles as in nursing, with some specific considerations related to reproductive and maternity care. Here's how midwives can contribute to safeguarding the human rights of LGBTI people: * Non-Discrimination Policies * Cultural Competency and Sensitivity Training * Inclusive Language and Communication * Respect for Autonomy and Self-Determination * Access to Reproductive and Maternity Care * Advocacy and Support 🚀 By upholding above principles and practices, midwives can contribute to creating a healthcare environment that respects and affirms the human rights of LGBTI individuals and ensures that they receive compassionate, respectful, and equitable care throughout the reproductive journey 💡🤖 . Access the Resource : https://lnkd.in/ev4Zpd-E #PrideMonth #HumanRights #LGBTI

🔍 Learn the Essentials of FGM/C with Our Foundation Module Gain essential knowledge on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) with our Foundation Module. This comprehensive course covers the fundamentals: why, where, who, and how FGM/C happens, its impact, and what puts girls and women in Canada at risk. By the end, you’ll be able to: • Understand the cultural and social factors behind FGM/C • Identify how and where FGM/C is performed • Recognize both immediate and long-term health effects • Grasp why FGM/C is a pressing issue in Canada Let’s work together to raise awareness and advocate for change. 💪 #EndFGM #WomensHealth #HumanRights #CanadianHealth #ABMidwives #Midwifery #Healthcare #empowerment Register here : https://lnkd.in/g8S9XjC8

I could not be prouder of E Brie Thumm PhD, CNM and her dedicated research focus - to examine the US Midwifery workforce. An open source article KEY for employers to read and consider. https://lnkd.in/gA8vXCFZ... My favorite quote from the article in Women & Birth, "“The Great Resignation” that followed the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has crippled an already strained midwifery workforce." 👉 EMPLOYERS OF MIDWIVES you have much to consider, assess and change to recruit and retain essential care providers, MIDWIVES, within the organizational climate they work in! #GrowMidwives #scalingupandsustainingmidwifery

https://lnkd.in/eepkmfZz New paper Gender inclusive language in midwifery and perinatal services: a guide and argument for justice! @ash_bainbridge @sallypezaro @bunty.lb +++ - it is an essential read for everyone in the perinatal service sector! “there have been calls for reform through the development of inclusive guidelines and policies to be reflective of all who birth.2 However, there is a conservative counter-resistance calling for the continued use of “sexed language”.6 In this paper, we will illustrate how such a move inadvertently reinforces the structures that presently oppress all birthing people, the majority of whom are cisgender women, and midwifery itself.” Finally a paper that counters opinion pieces (often held up as evidence or fact!) that argue against one of the founding pillars of midwifery care: (of all medical care!) autonomy and choice. Read and share far and wide! Make sure your organisation or collective is including it in their pride month comms. #pride #transman #transwomen #nonbinary #transgender #pregnancy #midwifery #doula #birthwork

The evidence could not be clearer: #midwifery must be properly resourced and scaled up! See why the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) are calling for more support to make #motherhood safer: https://unf.pa/wue #GlobalGoals

Millions of women worldwide face challenges in accessing quality maternal healthcare. Addressing these requires a multifaceted approach - from raising awareness and empowering women in decision-making to providing high-quality training for healthcare personnel - and each step is crucial. Aastrika Foundation believes a comprehensive, holistic approach is key to improving these outcomes. We emphasise the importance of evidence-based research, addressing systemic bottlenecks, and advocating for global standards in quality care. These solutions form a comprehensive strategy to enhance maternal health worldwide. Ready to make a difference? Swipe through our carousel to learn more and visit our website to get involved! #MaternalHealth #WomensEmpowerment #HealthcareTraining #EvidenceBasedPractice #QualityCare #GlobalHealth #MaternalRights #HealthcarePolicy #Aastrika #maternalhealth #rmc #RespectfulMaternityCare #TransformingWithAastrika #ForEveryMother #maternalhealthcare #maternitycare #motherandchild #dignity #respect #midwifery 

Respectful Maternity Care is one of Aastrika Foundation’s key focus areas. We believe that promoting RMC is key to ensuring a positive birthing experience for women. Educating and creating awareness about what RMC entails has been one of our crucial advocacy initiatives. One of the fun and interactive ways we have done this is through hand or block printing. We invite participants at events to engage with us in a small discussion about RMC, where we share and learn from each other’s experiences. We also urge them to adopt it in their personal and professional settings. We then ask them to use their hands or the blocks with paints to mark their support on one of our walls and write any message they’d like to leave us with. We have conducted this activity across India, at several of the events and conferences we have attended, with the objective of spreading the message and practice of RMC. We hope to continue spreading the message with more vigour and creativity! To learn more about what we do, follow us by clicking the link in the bio! #Aastrika #AastrikaFoundation #rmc #AastrikaSphere #rmccharter #healthcare #respectfulhealthcare #maternalhealthcare #womenshealth #motherandchild #midwifery #midwives #maternitycare #womenempowerment #dignity #trust #birth #maternalhealthmatter #maternitycare #societalchange #positivebirth #pregnancy #birthinpower