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Table 1 Mother friendly care actions listed in the integrated maternal and newborn care training manual (Ministry of Health, Malawi)

From: The prevalence of disrespect and abuse during facility-based maternity care in Malawi: evidence from direct observations of labor and delivery

MOTHER-FRIENDLY CARE ACTIONS

Corresponding category of disrespect and abuse that is addressed by the action

• Kind and supportive care

Non-dignified care

• Body language that shows kindness (address woman by name, look into the woman’s eyes, uses a respectful tone of voice, smiles when appropriate)

Non-dignified care

• Privacy

Non-confidential care

• Clean and attractive facility

Non-dignified care

• Permit cultural practices that are not harmful

Non-dignified care/Abandonment or denial of care

• Explain every procedure

Non-consented care

• Episiotomy only if indicated

Non-consented care

• Choice of position for delivery

Non-dignified care

• Give woman and family friendly care. Explain what is happening to the woman and family after each evaluation. Teach the woman and companion how to support the woman in labour:

o Urinate every 2 h

o Drink fluids every 1 h or more often

o Eat lightly

o Have a birth support/guardian person present

o Talk to the woman: give emotional support and educate her about what is happening

o Use comfortable positions for labour (walking, sitting, side-lying)

Non-consented care/ Abandonment or denial of care

• Postpartum

o No restriction on family members

o No separation of mother and baby

Abandonment or denial of care

  1. Table adapted directly from Module 8 of the Participants Manual in Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care. (2009). Malawi Ministry of Health, Reproductive Health Unit