Maternity Waiting Rooms Supports Expectant Mothers in Central Ethiopia

Women in rural Ethiopia have traditionally given birth at home, placing them and their child at greater risk for complications and/or medical emergencies. To reduce infant and maternal death, trained midwives have encouraged expectant mothers (particularly high-risk cases or women who live far away) to stay in the maternity waiting rooms at their local health centers as they await labor. These comfortable rooms provide a safe place to stay, food, and access to medical care by trained midwives.

The photo on the left shows a garden right outside the maternity waiting room, which provides nutritious food for mothers during their stay. The maternity waiting room (right) offers comfortable accommodations for women awaiting delivery. (photos taken at Hodo Health Center) [image descriptions: (L): a small garden is surrounded by a sheet metal fence. (R): a room is outfitted with a bed, table and chair and bookshelf with food items.]

Embedded in rural communities, Health Centers are a lifeline for families seeking medical attention, and maternity waiting rooms are critical for the well-being and safety of expectant mothers and their newborns. Women, like Aynalem, who we met at the Gaecha Maternity Waiting Room back in 2023.

Aynalem shared, “...my first two births were at home, and my following two births were at the health center. I am happy to be here awaiting the birth of my fifth child.” [image description: a smiling, pregnant woman is sitting on a bed.]

Expectant mothers no longer have to worry about whether or not to travel while in active labor. Many women travel by motorbike, putting them at greater risk for injury or complications.

• Expectant mothers have access to around-the-clock care by trained midwives.

• Accommodations include a comfortable bed and food.

• Ultrasound services are now available at Health Center, improving the accuracy of predicting due dates. Expectant mothers and midwives can then decide together when she should come to the maternity waiting room to await delivery.

We met Tseganesh, a relative of one of the expectant mothers staying in the Maternity Waiting room at Gaecha Health Center. She is holding a large platter of sweet potatoes for the expectant mothers' lunch. Tseganesh shared, “I am happy to support these mothers during their time of need!” [image description: a young woman is holding a platter of roasted sweet potatoes]

We appreciate our partnership with GreenLamp and their investment in the physical renovations and support of the maternity waiting rooms. To date, six maternity waiting rooms have received food, linen, and supplies. Additionally, rooms have been renovated based on their specific needs, ensuring that every facility is a safe and nurturing environment for expectant mothers. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to providing quality healthcare to mothers and their newborn children.