A team from the Developing Midwives Project (DMP) visited the Obstetrical and Gynecological Society of Bangladesh Hospital in Mirpur, Dhaka to establish the country’s first midwifery-led health centre, where only midwives will extend adequate care and counseling to women in prenatal, delivery, and postnatal stages.
The concept of a midwifery-led care centre evolved around several grounds: it would potentially minimise the mishandling of pregnant women; and sensitise people about new and effective childbirth methods. The initiative is also expected to lessen maternal and neonatal complications while spreading awareness of midwifery in the community setting and helping secure professional credibility for the midwives.
Site assessment for the proposed Centre has been carried out and the DMP team also inspired midwives and midwifery students to engage with people in adjacent communities. Findings show that despite the urban setting, people from low-income groups, especially in the slums and the Bihari community, are devoid of adequate access to skilled birth attendants and harbour misconceptions. The Centre is expected to be helpful for the communities.