NNC MIMAROPA participates in the annual celebration of Safe Motherhood Week every second week of May mandated by Proclamation No. 200, signed on 17th of May 2002. 

Promotion of maternal health and nutrition must be the topmost priority especially in the context of COVID-19 as we know that it greatly contributes to the infant’s health.  It has been observed that constraints in accessing maternal health includes money shortage, inaccessibility to public transportation and undesired to visit the health facility alone. 

In support to the act, the Department of Health (DOH) developed National Safe Motherhood Program which aims to ensure that all Filipino women will have complete access to all necessary health services for a safe pregnancy and labor. For a successful implementation, LGUs should institute a viable, accessible and economical approach towards delivery of health services and to organize a core knowledge base and support system for standard and ease delivery of maternal and child health services. 

Listen to your bodies, mommies! If you experience the following danger signs during pregnancy or after delivery, instantly coordinate with your primary care provider: 

• High fever and fatigue 
• Severe headache accompanied with blurry vision 
• Bleeding of birth canal 
• Convulsion 
• Extreme stomach ache 
• Difficulty in breathing or fast association of heartbeat 
• Early bursting of amniotic sac 

Extent knowledge on post-partum care is one of the neglected yet pre-dominant elements in leading to optimal maternal health. It is best for a mother to gain a potential in taking care of oneself after delivery especially when post-partum complications arise such as bleeding. 

2021 Safe Motherhood Week prompts a collaborative effort between the mother and her family to guarantee the well-being of all amazing mothers. We from NNC MIMAROPA unites with the WHO Philippines and DOH in promoting full access of all Filipino mothers to maternal health services to secure the safety of infants!  

(NKSLoyola) 

Sources: 

Department of Health. (2018). National Safe Motherhood Program. Accessed from https://doh.gov.ph/national-safe-motherhood-program 

Official Gazette. (2002). Proclamation No. 200. Accessed from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2002/05/17/proclamation-no-200/ 

World Health Organization. (2017). Safe Motherhood Week. Accessed from https://www.who.int/philippines/news/feature-stories/detail/safe-motherhood-week 

World Health Organization. (2017). Unang Yakap: Encouraging Breastfeeding from the Start. Accessed from https://www.who.int/philippines/news/feature-stories/detail/unang-yakap-encouraging-breastfeeding-from-the-start