A registered nurse in charge of the labour ward at the Katutura State Hospital, Ndinelao Paulus, has called on families, including fathers, to accompany their loved ones during labour to make them feel supported.

She made this statement during a visit to the Katutura State Hospital Maternity ward by the Nampa team on Thursday.

“Katutura Hospital is open to welcoming all companions, including husbands, sisters and mothers, to accompany pregnant mommies and be with them throughout the process, so that they can make them feel special and loved,” she remarked.

The matron of the maternity ward, Andrina Masuku, emphasised the importance of families accompanying pregnant mothers.

“We want our patients to have companions when they come here to help them emotionally – even to help massage them. For the husbands and boyfriends, they can cut the umbilical cord, and just be there for their partners. Their presence helps our patients mentally and emotionally,” she said.

The matron noted a growing trend of fathers participating in  the process.

“On Monday, we had a father who accompanied the patient who came for theatre. This was the first time a father came in, and went into the theatre to witness the process as well,” she added.

Obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Simon Emvula praised the hospital’s efforts to promote respectful maternity care by allowing companions to be present during labour and delivery despite challenges such as space constraints due to high patient volumes.

He commended the management of the Katutura State Hospital for taking steps to enable companionship during labour and childbirth.

Dr Emvula emphasised that companionship during childbirth aligns with the principles of respectful maternity and newborn care, fostering emotional support and strengthening family bonds.

“The presence of fathers not only supports mothers, but also strengthens the father-child bond from the very start. Let us continue to encourage fathers to be actively involved by supporting their partners during childbirth and accompanying them to antenatal care visits,” he added.

The Katutura State Hospital welcomed 11 newborns on New Year’s Day. – Nampa