Amanzimtoti hospital shares pregnancy awareness insights
The event was well attended and was open to the public, regardless of where they were giving birth.
In celebration of Pregnancy Awareness Week, which took place from 12 to 16 February, Netcare Kingsway Hospital hosted a number of activities to raise awareness and educate the public.
On Monday, 12 February, as part of a school awareness programme, staff visited Strelitzia Secondary School in Lotus Park and were given a slot during assembly to address pupils on pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and preventative measures.
“This initiative was well received by the principal, teachers and pupils, and they have requested that we partner with them in some of their school awareness initiatives in line with the life orientation curriculum, which is very exciting,” said Kingsway Hospital marketing and patient liaison officer, Mbalenhle Ndlela.
On the same day, the hospital also visited the Pregnancy Resource Centre in Toti and donated maternity bags for the mums-to-be. “These bags contain goodies that are useful to mum and the baby post-delivery.”
On Friday, 16 February the focus moved to the hospital, where a pregnancy awareness workshop and maternity open day was hosted. “This closing initiative to end Pregnancy Awareness Week was attended by 32 guests.
There were various specialist speakers, addressing different topics which are important for mums to know pre-, during and post-birth. This included but was not limited to antenatal and post-natal classes, what to look out for during the different stages of pregnancy, and baby care post-birth. The event was well attended and was open to the public, regardless of where they were giving birth.
Mums were taken to the maternity ward and neonatal ward for them to see and have an idea of what these wards comprise of, and then spoilt with lots of amazing prize hampers and goodie hampers, which they were excited about.
The aim of the activities was to raise awareness and educate the public at various levels on pregnancy and this was successfully executed. We look forward to partnering with more stakeholders in future and opening it up to a wider audience,” said Mbalenhle.
