National Safe Motherhood Day 2023

What else could be more fulfilling than bringing a new life into the world. According to popular belief, no other pain can ever equal the pain a mother experiences during childbirth. Had there not been such dialogues and influencers sharing their positive and negative experiences with labour and parenting on social media today, there would not be as much awareness of safety and preventative measures. 

On April 11th, National Safe Motherhood is celebrated to increase public awareness of maternity issues, other health-related challenges, and the resources available to mothers and soon-to-be mothers. Let’s get more details on the same. 

What is National Safe Motherhood Day?

Pregnancy is a highly crucial phase in a woman’s life. Many factors make this time period unique. Through the course of their pregnancy, women not only need extra care, but also extra support. According to popular belief, the level of care and support expectant mothers receive during their pregnancies has an impact on both their mental health and the emotional and cognitive development of the baby.

The purpose of India’s National Safe Motherhood Day is to increase public awareness of the significance of protecting pregnant women’ and new mothers’ safety and wellbeing throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Through promoting maternal health, expanding access to high-quality maternal and child health care, and instructing women and their families in safe pregnancy and delivery techniques, National Safe Motherhood Day’s primary goal is to lower the rate of maternal and infant mortality in India. Additionally, The White Ribbon Alliance’s petition was accepted by the Indian government, which proclaimed April 11 as Safe Motherhood Day.

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History

This day is recognised due to the efforts of the White Ribbon Alliance India’s (WRAI) mission to educate women about healthy lifestyle choices, as well as the availability and accessibility of various healthcare programmes throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and post-natal care. By bringing together many organisations and people, WRAI promoted safe motherhood in India. The Indian government proclaimed April 11th, Kasturba Gandhi’s birthday, as National Safe Motherhood Day in 2003. 

Significance of National Safe Motherhood Day

The WHO estimates that every day more than 800 women die from preventable conditions associated with pregnancy and delivery. In order to achieve “safe motherhood,” National Safe Motherhood Day seeks to raise awareness about the importance of providing all pregnant women with high-quality care. This entails, among other things, providing mothers with prenatal and postnatal health care facilities, prompt management and treatment during labour, and competent medical personnel to assist with the birth.

The Government of India started the Janni Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram to create facilities where they can continue to deliver support at home while safely moving pregnant and lactating women to hospitals (JSSK). Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan and Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana are a couple of additional well-known government health programmes.

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Themes for National Safe Motherhood Day So Far

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Tips to Ensure Safe Motherhood

How to Celebrate National Safe Motherhood Day?

National Safe Motherhood Day can be celebrated in a variety of ways. Let’s take a look at the events and activities that can be done on this day:

• Health Camps: To encourage a healthy pregnancy and birthing practises and to inform pregnant mothers and their families about maternal and paediatric healthcare services, healthcare practitioners can organize health camps.
• Awareness Campaigns: Various NGOs and organizations can conduct awareness campaigns through various social media platforms.
• Workshops: Workshops can be set up where different policies and conversations are explored, gaps are found, and solutions are considered.
• Cultural Events: To raise awareness of safe motherhood, plays, art exhibits, and music and dance performances can be planned in a fun and innovative way.

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