POSTPARTUM CARE IN SLOVAKIA IN EUROPEAN CONTEXT

Martina Bašková, Eva Urbanová, Erika Maskálová
Department of Non-Medical Study Programs, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovak Republic

Korespondenční autor: Martina Bašková (baskova@jfmed.uniba.sk)

ISSN 1804-7181 (On-line)

Full verze:

Submitted:3. 2. 2011
Accepted: 2. 5. 2011
Published online: 15. 6. 2011

Summary

Midwifery provides during postpartum period essential care of woman, newborn and family on physiologic, emotional and social level. The article evaluates midwifery care in Slovakia in the light of situation in other European countries.

Material and methods: The situation regarding postpartum care in 18 European countries is analyzed through qualitative survey. Representatives of national societies of midwives of European Midwifery Association member states responded within July and August 2009 five questionnaire i­tems:

• is it possible also home birth or all births are held exclusively in

hospitals?;

• who can provide delivery (physician only or also midwife)?;
• in case of hospital birth, how long are women hospitalised after the

delivery (in physological conditions)?;

• in case of home birth, how long and frequently are women visited by

midwifery in homes?;

• which procedures can be provided by midwife during postpartal care?

Results: Hospital births comprise almost all of births in responding countries. In all countries physicians lead pathologic births. Hospitalisation after physiologic birth lasts from several hours to five days. Subsequently, mother and child are referred to home care provided by midwives. Beside common procedures, education on diet, hygiene and contraception is included into care. In Slovakia, the problem is an insufficient cooperation with health insurance companies and lack of interest of governmental authorities to support significant roles of independent midwives within the frame of the health care.

Keywords: pospartal care; European countries; midwifery health care

Literatura

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