Men can play a role in reducing maternal mortality by using contraception, chairwoman of the Indonesian Midwives Association (IBI) Emi Nurjasmi has emphasized.
“We ask men to participate in planning pregnancies by using one of the modern contraceptives. It is very necessary, so cooperation between mothers and fathers is needed,” Nurjasmi said on Monday.
Responding to the low use of contraception, she said that the Family Planning (KB) Program is one of the important pillars that can help suppress maternal mortality.
With fathers supporting mothers in family planning, families can better plan pregnancies and maintain a fetus’ optimal growth and development so babies are born healthy and not stunted, she added.
Pregnancy planning can be done through the use of contraceptives such as implants or IUDs (intrauterine devices), she said.
“Also for postpartum family planning, we will provide Antenatal Care (ANC) education after giving birth. We hope that families will immediately choose one of the long-term contraception,” Nurjasmi remarked.
In case a mother is not able to use contraceptives after giving birth, IBI is willing to provide education, such as on the use of condoms, which will require the participation of fathers to suppress the emergence of unwanted births, she said.
Men’s decision to use contraception will help make families healthy and happy. It can also help prevent risks that can affect the safety of mothers and babies, she added.
She also appealed to all midwives to provide education to the public, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic through various applications.
Source: Antara News