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As a new nurse midwife in Liberia, Lydia Iving sees some of life’s highest highs and lowest lows. Recently, a simple tool and critical training helped Iving and her patient avoid one of those lows.
A 25-year-old woman had given birth to a healthy baby boy in the Americares-supported clinic where Iving works. As the family celebrated, Iving noticed that the MaternaWell reusable tray catching postpartum bleeding was beginning to fill quickly.
In the blink of an eye, a moment of joy turned life-threatening.
Luckily, Iving had two things at her fingertips — both supplied with Americares support. She had the tray to measure blood loss and training on how to detect and manage postpartum hemorrhage.The team intervened quickly and transferred the mother to a higher-level facility. There, she received a blood transfusion, recovered and went home to her new son.
Iving said she felt overwhelming joy and fulfillment at helping save a life. The experience showed her the impact of training, proper equipment and collaboration. It also reminded her why she became a midwife.
“This [was] one of the most challenging days of my career journey,” Iving said. “I am proud to be a midwife.”
At the Tubmanville clinic in Grand Bassa County, Iving and other providers support pregnant women through some of the most vulnerable and important moments of their lives.
It can be difficult to estimate blood loss after delivery. The new trays donated by Americares have clear markings to measure more accurately than other methods and can be sterilized and used again. A spillover compartment also triggers health care workers to intervene.
Almost 95% of providers reported that they believed the tray significantly improved quality of care. While not all patients understood its purpose, 91% said they felt good or very good about its use.
“Postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality globally and in Liberia, and it’s vital to intervene quickly,” said Harriette Mondaye, Americares country director in Liberia. “In rural Liberia, it can be difficult to keep essential supplies in stock. The team thought the reusable blood collection tray could help move facilities toward better practices around early detection using a more sustainable tool.”
Americares helps providers like Iving update their clinical skills so they can work faster and more safely. This is critical in Grand Bassa County, where maternal and newborn death rates lag behind the rest of the country.
In addition to learning how to identify postpartum hemorrhage, providers are trained on:
Iving said she now feels more confident managing obstetric complications. She’s empowered and ready to act decisively during life-threatening situations.
Someday, Iving hopes to mentor younger health workers, sharing lessons she’s learned so more lives can be saved.
Americares is expanding training on postpartum hemorrhage best practices and the MaternaWell tray to additional facilities in Liberia.