The Motherhood School in Novopolotsk prepares not only future mothers but also fathers for parenthood.
A team works in this office: an obstetrician-gynecologist, a psychologist, a clergyman, and other specialists. Previously, consultants on breastfeeding regularly came from Vitebsk and Minsk. They organized a meaningful thematic stand here. The management of the clinic is grateful for their help and hopes for the resumption of cooperation.
The goal of psychological counseling is for a woman who is considering terminating her pregnancy to preserve it, and thus the life of the future child. (When a gynecologist manages to persuade a hesitant woman, her meetings with a psychologist and a priest are not mandatory). And in the "Maternity School" operating at the clinic, this correct decision is supported. Psychological support for pregnancy has a good effect, helping the expectant mother adapt to her new role. Classes can be individual or group, depending on the patient's level of preparedness.
– The criterion for the effectiveness of the work is the number of women who intended to terminate their pregnancy but changed their decision as a result. In 2014, 32 women who planned to terminate their pregnancy registered for pregnancy, in 2015 – 43, and in 6 months of the current year – 33. Not a bad result, – says Zhanna Bortkevich, head of the women's clinic of polyclinic No. 1.
Now on the agenda is the involvement of fathers in counseling at the first stage, when a pregnant woman is in doubt whether to give birth or not. If a woman decides to have an abortion, it means a big mistake has been made in the relationship with the man, and she is inclined to commit
an impulsive act. In such cases, the final word rests with the stronger sex.Representatives of the "School of Motherhood" attend classes with pregnant wives, not all of whom are ready to discuss sensitive topics in the presence of other men. And some do not have a spouse. It is likely that separate groups should be organized for such patients so as not to offend anyone and to achieve the desired effect.
Modern experience shows that the problems hindering a happy pregnancy outcome are largely rooted in the upbringing of the younger generation. Novopolotsk medics do not lose sight of this crucial direction in demographic policy.
The work of the specialists of the central city hospital on preventing abortions, sexually transmitted infections, and reproductive health diseases among youth, and on strengthening the institution of marriage and family, was recognized in July with a 1st degree diploma and a valuable gift at the "For Life" competition (in the "Information Work" nomination), organized by the Ministry of Health and the Charitable Foundation of St. Euphrosyne of Polotsk. A significant contribution to this was made by the "Dialogue" center, friendly to adolescents and youth, headed by its coordinator, Tamara Taratuta, head of the children's polyclinic of the city hospital. Young men and women have the opportunity to contact them via a hotline or, if they wish, to have an in-person consultation with a specialist.
– The administration of our healthcare institution supports a comprehensive approach to current demographic issues, aimed at expanding cooperation with all interested parties. Only joint efforts can be expected to yield positive results, – emphasized Igor Muzhichenko, Deputy Chief Physician of the Novopolotsk Central City Hospital.
Galina Shpakovskaya. Photos by Dmitry Osipov. "Vitebskiye Vesti".