Postpartum Initiatives

Women in Kyrgyzstan face many risks associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care and support. A small CDI team in southern Kyrgyzstan has been making big efforts to help healthcare workers in their village and the rest of the country deal with post birth complications and concerns.

The team has been using local translators to provide Russian and Kyrgyz translations of health care videos from the Global Health Media Network. One of the most popular translated videos teaches new mothers how to effectively nurse. It has been viewed over 20,000 times!

Another initiative focuses on providing education to treat a serious postpartum complication called uterine tamponade where the mother is at risk of uncontrolled uterine bleeding. Using easily accessible medical supplies like a catheter, condom, and IV fluid, it is possible to put pressure from the inside of the uterus and stop the bleeding.

Partnering with Unicef, CDI staff have also been able to obtain ten anti-shock garments called “Life Wraps” which help control blood pressure if shock occurs after giving birth. A CDI worker is currently traveling around Kyrgyzstan to disperse these garments and educate on their use.

The goal of these educational videos, new equipment and techniques is to support new mothers across Kyrgyzstan and prevent and treat potentially life threatening complications.