Steadfast at sea
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong (Quy Nhon Nam ward) recalls the first few months of her first pregnancy a few years ago: “I was very worried because I didn't know what to eat, when to have prenatal checkups, or what to prepare for the birth. Every time I noticed any unusual symptoms, I would search for information online, and the more I read, the more confused I became.”
Hong is not alone; many first-time mothers experience feelings of bewilderment at the changes in their bodies and the new responsibilities that await them. From nutrition and pregnancy monitoring to screening tests and preparing mentally for childbirth, all this knowledge is crucial, and not everyone is fully equipped with it.
To help families gain more scientific knowledge, many medical facilities in the province have organized free prenatal classes. At Binh Dinh Hospital (Quy Nhon ward), prenatal classes are held on the third Saturday morning of each month, with the participation of experienced doctors and nurses from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department.
The training sessions covered a wide range of topics, from updates on important prenatal check-up and screening tests to guidance on breastfeeding, newborn care, and handling common postpartum situations. Notably, the doctors also provided counseling on pregnancy psychology and the husband's role in supporting his wife.
Dr. Vo Hoang Nhan - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Binh Dinh Hospital - said: “One of the common problems in pregnant women is anemia, or iron deficiency. If not detected and treated promptly, it can affect the health of the mother and the development of the fetus. Therefore, regular prenatal check-ups and performing all tests as instructed by the doctor are very necessary.”
Not only hospitals, but many private clinics are also actively implementing prenatal counseling programs. At Huong Son Multi-Specialty Clinic (Quy Nhon ward), courses for expectant parents attract a large number of participants.
Along with many in-person classes, online forums and communities such as the Breastfeeding Group, Motherhood is Not Difficult, or breastfeeding clubs have also become companions for many women. Here, mothers can exchange experiences, share common difficulties, and receive advice from experts and those with practical experience. As a result, many women embark on their motherhood journey with a more proactive and confident mindset.
An ecosystem of services supporting mothers and babies.
In various localities across the province, postpartum care services for mothers and babies are increasingly developing. Many organizations offer support packages from pregnancy until the child reaches 12 months of age, with flexible options available at their facilities or at home.
Common services include postpartum healthcare, rehabilitation massage, breastfeeding guidance, baby bathing, umbilical cord care, newborn health monitoring, and nutritional counseling for mothers.
Ms. Tran Thi Mai (Thong Nhat ward) said: “After giving birth to my first child, I faced many difficulties in breastfeeding and caring for my baby. Thanks to the support of the home nurse, I was guided on how to hold and bathe the baby, handle breast engorgement, and establish a suitable diet. I feel much more at ease because there is always someone to guide me when I encounter situations I don't know how to handle.”
Currently, many mother and baby care facilities in the province, such as Mama and Baby Spa, PAMA Spa (Pleiku ward), Happy Mom Care Spa (Bien Ho commune); Mommy Spa (Binh Dinh Hospital), Green Field Binh Dinh (Quy Nhon Nam ward), Sunny Pearl (An Nhon ward)... along with units providing home nursing and midwifery services, have become familiar addresses for many young families.
Basic postpartum care packages, such as baby bathing, umbilical cord care, nutritional counseling, and relaxing massage for the mother, cost from 150,000 to 500,000 VND per session. Health recovery treatments, skincare, waist reduction, or comprehensive packages of 10-20 sessions typically range from 3 to 10 million VND depending on the service. Some providers also offer packages that support the entire pregnancy until the child is 12 months old, allowing families to proactively choose solutions that suit their needs and financial conditions…
According to experts, the greatest benefit of postpartum services lies not only in supporting physical recovery but also in helping mothers reduce psychological stress during the sensitive postpartum period.
According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuy Duong (Huong Son Multi-Specialty Clinic): “The mother's mental health plays a particularly important role in the child's development during the first few months of life. With proper support, mothers will be more confident in caring for their children, reducing the risk of stress and postpartum depression.”
However, experts also advise families to choose reputable facilities with staff professionally trained in nursing, midwifery, or healthcare. Services related to maternal and infant healthcare should be performed according to professional guidelines, avoiding reliance on unverified anecdotal methods.
Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/lam-me-khong-con-la-hanh-trinh-don-doc-post590240.html
