"It's complicated…": Exploring second stage caesarean sections and reasons for non-performance of assisted vaginal births in Kenya: A mixed methods study.

Unnecessary Caesarean Section (CS) can have adverse effects on women and their newborns. Assisted vaginal birth/delivery (AVB/AVD) using a suction device or obstetric forceps is a potential alternative when delays or complications occur in the second stage of labour. Unlike CS, AVB using a suction device does not require regional or general anaesthesia, can often be performed by midwives, and does not scar the uterus, lowering the risk of maternal mortality and morbidity, in this and subsequent pregnancies.

Assessing quality of care in maternity services in low and middle-income countries: Development of a Maternity Patient Reported Outcome Measure.

Globally, low and middle-income countries bear the greatest burden of maternal and newborn mortality. To reduce these high levels, the quality of care provided needs to be improved. This study aimed to develop a patient reported outcome measure for use in maternity services in low and middle-income countries, to facilitate improvements in quality of care.

Using electronic tablets for data collection for healthcare service and maternal health assessments in low resource settings: lessons learnt.

Background: Health service and health outcome data collection across many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is, to date largely paper-based. With the development and increased availability of reliable technology, electronic tablets could be used for electronic data collection in such settings. This paper describes our experiences with implementing electronic data collection methods, using electronic tablets, across different settings in four LMICs.

Experiences from the field: maternal, reproductive and child health data collection in humanitarian and emergency situations.

Background: Humanitarian emergencies can disproportionately affect women of reproductive age, and children. Good data on reproductive maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) are vital to plan and deliver programmes to address RMNCH needs. There is currently a lack of information regarding the availability, use and applicability of data collection tools.

Breast feeding practices and views among diabetic women: a retrospective cohort study.

Objective: to explore the pattern and experiences of breast-feeding practices among diabetic women.

Design: retrospective cohort study using maternal records and postal questionnaires in a Baby-Friendly hospital.

Participants: diabetic mothers including women with gestational diabetes, and type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus.