Birth companion service introduced in Pingyao

China Women's Development Foundation visited Pingyao People's Hospital on Dec 19 to learn about the birth companion service to be offered by the hospital.

The service, which involves a person who is not medically trained but experienced in delivery, provides physical assistance and emotional support during childbirth, and is a method of giving birth promoted by the World Health Organization.

During the past four years, China Women's Development Foundation has established birthing companion centers in 107 public hospitals in 10 provinces by donating analgesic equipment and other medical facilities required during childbirth, helping nearly 40,000 pregnant women give birth naturally.

According to the Pingyao Women's Federation, the delivery service project will be based at Pingyao People's Hospital. Once the service center is built, the center will offer better services for those who are pregnant and improve the level of midwifery services and rate of natural childbirth.