Childbirth: A Global Perspective

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/childbirth

Introduction

# Course Review & Recommendation: Childbirth: A Global Perspective In a world where maternal and newborn health continues to be a pressing issue, "Childbirth: A Global Perspective," a course offered on Coursera, provides an enlightening and critical examination of the challenges and dynamics surrounding childbirth, particularly in developing nations. This course, presented by experts in the field, explores both the epidemiological and sociocultural aspects of maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity, making it a vital resource for healthcare professionals, students, and anyone interested in global health issues related to childbirth. ### Course Overview The course delves into a variety of themes beginning with an in-depth look at maternal mortality and morbidity, not only from a global perspective but also comparing it to the rising rates in the U.S. This juxtaposition offers profound insights into the complexity of maternal health, highlighting that issues are not confined to developing countries but are global in nature. Throughout the course, participants will engage with several core topics, dispelling common misconceptions and unveiling the underlying issues that contribute to maternal and newborn complications. The syllabus is structured into well-defined modules, each focusing on different aspects of maternal and newborn health: 1. **Introduction to Maternal Mortality and Morbidity in the Global Context**: This initial module sets the stage, providing a comprehensive overview of the maternal health crisis in developing countries, alongside critical statistics and factors contributing to maternal deaths. 2. **Introduction to Maternal Mortality and Morbidity in the U.S. Context**: Participants will be surprised to learn that maternal mortality rates in the U.S. have doubled in recent years. This module critically analyzes the socio-economic and healthcare factors influencing maternal safety in a developed country. 3. **The Impact of the Health Care Workforce Shortage**: A significant barrier in improving maternal health is the shortage and maldistribution of skilled health workers. This module outlines strategies such as task shifting and task sharing that can alleviate some of these challenges. 4. **Emergency Obstetric Care & Health Facility Services**: Understanding emergency obstetric care (EmOC) is essential for addressing maternal health issues effectively. This module covers how EmOC is implemented and monitored, along with the challenges faced in developing regions. 5. **Improving Maternal Care through Community-Based Interventions**: This engaging module emphasizes the role of community mobilization in improving maternal health outcomes, presenting examples from both the U.S. and the Dominican Republic. 6. **Case Study in Ethiopia: Educating the Community and Training Front-Line Community Health Workers**: The course culminates in a detailed case study focusing on Ethiopia's efforts through the Maternal and Newborn Health in Ethiopia Partnership (MaNHEP), showcasing successful strategies and the potential for scale-up in similar contexts. ### Who Should Take This Course? This course is ideal for healthcare professionals, public health practitioners, students of medicine or global health, policy makers, and anyone dedicated to improving maternal and child health worldwide. The interactive format and expert insights make it engaging and educational for both novices and those with existing knowledge in the field. ### Why You Should Enroll 1. **Global Significance**: With maternal and newborn health being critical indicators of a country's health system, this course provides indispensable insights that lead to informed and compassionate care practices. 2. **Expert Knowledge**: The course is taught by leading professionals in maternal health, ensuring participants receive the most accurate and current information available. 3. **Flexible Learning**: Coursera's online platform allows you to learn at your own pace, making it accessible for anyone, regardless of their schedule. 4. **Practical Applications**: The emphasis on community-based interventions and real-world case studies means that you will walk away with actionable insights that can make an actual difference in the field. ### Conclusion "Childbirth: A Global Perspective" is a crucial educational endeavor that sheds light on the intricate challenges of maternal health across various contexts. By diving deep into these pressing issues, this course not only raises awareness but also equips participants with the knowledge and tools necessary for advocacy and improvement. If you are passionate about maternal health and eager to contribute to solutions that save lives, I highly recommend enrolling in this course. It is not just a learning experience; it's a step towards making a positive impact in the world.

Syllabus

Introduction to Maternal Mortality and Morbidity in the Global Context

Welcome to Module 1! This course will discuss the global health implications of pregnancy and childbirth in the developing world, where far too many women and babies die from complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and soon after childbirth. Themes covered in this module include an introduction to maternal care, an in-depth look at the numbers, and a look at maternal mortality and morbidity in a global context.

In this module you’ll visit the United States where, believe it or not, maternal mortality rate is actually on the rise! In fact, maternal mortality has doubled in the U.S. during the last two decades. Why is that? And what can be done to reverse this trend? Along the way you’ll meet a physician and her patient who will help us answer some of these questions.

In this module we’ll be discussing the critical importance of having an adequate and well-trained health workforce for reducing maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. We’ll be discussing the problems of shortage and maldistribution, as well as some important strategies for addressing these problems such as task shifting and task sharing.

In this module, we will learn about a globally recognized package of such interventions called emergency obstetric care, or EmOC. We will spend some time learning about how emergency obstetric care is assessed and monitored at the national and sub-national levels, including quality improvement measures. Lastly, we will consider some key challenges and potential solutions in developing country contexts.

This module will take a new turn - how ordinary citizens can be mobilized to effectively take action to improve health for mothers and babies. You will learn about participatory learning and action. You will learn what research studies have to say about the effectiveness of this kind of approach. Also, you will get a chance to see specific examples of the outcomes of community mobilization in two settings, one in Atlanta, Georgia in the U.S., and one in the Caribbean country on the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic.

Welcome to the last module! In this module, you will receive an overview of the Maternal and Newborn Health in Ethiopia Partnership (referred to as MaNHEP). Also, you will learn about the Ethiopian context regarding maternal health; the overall goal of the MaNHEP project and its key partners and supports; where the project was situated within Ethiopia; the assumptions that serve as the basis for the project’s intervention; the project evaluation; and a summary of results. Finally, we will take a step back to examine the strengths of the project and its potential for scale-up and possible application elsewhere.