Launching the International Childbirth Initiative (ICI)
A new initiative launched by the International Childbirth Initiative (ICI) at the XXII FIGO World Congress in Brazil provides comprehensive guidance and support for safe and respectful maternal care globally.
![spotlight - Launch of International Childbirth Initiative at FIGO 2018](/sites/default/files/styles/news_image/public/2020-03/andre%20ICI.jpg?itok=HtV3tTOs)
Endorsed by a growing number of health professionals, advocacy groups and educational institutions around the world, ‘12 Steps to Safe and Respectful MotherBaby-Family Maternity Care’ is a clear and unifying template for maternal and newborn health (MNH).
Building on ICI’s past work and cutting-edge evidence, the 12 Steps also reflect the best practice of organisations currently working in the field of MNH worldwide.
Introduced on October 16th by André Lalonde alongside a panel of world experts including FIGO President Carlos Fuchtner, the ICI Principles and 12 Steps include:
- Promoting compassion and dignity in care provision
- Ensuring access to affordable care
- Adopting the MotherBaby-Family Model of Care
- Adopting midwifery scope of practice
- Provision of continues support during labour and birth
- Appropriate use of non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic pain relief
- Evidence-based practice including avoidance of unnecessary routine producers
- Enhancement of health and wellness
- Appropriate and effective emergency care
Relevant organisations are encouraged to rally around these 12 Steps, and promote quality of care in a comprehensive way.
Said Dr Lalonde:
“There are many organisations seeking to improve quality of care, but this is often in piecemeal ways due to operational circumstances and limitations. The ICI 12 Steps provide a clear and unifying template.”
ICI recognises that the implementation of evidence-based maternity care is an ongoing process and that context varies around the world. A set of basic performance indicators for each step to monitor progress is included, which are practical, reflective and low-cost, using local assessors.
In addition, ICI promotes a supportive human resource policy ensuring a safe and positive work environment, and fully incorporates the 10 Steps of the revised Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. It also aims to build community, with a global platform for training, sharing and learning that will include data collection and webinars.
The full launch document and a list of endorsing partners is available here. Inquires are encouraged, and should be addressed here.