Rally for Better Birth(s)
Olga Lounová & Lilia Khousnoutdinova
The project is a creative educational campaign launched in cooperation between Propolis33 endowment fund (CZE) and two mothers, Lilia Khousnoutdinova and Olga Lounova, competing under racing number 37 at the East African Safari Classic Rally 2023.
"Birth is not only about making babies. birth is about making mothers...strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength."
- Barbara Katz Rothman -
Professor of sociology and women's studies at the City University of New York
Why are we doing this?
Because in the words of the renowned midwife Jeannine Parvati Baker "Many of us know more about the workings of our car than we do the reproductive cycle", which is something that needs to change, if we are to provide women and babies with optimal support in the critical period of their lives of birth and postpartum.
This applies equally to all countries across the world, which albeit facing differing challenges can all aim to adhere to the same evidence-based principles presented here.
"Wise is a society that is willing and able to provide safe and respectful maternity care for every woman."
- Ondrej simetka -
Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Ostrava and Senator of the Parliament of the Czech republic
how it will be
Each day of the East African Safari Classic Rally Olga & Lilia will be competing with a new claim on maternity care across the bonnet. On this website you will find each claim extrapolated on, explained and supported by recent research or statements by international health organisations. You will also find inspirational quotes on the subject. Please use this website to enhance your knowledge of maternity services and the needs of pregnant and birthing women and spread the word!
The first rally to consider its environmental impact.
As compensation for the direct and indirect impact of the rally, the organizers have pledged to plant 7 million trees and the safeguarding of water sources.
“the parallels between making love and giving birth are clear, not only in terms of passion and love, but also because we need essentially the same conditions for both experiences: privacy and safety.”
- Sarah Buckley -
Medically trained writer, researcher, author of the book Gentle Birth
based on evidence
„Increasing breastfeeding rates around the world to near universal levels could prevent 823,000 annual deaths in children younger than five years and 20,000 annual maternal deaths from breast cancer."
„Newborns without complications should be kept in skin-to-skin contact with their mothers."
„Breastfeeding is not the sole responsibility of women, but society’s collective responsibility. It should be protected, promoted and supported."
„Breastfeeding lowers mothers' risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, obesity."
„Encouraging the adoption of a birth position of the individual woman’s choice, including upright positions, is recommended."
„To change the world, we must first change the way the babies are being born.“
Midwives matter!
"Women who received midwife‐led continuity of care were less likely to have an epidural, fewer women had episiotomies or instrumental births. Women’s chances of a spontaneous vaginal birth were also increased and there was no difference in the number of caesarean births. Women were less likely to experience preterm birth, and they were also at a lower risk of losing their babies. In addition, women were more likely to be cared for in labour by midwives they already knew. This type of care has no adverse effects compared with other models."
Outcomes improved by midwifery
„If we want to find safe alternatives to obstetrics, we must rediscover midwifery. To rediscover midwifery is the same as giving back childbirth to women. And imagine the future if surgical teams were at the service of the midwives and the women instead of controlling them.”
- Michel Odent -
French obstetrician and childbirth specialist
rally which helps
In Kenya, where the rally takes place, basic medical equipment is often missing and our aim is not only to highlight evidence-based approaches to maternity care, but also to provide practical assistance in the field. We will assist the RedTribe clinic in expanding its current facilities to encompass a new space for pregnancy, labour and postpartum. The project is not merely about providing material assistance, but also includes professional training of local teams in EMB approaches to support physiological birth, the importance of breastfeeding and maternity care more generally.
We will help local women to deliver their babies into this world in better conditions.
Every woman deserves quality, safe and respectful maternity care.
How can you become part of the project?
Wherever in the world you may be, there will be women giving birth and breastfeeding around you. This may be your mother, daughter, your partner, boss, employee or one day it may be you. Each and every one of these women in all likelihood deserves better than she is currently being provided this.
Every woman should be provided with accessible, evidence-based and respectful maternity care. In your region, rally for better birth!
you can start with...
Powered by Propolis33 endownment fund
Endorsed by:
- Magdalena EzrováMember of the commision for obstetrics
- Veronika ŠtechovskáCommunity midwife
Consulted:
- Ondřej ŠimetkaHead of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Ostrava,
Senator of the Parliament of the Czech republic
Supported:
