Analisis Praktek Bidan pada Pelayanan Ibu Bersalin dan Bayi Baru Lahir

In Indonesia both Maternal and Infant Mortality Rates (MMR & IMR) has been significantly reduced. However, those figures were still higher than those of other ASEAN countries. About a third of infant deaths took place in the neonatal period, while 80% of the neonatal deaths happened during the first week of life. This was partly caused by both low accessibility and quality of care. The objective of this study was to assess the midwives’ practice during the provision of services in the post partum and early neonatal period. In addition, this study at Puskesmas Alahan Panjang was also aimed to identify supporting factors in delivering the above services. The design of this study was qualitative research design. The methods of data collection were focus group discussions (FGD), in-depth interview and observation. Results of the study showed that there were many practices of the midwives during postpartum and early neonatal period which did not follow the standard midwifery care by the Ministry of Health. Health education was not properly implemented and oftenly did not even take place. Supervision from the Puskesmas chief or midwife responsible for Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services was insufficient. There were very few midwives who ever joined training in improving their midwifery skills. It is urged that both District Health Office (Dinkes) of Solok and Puskesmas Alahan Panjang improve the competency of the midwives through appropriate training, supervision and provision of equipment and facilities. In addition, strengthening midwives in conducting effective health education program is also strongly recommended. In line with this effort, socialization of recent MCH programs and support for the development of “jorong” (Desa Siaga) is also of outmost importance. Key words: Midwives’ practice, maternal and child health