Maternal & Child Health Services

Improving access to quality Maternal and Child health

Dream Warmers

The Dream Warmer is a reusable, non-electric device designed to prevent hypothermia in newborns, especially in areas with limited medical resources. It uses a heat-storing material that, when warmed in hot water, holds a constant temperature of 37°C. Once placed in the accompanying pouch, it provides consistent warmth for infants, particularly premature or low-birth-weight babies. This simple and portable solution offers a lifesaving alternative where access to conventional incubators is limited, improving neonatal care in hospitals and clinics.

Butterfly Ultrasound

The Butterfly iQ+ is a handheld ultrasound device designed for whole-body imaging using a single probe. With advanced Ultrasound-on-Chip technology, it offers enhanced imaging speed and quality while being energy efficient. Compatible with iOS and Android, the iQ+ allows medical professionals to conduct scans using over 20 presets across various fields, including emergency medicine and cardiology. Built to withstand tough clinical conditions, it combines portability and high performance for diverse healthcare settings.

Solar Powered Radiant Baby Warmers

A neonatal radiant baby warmer, is a medical device used to stabilize the body temperature of newborns, especially in critical care or delivery settings. It uses radiant heat to keep infants warm while providing access to medical procedures. The warmer includes features like adjustable heat settings, safety alarms, and a mobile base for easy positioning, making it essential for managing the temperature of premature or ill babies during treatment.

CTG Machine

Cardiotocograph or electronic fetal monitor, is a device used to monitor a baby’s heart rate and the mother’s uterine contractions during pregnancy and labor. It helps healthcare professionals assess fetal well-being and detect any potential signs of distress.

Maternal Waiting Homes

Women living in remote and hard-to-reach areas struggle to access health services during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period due to difficult terrain and low socioeconomic conditions. The lack of access to health facilities often forced pregnant women to give birth at home. PIH Lesotho established maternal waiting homes to provide temporary accommodation for women who came from distant areas or those with pregnancy-related risk factors. These homes also serve women with low socioeconomic status, helping to prevent avoidable maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity by improving access to birth facilities and postnatal care. PIH Lesotho has hired cooks to prepare meals for the pregnant women admitted to the maternal waiting homes, and covers all associated expenses, including food, heating, and toiletries. 

Emergency Obstetrics Referral

PIH Lesotho supports pregnant women to increase access to facility-based delivery through skilled health professionals to prevent avoidable maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. However, some deliveries may be beyond the level of the health centers, and PIH Lesotho established an effective referral system to the next level of care. PIH Lesotho has contracted three transport business owners per facility to transport the pregnant women from the health facilities to the district hospitals, and cover the costs of the referrals and other hospital bills for the pregnant women.