Over 35 per cent of Kenyan mothers prefer giving birth to babies at home, according to a recent study.
A survey conducted recently by UNICEF on maternal health care showed that communities especially in the rural set up preferred the unskilled delivery despite several initiatives from both the government and non government advocating for quality health care.
The study revealed that this was attributed to strong cultural practices as well as beliefs in some communities. For example some believe giving birth in a hospital will signify that one is a weak woman.
However inaccessible locations due to poor road infrastructure has also had a hand in these. As a result, there has been an increase in both maternal and infant mortalities owing to unskilled deliveries.
Ms Ralphar Mwenesi, a reproductive health coordinator has asked expectant mothers to come out of traditions and regularly visit health facilities in order to avert such misfortunes.
She argued that maternal health is a responsibility of an entire family hence fathers should be supportive of their spouses.