Life-saving lullabies
Around 750 women died from preventable causes during pregnancy in Zambia in 2018. The following year the country’s President declared a public health emergency because recent gains in reducing mortality had stalled. A complex range of economic and social issues explain these tragic statistics. These include high rates of illiteracy, variations in services between rural and urban areas and the availability of clinics. Historically, untrained local women often acted as a midwife/traditional birth attendant (TBA), but their practices did not always meet accepted clinical standards.
A need for change In the 1970s, efforts to upskill TBAs ignored intimate cultural, community and social factors. The cultural and social aspects of these roles have since been incorporated into Safe Motherhood Action Groups (SMAGs). For example, St John Zambia developed the ‘Mama na Mwana’ (mother and baby) project, to train volunteers in community based maternal and child healthcare, support, and advice. St John Zambia partnered with researchers from the University of Huddersfield to develop a method of improving maternal health and reducing infant mortality. They sought to develop a sustainable and affordable solution that could be scaled up. The UK team was made up of Dr Jim Reid (Senior Lecturer in Childhood Studies) and medical historian Professor Barry Doyle from the University of Huddersfield, working alongside David Swann, Professor of Design at Sheffield Hallam University.
Dr Jim Reid School of Education and Professional Development
However, the researchers’ assumptions were proven correct as they were costly and culturally inappropriate. Dr Reid said: “When presented with the idea of baby boxes, the mothers liked the contents, but were appalled at the idea of putting a baby in one to sleep, likening them to coffins.” The solution lay in everyday Zambian culture. During fieldwork, for example, the researchers discovered that 70% of young women said they sang to their children.
Creating lullabies The researchers discovered the ‘Lullaby Project’ at Carnegie Hall in New York, which put mothers and musicians together to make music. When played to their children, the music helped with bonding, development and maternal wellbeing. To adapt it for the Zambian context, an alternative to expensive recording studios and musicians was needed. Researchers also had to incorporate messaging around antenatal care, breastfeeding and other healthcare tips.
Developing a message The research team visited the Zambian capital, Lusaka, for an arts-based workshop with volunteers and clinical staff, to review the appropriateness of providing pregnant women with baby boxes. These can act as a crib with items to help the baby and mother. 08 | DISCOVER 2022
Thanks to Ufulu Films Studios and St John Zambia for all the images of this project.
