Women search for normality in birth : Solutions empowering resilience and reproductive agency while reducing adverse outcomes for Somaliland women

Abstract: This thesis aimed to explore the causes of severe pregnancy outcomes and maternal deaths in Somaliland (studies I and II) and how these causes are influenced by the context of the wider health system (studies III and IV). Methodology: Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used. A prospective cross-sectional design was used to collect data for studies I and II. Study II focused on maternal deaths using a mixed method design. Studies III and IV used individual interviews to explore the needs of women when choosing a place of birth and the role of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in maternity services in Somaliland. Analysis: Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and percentages. An inductive content analysis was used for study III, and a qualitative thematic analysis was used for study IV.Results: Study I showed that the maternal near-miss (MNM) ratio was 56 MNMs per 1,000 live births according to the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) criteria and 13 MNMs per 1,000 live births according to the WHO criteria. The mortality index was highest among women with medical complications. Study II highlighted that 89% of these women self-referred to the hospital and that only 25% were admitted to the intensive care unit. Poor risk awareness and inadequate interprofessional collaboration contributed to missed opportunities. Study III showed that the lack of reproductive agency involved in facility-based births makes home births a first choice, regardless of potential risks and medical needs. Study IV demonstrated that TBAs need to be better connected with health facilities and skilled birth attendants (SBAs) to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidities in Somaliland.Conclusion: Women search for normality in birth, and the midwifery profession could provide this normality by facilitating resilience and reproductive agency while reducing adverse outcomes of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. There is a need to improve the quality of maternal health services by implementing evidence-based obstetric interventions and continuous in-service training. The referral system needs to be strengthened by utilising TBAs as a community resource to support community maternal and child health centres.