Pregnancy, maternal health and birth defects, fact sheets in English and Spanish

A US resource developed by the March of Dimes: (Scroll down the individual fact sheet to find translated edition).

Link [Last update: 2006-01-16; 12:28]

The Association for Post-Natal Illness

A telephone helpline and information leaflets for sufferers and healthcare professionals as well as a network of volunteers, (telephone and postal), who have themselves experienced postnatal illness. Aims to provide support to mothers suffering from post-natal illness, increase public awareness of the illness and to encourage research into its cause and nature.

Link [Last update: 2006-01-16; 12:28]

Action on Pre-Eclampsia: information and support for women at risk

A range of information and support for women at risk of, or affected by, pre-eclampsia.
Includes conferences and study days for health professionals plus membership services, including newsletter with research updates.

Link [Last update: 2006-01-16; 12:29]

La Leche League (breast feeding information in 12 languages)

A growing collection of breastfeeding information in languages other than English, including Chinese, Czech, Dutch, Flemish, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Slovenian and Spanish. Plus many articles containing breastfeeding information in Spanish and Italian. You need to contact La Leche for publications- unable to download from site (see link below).

Link [Last update: 2006-01-16; 12:29]

People who move: new reproductive health focus

An article by Gardner, R. and Blackburn, R in the Population Reports, Series J, No. 45 (1996).
This extensive literature review compares and contrasts the reproductive health needs of voluntary migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons, and reviews international efforts to offer reproductive health services to these special populations. It examines the characteristics of voluntary and involuntary migrants, including their fertility levels and knowledge and use of family planning. It reviews their reproductive health concerns and examines the challenges in delivering reproductive health information and services to them. The Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.

Link [Last update: 2006-01-16; 12:29]

Women and armed conflict: fact sheet on sexual health

This site offers information on contraceptive needs, reproductive health and contacts for international experts. Recently, "ethnic cleansing" and changing patterns of conflict that target civilians have made women and children even more vulnerable. Rape, forced pregnancy and sexual torture are now classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity. Most displaced women remain without access to reproductive health care, safe birthing conditions, contraceptive services or counselling.

Link [Last update: 2006-01-16; 12:29]

Reproductive health of war-affected populations: what do we know?

An article by McGinn (2002).
This thorough review article presents all available data on how displacement affects women's reproductive health status. Fertility levels may go up or down in these populations. In the short term, they may be affected by the severity of the emergency; in the long term, however, they may be affected by broader social and demographic factors. While the risks and outcomes of pregnancy are poor during the active stages of conflict, once the situation stabilizes, refugees may receive better health care, with better outcomes, than in their home country. Displacement and the presence of the military increase the spread of STIs during conflicts; this affects host communities as well as refugees.

Link [Last update: 2006-01-16; 12:30]

The Reproductive Health Outlook (RHO) website: Safe motherhood

RHO provides up-to-date summaries of research findings, program experience, and clinical guidelines related to key reproductive health topics, plus analyses of policy and program implications.

Link [Last update: 2006-01-16; 12:30]

UNHCR: Sex as 'currency' makes refugee women more vulnerable to AIDS

A summary article of the key issues.
Type article title in 'search' on UNHCR homepage: link below.

Link [Last update: 2006-01-16; 12:30]

Reproductive Health Response in Conflict Consortium (RHRC Consortium)

Quite a difficult website to navigate but some interesting background documents.

Link [Last update: 2006-01-16; 12:31]

Refugee reproductive health

The Reproductive Health Outlook (RHO) website provides up-to-date summaries of research findings; program experience; and clinical guidelines related to key reproductive health topics; plus analyses of policy and program implications. An objective of RHO is to help users link with quality on line resources and collaborate with colleagues around the world.

Link [Last update: 2006-01-16; 12:31]

IPPF: Reproductive Health in refugee situations: An inter-agency field manual

International Planned Parenthood Federation. A comprehensive field guide.

Link [Last update: 2006-01-16; 12:31]

Maternity Payments for asylum seekers

A one off grant of £300 will be paid to parents of newborn babies who are supported by NASS, provided the application is made up to one month before the expected delivery date or up to two weeks after the birth. The grant is payable per child, in the form of 'emergency' vouchers, valid for four weeks from the date of issue.
Queries about applications for maternity payments should be faxed to 020 8633 0213, with a hard copy posted to the Refugee Council.

Link [Last update: 2006-01-16; 12:32]