In 2024, the public hospitals of the Illes Balears attended a total of 6,764 births, highlighting comprehensive and quality care in maternal and neonatal health. In addition, the primary care women’s units in the Illes Balears carried out 227,367 consultations during the same period, ensuring close and professional follow-up for women during pregnancy and postpartum.

This April 7th, coinciding with the World Health Day, the World Health Organization dedicates the day to maternal and newborn health, under the slogan “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures.” This initiative highlights the importance of proper care during births in Balears, emphasizing that the well-being of mothers and newborns is the foundation of healthy families and communities.

The Health Service of the Illes Balears works to ensure that births in Balears are safe and respectful, promoting woman-centered care with a focus on shared decision-making, effective communication, and comprehensive support during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

Care for Births in Balears

births in Balears in 2024

Among the main areas of action in the care of births in Balears are:

  1. Woman-centered care: Promoting respect, communication, and shared decision-making between the woman and the healthcare team.

  2. Comprehensive pregnancy follow-up: Ensuring regular check-ups, screening tests, ultrasounds, and early detection of risks for births in Balears.

  3. Risk pregnancy detection: Identification through clinical, social, and psychological criteria to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

  4. Respect for the physiology of childbirth: Prioritizing natural and minimally medicated childbirth whenever possible during births in Balears.

  5. Emotional and physical support during childbirth: Close accompaniment, use of free positions, and non-pharmacological pain relief techniques in births in Balears.

  6. Immediate care for the baby: Skin-to-skin contact, early breastfeeding, and support during postpartum adaptation after births in Balears.

  7. Postpartum follow-up: Postpartum check-ups for both mother and baby, focusing on mental health and breastfeeding support.

  8. Detection of vulnerability situations: Special attention to women at social risk, experiencing violence, or with mental health issues.

Midwives play a crucial role in preparing the pregnant woman and her partner or companions for childbirth and postpartum. In addition to providing information about pregnancy and childbirth, they teach breathing, relaxation, and pain management techniques, and support recovery after childbirth, breastfeeding, and baby care.