By Rara Dethan, Quality Improvement Coordinator for HAI-Timor-Leste

Ana Paula da Silva Sequera has worked as a government midwife for nine years and is a participant in HAI’s Learning Lab program. Recognized by the National Institute of Health in Timor-Leste, Learning Lab is an innovative follow-up after training approach that seeks to strengthen midwife capacity in the workplace. HAI midwives facilitate Learning Labs on Safe and Clean Delivery and Essential Newborn Care using simulation, mannequins and other adult learning methods.

In early October 2016, a woman only six months pregnant came into Ana’s clinic saying she was in labor. Ana conducted a comprehensive exam and discovered that the mother was indeed in full labor and ready to deliver.  The baby was born weighing only 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) and was not breathing. Despite feeling nervous about resuscitating such a small baby, Ana remembered her Learning Lab training on standards of care for newborns with asphyxia. Shortly after Ana performed resuscitation, the premature baby started crying and was successfully referred to the national hospital for continued care.

At two months old the baby is now a healthy 6.6 pound (3 kilograms) infant, is active and  breastfeeding well.

“I am very grateful. Learning Lab boosted my confidence in taking action in rare cases. I hope I can maintain the skills I learned in Learning Labs and apply them in my daily work to improve the health services in the community’, said Ana.

After the completion of a Learning Lab cycle, HAI midwives conduct periodic visits to ensure that skills are maintained.

Learn more about our programs in Timor-Leste here and please consider supporting HAI’s critical work all over the world.