But every mother also deserves one thing above all else: a safe childbirth experience.
Sadly, not all births are safe, especially in parts of the world where women face challenges such as limited access to healthcare, lack of support, or systemic inequalities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) created the Safe Childbirth Checklist to help reduce preventable risks and make sure every mother and baby get the care they need.
In this blog, I'll break down the WHO checklist in simple, everyday language, so that mothers, families, and caregivers can understand how to prepare for childbirth.
No confusing medical terms, just clear advice and supportive guidance you can use.
By the end, you’ll have a step-by-step understanding of what safe childbirth looks like, why the checklist matters, and how to use it to create a healthier, happier birth experience.
Why Safe Childbirth Matters
Childbirth should be a moment of joy, but for many women around the world, it can still be dangerous.
According to global reports, many mothers die each year from complications that could have been prevented.
These risks include severe bleeding, infections, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and difficulties during labor.
The good news? With the right preparation, skilled care, and awareness, many of these dangers can be avoided.
That’s where the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist comes in. It’s a simple, practical tool designed for mothers and healthcare workers to make sure no critical steps are missed before, during, and after childbirth.
To bring this closer to home, imagine two mothers: Aisha and Maria. Aisha gave birth in a small rural clinic where the WHO checklist was being used.
Every step was carefully followed—her blood pressure was checked, emergency medicine was prepared, and breastfeeding was supported within the first hour.
Maria, on the other hand, gave birth in a facility without proper checks. Her postpartum bleeding went unnoticed for too long, and she faced life-threatening complications.
This contrast shows why structured safety steps are so critical.
Read Also: Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage: What Every Mother Should Learn
What Is the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist?
The WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist is a list of essential practices that improve the safety of both mother and baby during delivery.
Think of it like a step-by-step guide to safer birth. It focuses on four key stages:
1. Admission (when you first arrive at the birth center or hospital)
2. Before pushing (or before a C-section)
3. Soon after birth (the first hour after delivery)
4. Before discharge (going home)
At each stage, the checklist reminds healthcare teams to double-check important things—like making sure the mother has a birth companion, checking her blood pressure, preparing for emergencies, keeping the baby warm, and encouraging breastfeeding.
Breaking Down the Checklist in Simple Terms
1. At Admission
When you arrive at the hospital or clinic, the team should:
- Welcome you warmly and let you have a birth companion (partner, sister, mother, or friend).
- Ask about your pregnancy history (any previous complications, health conditions, or medicines).
- Check your blood pressure, temperature, and overall health.
- Confirm your birth plan, including preferences for pain relief or cultural practices.
- Make sure blood, medicines, and emergency equipment are available if needed.
What you can do: Before going into labor, prepare your hospital bag with documents, a copy of your birth plan, baby clothes, and personal comfort items. Also, talk with your support person so they know how to help.
Example: Think of a mother named Nia who carried her birth plan with her.
When she arrived at the clinic, she showed the nurses her plan, which included her wish to breastfeed immediately after birth.
Because she prepared, her wishes were respected, and the team supported her quickly.
2. Before Pushing or Surgery
Before active labor or surgery begins, the healthcare team should:
- Confirm the baby’s position.
- Wash hands and ensure clean equipment.
- Review the mother’s condition (bleeding, blood pressure, contractions).
- Make sure an emergency plan is in place in case of complications.
What you can do: Ask questions if you don’t understand what is happening. Don’t be afraid to speak up—your voice matters.
Example: Sarah was nervous when her doctor suggested a C-section.
But before surgery, the team reviewed her health, explained the reasons, and made sure she understood.
This communication lowered her stress and helped her trust the process.
3. Soon After Birth
The first hour after delivery is crucial for both mom and baby. The team should:
- Check the mother for heavy bleeding.
- Keep the baby warm (skin-to-skin contact helps).
- Help start breastfeeding within the first hour.
- Give necessary medicines or vaccines to the baby.
- Encourage bonding between mother and child.
What you can do: Focus on skin-to-skin contact with your baby.
This helps regulate the baby’s temperature, heartbeat, and breathing. It also helps with bonding and milk production.
Example: In Kenya, a community hospital trained mothers on skin-to-skin care. One mother, Amina, said her baby cried less and fed better because of this practice. A simple act saved her baby from hypothermia.
4. Before Discharge
Before going home, the healthcare team should:
- Teach the mother how to recognize danger signs for herself and the baby.
- Provide guidance on breastfeeding and nutrition.
- Check that the baby is feeding well and gaining weight.
- Explain how to keep the umbilical cord clean and dry.
- Schedule follow-up visits.
What you can do: Write down the warning signs given by the doctor or nurse. Make sure you have emergency phone numbers saved in your phone.
Example: Maria was discharged with advice to look out for fever and heavy bleeding. Two days later, she developed a fever and rushed back to the hospital in time. Because she remembered the warning signs, her life was saved.
The Role of Family and Support Systems
Safe childbirth isn’t only about doctors and nurses—it also involves family, friends, and community.
Having a trusted companion during labor not only provides emotional comfort but has also been shown to improve health outcomes. Support systems can:
- Advocate for the mother if she feels unheard.
- Provide comfort and reassurance.
- Help remember important instructions from healthcare staff.
- Ensure follow-up care at home.
Example: In some cultures, grandmothers play a big role during childbirth. They remind new mothers about feeding and recovery traditions, blending cultural wisdom with modern health practices. This support can make mothers feel less alone and more confident.
Common Risks During Childbirth (and How the Checklist Helps)
1. Severe Bleeding (Postpartum Hemorrhage): The checklist reminds healthcare workers to check bleeding after birth and have medicines ready to stop it.
2. Infections: By washing hands, using sterile tools, and checking for fever, risks of infection drop.
3. High Blood Pressure/Seizures: Early checks for blood pressure can catch problems before they become dangerous.
4. Breathing Problems in Newborns: Immediate skin-to-skin and newborn care help babies adjust to life outside the womb.
Example: In India, clinics that adopted the checklist reduced complications significantly.
Mothers who might have faced severe bleeding were treated quickly because staff were reminded to check blood pressure and bleeding levels regularly.
How Moms Can Prepare for a Safer Birth
Make a Birth Plan: Write down your preferences for delivery, pain management, and who you want by your side.
Choose Your Birth Place Wisely: Look for hospitals or centers that follow WHO or national guidelines.
Pack Early: Have your hospital bag ready weeks before your due date.
Know the Warning Signs: Headaches, vision changes, swelling, heavy bleeding, or fever after delivery should not be ignored.
Stay Informed: Attend childbirth classes if available.
Example: Joy, a first-time mom, attended free childbirth classes offered by her community center.
She learned relaxation techniques and how to recognize early labor. When her labor started, she was calm and ready.
FAQ: Questions Mothers Ask Every Day
1. What is the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist?
It’s a simple guide made by the World Health Organization to make childbirth safer for moms and babies. It ensures no important steps are missed before, during, or after delivery.
2. Is the checklist only for doctors and nurses?
No. While it was designed for health workers, mothers and families can also benefit by knowing what safe care looks like.
3. Can I use the checklist if I give birth at home?
Yes, but it is most effective in hospitals or clinics. If planning a home birth, make sure your midwife or birth assistant is trained in safe practices.
4. What are the biggest risks during childbirth?
The most common risks include severe bleeding, infections, high blood pressure problems, and complications for the baby.
5. How can I prepare for safe childbirth?
Prepare a birth plan, pack your hospital bag early, know the danger signs, and make sure your chosen birth place is safe and well-equipped.
6. Does the checklist replace doctors?
No. It is a supportive tool. Skilled medical care is still essential.
7. Why is breastfeeding within the first hour important?
It helps the baby’s immune system, encourages bonding, and helps the mother’s body recover by reducing bleeding.
8. What should I watch for after going home?
Warning signs include heavy bleeding, severe headaches, chest pain, fever, or if your baby refuses to feed or has trouble breathing. Seek help immediately.
9. How can families support safe childbirth?
They can provide emotional support, help remind mothers of danger signs, ensure mothers attend follow-up visits, and advocate for better care.
10. Are safe childbirth practices the same worldwide?
The basics are the same—clean care, monitoring, breastfeeding, and support. But local traditions, facilities, and resources may vary.
Final Thoughts
Every mother deserves a safe and supportive birth experience. The WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist is not just a tool for doctors—it’s a guide for mothers, families, and communities.
By knowing what safe childbirth looks like, you can speak up, ask the right questions, and feel more confident as you welcome your baby into the world.
Childbirth is powerful, beautiful, and sometimes unpredictable. But with the right preparation and care, it can also be safe. And that’s a gift every mother and child deserves.
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