By Wendy Anders

Alajuela’s public hospital announced a series of changes for women giving birth including allowing them to choose from three different positions and receive better hydration while in labor, reported the Costa Rican Social Security Bureau (CCSS).

The public health care system is aiming to improve women’s and their partner’s experiences during birth under a new policy called the “Integral Policy on Good Treatment” adopted by the bureau’s board of directors, said Alajuela medical director Francisco Pérez.

Jorge García Ramírez, obstetrician at the Alajuela hospital and coordinator of a project to transform care during labor and commit to humane treatment, said the main thrust of the project is to strengthen education and awareness about the new services available.

García Ramírez invited people to visit their Facebook page (Sala de Partos Hospital San Rafael de Alajuela) for updates on educational talks, information, and the opportunity to ask questions.

Tuesday evening at 6:00 a talk on breastfeeding will be held in the hospital auditorium and is free and open to the public.

The hospital attends around 5,000 births each year, and offers couples a birth preparation class held Mondays and Tuesdays in the auditorium.

“We are offering first class medical care, and we want patients, their families, and the general public to be aware of these services,” said García.