Hotel for pregnant women mitigates bad weather in Turkey’s southeast

HAKKARİ – Anadolu Agency

A hotel formed for pregnant women in the eastern province of Hakkari has become an important sanctuary in the face of the frequently bad weather in the province. 

The “mother hotel” has served a total of 907 women ahead of birth who might not be able to reach a hospital in time due to bad weather that often closes roads.

“We want to make pregnant woman our guests before labor especially in winter time, taking the climate and the geographical location of our province in to account,” said the chief physician of the Hakkari State Hospital, Seda Baştürk, adding that early intervention saves lives. 

Formed in 2008 with just two beds, the number of beds in the “mother hotel” was raised to eight in time. The hotel helps pregnant women as they journey from home to hospital. 

The facility helps women give birth without taking any risks. In addition, mothers who have recently given birth and whose babies require treatment can stay at the hospital, too. 

Due to weather conditions, treatment for women in villages can be delayed, thus putting the baby and the mother at risk, Baştürk said the project was launched in order to prevent late treatment for pregnant women. 

“The aim here is to provide the necessary intervention when the women go into labor without losing any time. We think that we won’t put the women in trouble but will save the baby and the mother’s lives by keeping track of the process when the mother is close to labor,” Baştürk said. 

Leyla Bor, who recently gave birth, said it has become very difficult for women to give birth after roads were closed due to heavy snow. 

“I’ve been here for three days. I’m closer to my child. Such a thing didn’t exist before,” Bor told Anadolu Agency, adding that she appreciated the rooms in the facility.

“Previously we were coming and going to the hospital and it was very difficult. This is a great service. I thank everyone for launching this project,” she also said.