News
Empowering Mothers and Newborns: A Step Toward a Healthier Tomorrow
09 Apr 2025
Time:10am-1pm
Event: Extension outreach programme
Venue: Community Health Centre (CHC), Kalyanpur.
Theme: “HEALTHY BEGINNINGS, HOPEFUL FUTURES”.
Focused topic: “Empowering Mothers and Newborns for a Healthier Tomorrow”.
Organized by: Department of OBG, Faculty of Nursing, Rama university.
Objectives:
- To educate mothers about essential maternal and child health practices.
- To encourage institutional deliveries and immunization.
- To raise awareness on nutrition, hygiene, and breastfeeding.
- To strengthen the mother-child bond through community support and education.
INTRODUCTION:
World Health Day is observed annually on April 7th to raise awareness about global health issues. In observance of this day, an extension outreach programme was organized at CHC Kalyanpur to address maternal and newborn health under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” And specially focused on the topic Empowering Mothers and Newborns for a Healthier Tomorrow”. This initiative aimed to promote awareness and empower mothers for better health outcomes for themselves and their newborns.
Event Overview:
The theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures” emphasizes the critical importance of maternal and newborn health as the foundation for a thriving society. This program is specially designed around the core belief that when mothers are empowered and newborns are given the best possible start in life, the ripple effects are felt across families, communities, and generations. With a focused topic, “Empowering Mothers and Newborns for a Healthier Tomorrow,” the initiative aims to promote awareness, education, and sustainable practices that support maternal well-being and newborn care.
Program Highlights
- Health Education Sessions
The health education sessions were designed to educate participants on essential topics that are crucial for maternal and child well-being. The 3rd year GNM students, under the supervision of Ms.Garima, conducted the following sessions:
- Nutrition during Pregnancy
The students highlighted the significance of proper nutrition during pregnancy, covering essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, protein, and folic acid, which are crucial for both the mother and developing fetus. The session stressed the importance of balanced diets and avoiding harmful substances such as alcohol and smoking.
- Breastfeeding Techniques
Students explained the importance of breastfeeding and demonstrated correct breastfeeding techniques to ensure mothers can provide the best nutrition for their newborns. Emphasis was placed on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
- Immunization
The students educated the attendees on the importance of immunization for newborns and infants to protect against diseases like polio, measles, and diphtheria. The schedule for vaccinations was also shared with the mothers.
- Hygiene and Handwashing
A session was held on hygiene practices, especially focusing on proper handwashing techniques to prevent infections. This is critical in maintaining the health of both mothers and their newborns.
- Early Newborn Care
The students also provided education on essential newborn care practices, such as cord care, bathing techniques, and the importance of keeping the baby warm.
- Poster Presentation
As part of the health education initiative, the 3rd year GNM students designed and presented a series of posters on various health topics relevant to maternal and child health. The posters were displayed in a central area for all participants to view and learn from. Key topics featured on the posters included:
- Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy Visual representations of food groups and tips on what to eat during pregnancy to ensure both maternal and fetal health.
- Breastfeeding Benefits and Techniques Illustrative posters showing different breastfeeding positions and techniques, along with information on how breastfeeding supports infant immunity and growth.
- Immunization Schedule for Infants A clear and easy-to-understand immunization schedule, showing the timeline of recommended vaccines and their importance.
- Hygiene Practices for Newborn Care Posters demonstrating the correct ways to wash hands and take care of the newborn’s hygiene.
The posters were designed to be visually appealing, with clear and concise information, making them accessible to all literacy levels. These materials served as valuable resources for mothers and caregivers in the community.
- Interactive Q&A Session Following the poster presentation and health education session, the students hosted an interactive Q&A segment. During this time, mothers and community members had the opportunity to ask questions and clarify any doubts they had about the topics covered. This allowed the students to provide personalized advice and engage directly with the participants.
Feedback from Participants
- Positive Response to Poster Presentations: Many participants expressed their appreciation for the posters, particularly the simplicity of the visuals and the effectiveness of the information in conveying key messages. They found the posters an excellent reference for daily practices.
- Interactive and Engaging Sessions: Participants highlighted the engaging nature of the education sessions, especially the visual aids and the practical demonstrations provided by the GNM students. The mothers felt more confident about applying what they had learned in real-life situations, particularly regarding breastfeeding techniques and newborn care.
- Increased Awareness: Several participants mentioned that they had gained new insights into the importance of nutrition during pregnancy and the need to adhere to vaccination schedules. The Q&A session was particularly helpful in addressing specific concerns, which allowed them to take proactive steps in their health care practices.
Outcomes and Impact
The health education and poster presentation program had a significant positive impact on the community:
- Empowerment of Mothers and Caregivers: By providing information on maternal and child health, the program empowered mothers to take better care of themselves and their newborns. They gained confidence in managing common challenges, such as breastfeeding and newborn care.
- Improved Knowledge on Immunization and Hygiene: Participants left the session with a better understanding of the importance of immunization and hygiene practices, leading to a higher likelihood of practicing these behaviors in their daily routines.
- Encouragement of Healthy Practices: The program encouraged mothers to follow proper nutrition guidelines and seek regular antenatal care. This is expected to contribute to healthier pregnancies and improved outcomes for mothers and children in the long term
CHC Staff Feedback:
Acknowledgment of Community Engagement Efforts: The Medical officer and staff at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Kalyanpur acknowledged the efforts of the Faculty of Nursing organizers in fostering community engagement. They recognized the program’s significant contribution to improving maternal and child health knowledge and its positive impact on the local community.
Conclusion
The health education and poster presentation program conducted by the 3rd year GNM students was a highly successful initiative in enhancing maternal and child health awareness within the Kalyanpur community. Through engaging educational sessions and visually impactful posters, the students were able to impart vital health knowledge to mothers and caregivers. The program not only improved the participants' understanding of essential health practices but also helped create a supportive environment for mothers to adopt healthier behaviors for themselves and their children.
The positive feedback from participants and the strong interest in future educational sessions demonstrate the program's success in meeting the community’s needs. This outreach initiative has undoubtedly contributed to promoting better health practices and fostering a healthier future for mothers and newborns in the Kalyanpur community.
