Maternal and Child Health(MCH) is a comprehensive health care approach instituted to ensure the provision of , preventive, treatable , rehabilitative services to women during pre-conception , pregnancy and after pregnancy, and for child health and care for children below 5 years. It focuses on educating women on ways to preserve their health and nutrition status, and that of their young ones. It therefore takes precedence on the need for establishing proper nutrition from when a child is born and provides guidance on breastfeeding practices, and weaning .The initiative explicates the essence of initiation of breastfeed once the child is born and subse exclusive breastfeeding until child is 6 months. Taking into account the common under-nutrition concerns common in young children, this health initiative sees to it that awareness on nutrient adequacy and variety is emphasized from an early age. MCH acknowledges the importance of proper introduction to weaning by suggesting complementary foods that not only provide energy but other macronutrients and micronutrients adequately. It informs on having good nutrition status both for the mother , and it involves understanding the foods required, their quantities and the variety of foods that can be included to obtain the various nutrients.
to reduce risk of complications for both mother and child during pregnancy and even after child is born. the And since the health of young children cannot be isolated from that of their mother, the MCH programme
Family planning-Couples are informed on the various family planning methods . i.e. hormonal and non-hormonal alternatives,. The health personnel inform the patient on the most suitable contraceptive for them according to their lifestyles, medications, medical history etc.
Maternal health
Pre-conception-the women are educated on foods to consume and
Pregnancy- in the first trimester, the women are provided supplements mainly Iron and folic acids to reduce deficiencies and related complications. Weight is monitored through the pregnancy to ensure consistent weight gain, recommendably 10-12 kgs of weight gain through the pregnancy. They encouraged avoiding drinking and smoking to reduce complications such as foe\tal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
Postnatal care-The woman is trained on proper initiation of breastfeeding , exclusive breastfeeding and the introduction of weaning during subsequent clinic visits.
Child health-attending regular visits as recommended by doctor when child is below 2 years , the importance of supplementation i.e. Vitamin A supplementation is , how to reduce infections i.e. by promoting proper hygiene and sanitation and good nutrition , deworming