Swasth Kadam provides timely support to first-time mother Suchita

Kartika from Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) was enrolled in the Swasth Kadam programme at the age of one year and five months. At registration, her weight was 8 kg, which was below the expected range for her age. Suchita (Kartika’s mother) attributed this to loose motions that Kartika was suffering from at the time, for which she had been administered the medication.

Suchita diligently follows Swasth Kadam’s advice and Kartika being her first child, actively seeks guidance on childcare practices. She stopped feeding Kartika tea and junk food after learning about their adverse effects from the Swasth Kadam counsellor. On another occasion, Suchita sought advice on deworming Kartika, learning the importance of administering the medication every six months.

Upon noticing white patches under Kartika’s eyes, Suchita consulted a doctor who diagnosed the child with low haemoglobin. The doctor prescribed Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) tablets, which Suchita initially hesitated to give. Swasth Kadam counsellors educated Suchita on the benefits of IFA tablets, also suggesting incorporating iron-rich foods like carrots and beetroot into Kartika’s diet. Following this advice, Kartika’s haemoglobin levels improved significantly.

Furthermore, Swasth Kadam counsellors discussed family planning with Suchita, emphasising the importance of spacing pregnancies for the good health of the mother.

Currently, Kartika is two years old and weighs 10kg, and Suchita is happy with her progress.

Swasth Kadam programme provides live telephonic counselling for caregivers of infants aged 6-36 months with moderate malnutrition, with an aim to prevent their decline into severe malnutrition and support their recovery.