Things You Should Consider: Maternal, Infant & Child Health

The World Health Organization defines the health of women and children as a priority for global development and attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. The health of a mother and her newborn baby profoundly impacts the future health, growth, and productivity of a nation. Maternal and child health refers to women’s health during pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and the health of the newborn and the child until the age of five.

Maternal and child health is an essential part of healthcare. Early interventions and assistance to mothers and children can significantly improve the quality of life and a child’s chances of survival and success. This blog looks into some of the ways healthcare organizations look to improve maternal and child health.

• What is maternal, infant & child health?
• How to care for your newborn
• Importance of vaccinations during Infancy
• Tips to Look After Your Child’s Health

What is maternal, infant & child health?

Maternal, infant and child health is a field of public health focused on improving the health and well-being of mothers, infants and children. It includes a wide range of activities, from ensuring that pregnant women have access to quality health care to promoting breastfeeding and providing children immunizations and other preventive care. Many factors can impact maternal, infant and child health, including a woman’s health before she becomes pregnant, her diet and lifestyle during pregnancy, the quality of her health care, and her access to resources and support after the birth of her child. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, women and children face a number of health challenges, including poverty, poor nutrition, and a lack of access to quality health care. Despite the challenges, there have been some successes in improving maternal, infant and child health. For example, the number of women dying from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth has declined significantly in recent years, thanks partly to better access to health care and improved medical care. And more children are surviving into adulthood thanks to advances in child health care, such as immunizations and treatment for childhood illnesses. There is still more work to be done to ensure that all women and children have access to the care and services they need to be healthy. But by working to improve maternal, infant and child health, we can make a real difference in the lives of mothers and children worldwide.

How to care for your newborn

When you first bring your newborn home, it can be daunting to care for them. Here are a few tips to help you care for your newborn:

• Get to know your baby. Each baby is different and you will quickly learn their cues and what they need.

• Bond with your baby. This can be done through skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, or simply holding and cuddling your baby.

• Keep your baby clean. It means regularly bathing them, changing their diapers, and keeping their hands and faces clean.

• Keep your baby warm. Dress them in warm clothes, ensure their sleeping area is warm, and avoid drafts.

• Be patient. Newborns need a lot of care and attention, which can sometimes be overwhelming. Just take it one day at a time, and you will get the hang of it!

Importance of vaccinations during Infancy

Vaccinations are an important part of preventative healthcare for infants. They help protect against several potentially serious diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. Immunisations help to reduce the spread of these diseases and can also help to reduce the severity of symptoms if a child does contract one of these illnesses.

Vaccinations are usually given as part of a routine immunisation schedule recommended by health authorities to provide the best protection against disease. It is vital to follow this schedule as closely as possible, as it is designed to ensure that infants are vaccinated at the most effective time in their development.

If you have any concerns about vaccinations or are unsure whether your child is up to date with their immunisations, it is crucial to speak to your healthcare provider. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your child.

Tips to Look After Your Child’s Health

• Make sure your child eats a healthy diet. A balanced diet is important for a child’s growth and development.

• Encourage your child to be active. Physical activity is important for a child’s overall health and well-being.

• Help your child develop healthy habits. Habits such as regular hand-washing can help prevent illness.

• Keep your child up-to-date on immunizations. Immunizations can protect your child from serious diseases.

• Teach your child about good hygiene. Good hygiene habits can help prevent illness and spread of infection.

By following these tips, you can help your child stay healthy and happy.