MIYCN-FP Counselling Cards

The card is designed to be used during home visits or dialogue groups and features illustrations on one side and key messages on the other. The card emphasizes the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child's life, citing benefits such as strong and healthy growth, infant survival, and protection from diseases. It also notes that breastfeeding can help space pregnancies, provided the mother is not menstruating and the baby is below six months old. The card advises mothers to wait at least two years before becoming pregnant again, citing benefits such as improved health for the mother and child, more time for breastfeeding and childcare, and more time for the mother's body to recover between pregnancies. It also notes that mothers may become pregnant again even if their menstrual period has not returned. The card provides guidance on good nutrition for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, recommending a variety of locally available foods, including beans, green leafy vegetables, meat, and fruits. It also advises mothers to take vitamin A and iron/folate supplementation after delivery. In addition to nutrition, the card emphasizes the importance of family planning and provides information on various methods that can be used while continuing to breastfeed. It also notes that condoms should be used to prevent the transmission of HIV and STIs. The card encourages mothers to practice good nutrition and to breastfeed on demand, both day and night. It also advises mothers to consider joining a mother support group in their community and to consult their healthcare provider for more information on family planning. The card provides guidance on introducing other nutritious family foods to the baby at six months of age and continuing to breastfeed for two years and beyond. It also reminds mothers that they can become pregnant even if their menstrual period has not returned and encourages them to use a family planning method to prevent another pregnancy too soon. Overall, the counseling card is designed to provide mothers and family members with accurate and reliable information on mother and child nutrition and family planning, with the goal of improving the health and well-being of mothers and children in Kenya.