Supriya is a resident of Kothur village in Ranga Reddy, Telangana. A health officer and local ASHA worker from the Strengthening Community-based Healthcare Services for Mothers and Babies project registered her under the programme during a door-to-door visit. She was in the third month of her pregnancy at that time.

She said the health worker visited me regularly for follow-ups throughout my pregnancy. The health officer and the ASHA worker took me to the Primary Health Center for consultation and informed me about the precautions to be taken during the pregnancy. During the counseling sessions, they told me the importance of eating nutritious food in small intervals rather than having three heavy meals. They also suggested eating more fruits. Eating smaller quantities 4-5 times a day helps better digestion. She Said they also told me not to lift heavy weights during the pregnancy.

In the last month of the pregnancy, the water broke, but contractions did not start. I immediately called the ASHA and was taken to the nearby PHC. The PHC referred me to the Government Hospital in Hyderabad. Since I was not having labour pains, the PHC could not help me to deliver the baby. I gave birth to my child at the Government hospital in Hyderabad. It was a normal delivery, but the baby was underweight. His birth weight was only 2KG.

After I came home, the ASHA worker and Health Accelerator (HA) visited me and informed me about the KMC technique (Kangaroo Mother Care). They also helped me learn the proper way of breastfeeding and helping the baby in burping. They told me that under-weight birth babies are more prone to infections and also told me ways to prevent my newborn from the risk. They counseled me about nutritious food intake for me and the newborn. By KMC technique, the baby gained weight and became healthier soon.

The project health officer and ASHA worker counseled me during the Anta Natal Care period, the delivery and post-delivery periods. They continued regularly checking up on my and the child’s wellbeing. Their support remained consistent, and it has been a tremendous support.

Humana People to People India started implementing the Strengthening Community-based Healthcare Services for Mothers and Babies project in Rangareddy district Telangana in April 2016 in partnership with the government of Telangana. The project entered its second phase in April 2019 and continued till March 2021. The second phase specially focused on Maternal and child health.