MCH Introductory Concepts

Routine maternal and child health services
Routine MCH/FP services are globally accepted interventions proven to be effective measures to improve maternal and child health.
These are part of the basic services that should be made available to women and children. They include the following:
Before and during pregnancy:
• information and services for family planning;
• antenatal care;
• tetanus toxoid immunization;
• advice regarding proper nutrition, breast-feeding, easing discomforts of pregnancy, and place of delivery;
• early detection and management of problems such as eclampsia/pre-eclampsia, bleeding, miscarriage;
• detection and treatment of existing diseases such as anaemia, malaria, sexually transmitted diseases, hookworm infestation, cardio-vascular disease; and
• sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS awareness.
During delivery
• clean and safe delivery; and
• recognition, early detection and management of complications such as haemorrhage, eclampsia, prolonged/obstructed labour.
After delivery, for the mother:
• promotion, early initiation and support for breast-feeding;
• advice regarding proper nutrition and hygiene;
• management of breast problems;
• recognition and management of postpartum complications such as haemorrhage, sepsis, eclampsia; and
• information and services for family planning.

After delivery, for the new-born:
• immediate new-born care including basic resuscitation and thermal regulation;
• early and exclusive breast-feeding; and
• prevention and management of infections including opthalmia neonatorum and cord infections.

Child care:
• immunization;
• breast-feeding support;
• advice regarding child care and nutrition;
• monitoring of growth and development; and
• management of acute respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases and other common diseases among children.
Problem-based maternal and child health interventions
Problem-based interventions are directed to address specific problems or conditions that are present in particular areas, such as endemic diseases, poor access to care, lack of skills among health providers, etc.
Examples of problem-based maternal and child health interventions include:
• iron/folic supplementation for pregnant and postpartum women;
• vitamin A supplementation for children and postpartum women;
• iodine supplementation for women 15 - 40 years old;
• dietary supplementation for pregnant or breast-feeding women or malnourished children;
• malaria prophylaxis;
• establishment of birthing centres and maternal waiting homes;
• training of traditional birth attendants;
• training of midwives on how to conduct home deliveries;
• skills training for nurses and midwives on essential obstetric functions; and
• outreach maternal and child health activities