ASHA ShikshaMother & Newborn Care · 4/5
Home-based newborn care (HBNC)
calendar_monthHBNC home visits
Visit the newborn at home on day 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 after a hospital delivery. If the baby was born at home, also visit on day 1. Visit low birth weight babies more often.
Fill the HBNC format at every visit.
favoriteBreastfeed within 1 hour
Start breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth. The first yellow milk (colostrum) is the baby's first vaccine. Give only breast milk for 6 months - no water, honey, ghutti or other milk.
Feed 8-12 times in 24 hours, day and night.
homeKeep the baby warm
Dry the baby, wrap in clean cloth, cover the head, and keep with the mother. Skin-to-skin contact (Kangaroo Mother Care) is best, especially for small babies. Delay the first bath.
Keep the cord clean and dry. Do not apply anything on it.
scaleWeigh the baby
Weigh every newborn. A baby weighing less than 2.5 kg is low birth weight and needs extra care: more frequent feeding, KMC, and more visits.
Babies below 1.8 kg or unable to suck should be referred.
warningNewborn danger signs
Not able to suck, fits, fast breathing (60 or more per minute), chest in-drawing, very cold or hot body, baby very sleepy or limp, yellow palms and soles, or red and pus-filled cord. Refer at once.
Count breathing for a full 1 minute when the baby is calm.
infoFor training ASHA workers. Always follow your ANM, Medical Officer and the latest Government guidelines. In an emergency, call 108.