This final conversation, typically held 2-4 weeks after delivery, is to congratulate the mother, check on the health of both her and her new baby, provide crucial guidance for the postpartum period, and celebrate the successful journey.
Purpose of this Call: This final conversation, typically held 2-4 weeks after delivery, is to congratulate the mother, check on the health of both her and her new baby, provide crucial guidance for the postpartum period (the "fourth trimester"), and celebrate the successful journey.
Start with a warm, celebratory tone. Your excitement is contagious!
Acknowledge her strength and the incredible journey she has completed.
Collect final data points for our records (this is very valuable).
Empathetic Questions to Ask
"Hello [Mother's Name], this is [Your Name] from [Your NGO]. I was so happy to hear our baby has arrived! Huge congratulations to we and our family!"
"I would love to hear about the baby. Is it a boy or a girl?"
"What was the baby's birth weight? (This helps us know the baby had a healthy start)."
"Most importantly, how are YOU feeling after everything?"
2. Mother's Physical Recovery
Key Topics to Discuss
Normal Bleeding (Lochia): Explain that bleeding after birth is normal and can last for a few weeks, gradually becoming lighter.
Care for Stitches: For normal delivery, advise keeping the area clean and dry. For a C-section, advise keeping the incision clean and watching for signs of infection (redness, pus, fever).
Nutrition & Hydration: Remind her that her body needs good food and lots of water to heal and produce milk.
Rest: Emphasize the saying "sleep when the baby sleeps." Her body has done a marathon and needs to recover.
Empathetic Questions to Ask
"How is our body feeling? Are we experiencing much pain or discomfort?"
"How is our bleeding? Is it getting less over time?" (Check against red flags).
"Are we able to get some rest during the day?"
"It can be hard to find time, but are we managing to eat properly and drink plenty of water?"
3. Baby's Health & Well-being
Key Topics to Discuss
Feeding: Baby should be feeding 8-12 times in 24 hours.
Diaper Output: A good sign of hydration is 6-8 wet diapers per day.
Vaccinations: Remind her of the critical importance of the birth-dose and 6-week vaccinations (BCG, OPV 0, Hepatitis B, etc.).
Empathetic Questions to Ask
"How is the little one doing? Is the baby active?"
"How often is the baby feeding? Does the baby seem satisfied after a feed?"
"Have we taken the baby for a check-up with the doctor since coming home?"
"Do we have the baby's vaccination card? Do we know when the next date for 'suis' (vaccines) is?"
4. Breastfeeding Support
Key Topics to Discuss
"Liquid Gold": Explain that mother's milk is the best food for the baby for the first 6 months, protecting them from illness.
Common Challenges: Normalize challenges like sore nipples or worries about milk supply. Advise that frequent feeding increases milk supply.
Support: Encourage her to seek help from the ASHA or ANM if she is struggling.
Empathetic Questions to Ask
"How are we finding breastfeeding? Many mothers find it challenging at first."
"Are we experiencing any pain or discomfort while feeding?"
"Do we have any concerns about whether the baby is getting enough milk?"
"Is there someone at home who supports we, perhaps by bringing we a glass of water while we feed?"
5. Mother's Emotional Well-being (Mental Health)
Key Topics to Discuss
"Baby Blues": Explain that it's very normal to feel emotional, weepy, or overwhelmed for the first couple of weeks.
Postpartum Depression (PPD): Explain that if these feelings are very intense, last longer than two weeks, or include thoughts of hopelessness, she should talk to a doctor. It is a medical condition that can be treated.
The Importance of Support: Encourage her to talk to her partner, mother, or a friend about how she is feeling.
Empathetic Questions to Ask
"With the baby here, life changes so much. How have we been feeling emotionally?"
"Many new mothers feel up and down, sometimes crying for no reason. Have we experienced anything like that? It's very common."
"On a scale of 1 to 10, how would we rate our stress level right now?"
"Is there anyone we feel comfortable talking to when we feel overwhelmed or sad?"
(If we have concerns) "Sometimes, these sad feelings can become very strong. If that happens, it's a sign to get help, just like we would for a fever. Have we had any thoughts that worry we?"
6. Family Planning & Future Health
Key Topics to Discuss
Birth Spacing: Explain that giving her body time to heal (at least 18-24 months) before the next pregnancy is very important for her health and the health of her future children.
Contraception Options: Briefly mention that there are many safe methods available (pills, injections, Copper-T/IUD, condoms) and she can discuss them with her doctor.
The 6-Week Check-up: This is the perfect time to discuss family planning with her doctor.
Empathetic Questions to Ask
"Now that we have a beautiful new baby, it's also a good time to think about our own health for the future. Have we thought about how much time we would like before our next pregnancy?"
"There are many safe ways to plan our family. Would we be interested in learning more about them to discuss with our doctor at our next visit?"
7. Closing the Loop & Final Encouragement
Key Topics & Actions
The 6-Week Postpartum Visit: Remind her how critical it is to go for her own check-up around 6 weeks after delivery. This is for her health!
Thank and Appreciate: Thank her for her time and for allowing our NGO to be part of her journey.
Empower Her: End on a note of empowerment, praising her as a strong mother who is doing a great job.
Empathetic Questions to Ask
"Just as the baby has check-ups, our body also needs one. Do we have a plan for our 6-week check-up with the doctor?"
"Thank we so much for sharing our journey with us. We are so proud of we. Is there any final question or anything at all I can help we with today?"
"Remember, we are doing an amazing job. Be kind to yourself. We wish we and our baby all the health and happiness in the world."