Attend all of your clinic appointments; you should have at least four during pregnancy.
These check-ups are important for you to learn about your own health and how your baby is growing.
Take any multi-micronutrient supplements or medicines prescribed by your health care provider.
Learn your HIV status, attend all the clinic appointments, and take the medicines advised by your health care provider.
Get more rest, especially in the last three months of your pregnancy.
Make a birth plan with your partner and family. This should include a plan for:
How you will be transported to the health facility to deliver your baby
What you will bring with you to the birth, including blankets and clothing for your baby
Who will accompany you to the birth of your child
Who will take care of your home responsibilities and other children, if there are any
How you will pay for any services, food, supplies or medicines that you or your baby might need
Ensure that health providers and family members support you in the early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding of your baby.
At birth
Hold your newborn skin-to-skin immediately after birth. This will keep your baby warm and breathing well, help him or her reach the breast easily, and help you and your baby feel close.
Begin breastfeeding within the first hour of birth. Early breastfeeding helps the baby learn to breastfeed while the breast is still soft and helps reduce your bleeding.
Colostrum, the first, thick yellowish milk, protects your baby from illness and helps remove the baby’s first dark stool.
Breastfeed frequently to help your breastmilk ‘come in’ and to ensure plenty of breastmilk.
Do not give water or other liquids or fluids to your baby during the first days after birth. They are not necessary and are dangerous for your newborn.
