Practice 11: Adolescent & Maternal Nutrition

Ensure that the children, adolescents and women receive adequate amounts of micronutrients (vitamin A, iron, zinc and folic acid) either in their diet or through supplements.

• Talk about the importance of iron folic and nutrition during pregnancy and child growth and development.
• Ask about what type of nutrition the mother is taking, and is she taking iron folic?
• Ask if there are any barriers to the pregnant woman accessing nutritious food in the family and discuss the reasons.
• Listen attentively.

• Appreciate if the mother is taking care of her diet and taking iron folic regularly.
• If not, discuss why she is not doing so. For example, she is not taking iron folic because she feels nauseated after taking it or they cannot afford meat and fruits.

• Guide the mother on affordable vegetables, fruits etc. and how to take iron/folic
• Practice with mother about talking to husband/family if required.
  • For example, talking to the husband/family on how iron and folic acid affects the growth of the baby, especially early brain development of baby in the womb, and should be consumed.

• Pregnant or lactating mother should take adequate amount of food including carbs, meat, milk, fruits & vegetables.
• All pregnant women need additional food and energy; they should take one extra meal in addition to their regular meals.
• Adequate food and iron/folic acid keeps mother, girl and child healthy, and is essential for the growth of the child’s brain. Ask/check with your health provider.
• Multi-micronutrient powder is essential for children aged 6 to 23 months, in addition to food.