Strengthening mother and child health through timely intervention and care
Sushma’s Story from Gilaula block, Shravasti
Sushma Devi, a young woman from Kahari village in Gilaula block, was facing a difficult phase of life. At just 24 years of age, she was pregnant again while her first child, baby Avanish was still very young (a year old). With her husband often migrating for work and limited support at home, Sushma carried on her daily responsibilities and looking after the little one without giving much attention to her own health.
During a routine home visit, the project team observed that Sushma was around five months pregnant and appeared weak and exhausted. Further assessment with support from ANM revealed that her vitals put her pregnancy at high risk. Without timely care, there was a serious possibility of complications for both the mother and the unborn child, including the risk of delivering an unhealthy baby.
The Intervention:
Through consistent discussions and follow-up by the team, Sushma and her family were guided on the importance of adequate rest, improved diet and regular antenatal check-ups. She was encouraged to attend VHSND sessions, where her health was monitored and supplements were provided during the Godh bharayi ceremony. With coordinated support from the health and ICDS frontline workers, Sushma received timely treatment, including IFA and calcium supplementation, which gradually improved her condition.
Equally important was the emotional reassurance she received through regular home visits, helped build her confidence and awareness about pregnancy care, institutional delivery and infant, complimentary/ supplementary feeding practices. These sustained efforts ensured that Sushma completed her pregnancy safely.
Impact
In October 2025, Sushma delivered a healthy baby boy, Harshit (meaning happy child) at a health facility. Today, she is breastfeeding her child, continuing her nutrition and supplement intakes, she feels more aware and confident about caring for her own health and her children’s well-being through improved nutrition intake.
Sushma’s journey highlights how early identification, regular follow-up and coordinated support can prevent adverse outcomes and significantly improve maternal and child health, especially among vulnerable families in rural communities.
