Time: 11AM – 1PM

Venue: OBG Ward, 2^nd floor, Vydehi
Hospital

Organized by: Department of Obstetrical  & Gynecological Nursing, VINS & RC Theme: Smart Motherhood: Skill Enhancement Programme

The students of 1^st year MSc Nursing, 1^st year P.B.BSc Nursing and 3^rd GNM Nursing as a part of their academic requirement organized the health education program under the department of OBG Nursing to enhance the skill practice among postnatal mothers has organized the program to create more awareness about the motherhood. The program was started by Ms. Preethi Mukherji with a brief introduction followed by welcoming the esteemed personnels Dr. Prof. Jasmine Joseph Principal of VINS & RC, Mrs. Joyce Mishace Nursing Head Vydehi hospital, Mrs. Menaga P HOD of OBG Nursing VINS & RC, ward incharges of labour room & obg ward, nursing officers and staff. The inauguration was done by the dignitaries and 4 postnatal mothers by ribbon cutting. To assess and enhance the skills of the postnatal mother related to breast feeding the newborns 5 zones were set up with interesting phases.

Zone 1 positioning the mother conducted by Ms. Nethra: mother positions during breastfeeding are very important for helping mothers learn how to breastfeed their babies properly. During these programs, the mothers were taught different breastfeeding positions like cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, side-lying, and laid-back position. These positions help the baby latch correctly and make feeding more comfortable for the mother. The programs include demonstrations, videos, and practical sessions where mothers can ask questions and practice. They also help prevent problems like nipple pain, poor milk flow, and breast infections. Some challenges include cultural beliefs, discomfort after delivery, and lack of support at home. These programs are helpful because they give mothers the confidence to breastfeed successfully and keep their babies healthy.

Zone 2 latching in conducted by Ms. Aishwarya assessed the skills of mother to maintain good latch and differentiate between good and bad latching. And demonstrated the indications of good latching with hands on practice. Also assessed the skills and about the importance of latching.Followed by post test was conducted to ensure that the mothers are able to know the right method of latching in.

Zone 3 swaddling zone conducted by Ms. Neha Shaw the zone was arranged to assess the skills of the mothers as well as to teach and convey the importance of swaddling to mothers through the pretest where the mothers were assessed swaddling technique. The demonstration of the technique was done and briefed about the importance of swaddling technique followed by a post test as redemonstration was done by the mothers through which the mothers got a clear view on the technique.

Zone 4 Nutrition corner was conducted by Ms. Chandana, to promote awareness about the importance of proper nutrition among postnatal mothers. The session included, question and answers regarding the nutrition practices of the mothers, talk on selected food card and activities to segregate the healthy and avoidable food during breastfeeding. Along with, we included foods which increases breast milk production like drumstick leaves, soaked Fenugreek seed water, and dry fruit laddu. The participants showed active interest and participation. The programme was effective in enhancing awareness and encouraging good nutritional practices among mothers during postpartum.

Zone 5: Emotional Venting and Mental Well-being was conducted by Ms. Charitha: The postnatal period is often accompanied by emotional fluctuations and stress as mothers adjust to the demands of childbirth and newborn care. To assess the psychological well-being of postnatal mothers, Zone 5 focused on emotional venting and mental health screening. A Depression Scale, comprising 10 carefully selected items, was employed as the assessment tool. Each item was rated on a structured scale, with a maximum possible score of 50. Scores were interpreted as follows: a score below 25 indicated a normal emotional state, whereas a score above 26 suggested a potential need for psychological support and counselling. Among the four mothers who participated in this zone, one mother obtained a score of 28, indicating signs of postpartum emotional distress. She was immediately referred for professional counselling to address her emotional needs. As a preventive and supportive intervention, all mothers were taught guided deep breathing exercises, aimed at reducing anxiety, enhancing relaxation, and promoting overall emotional resilience during the postnatal phase.
Program Conclusion and Engagement Activities

Following the completion of all zones, an educational video was presented to the mothers ,focusing on breastfeeding techniques, expressing breast milk, and its proper storage methods. The video served to reinforce practical skills and promote effective breastfeeding practices.

An interactive activity session was conducted afterward, during which the mothers actively participated and engaged with enthusiasm. To evaluate learning outcomes and encourage involvement, a quiz competition was held at the end of the program. Participants who answered correctly were rewarded through a fun “spin the wheel” game, which added an element of excitement and motivation.

Refreshments were provided to all mothers as a gesture of appreciation. The program concluded with the collection of feedback from both the participating mothers and the student volunteers, ensuring continuous improvement and responsiveness to the needs.