Maternal and child health – This course is designed to understand the care of pregnant women and newborn: antenatal, intra-natal and postnatal; breast feeding, family planning, newborn care and ethical issues, The aim of the course is to acquire knowledge and develop competencies regarding midwifery, complicated labour and newborn care including family planning.
Maternal and child health
Definition of Maternal & Child Health
Maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. While motherhood is often a positive and fulfilling experience, for too many women it is associated with suffering, ill-health and even death.
Or
The term “maternal and child health” refers to the promotive, preventive, curative & rehabilitative health care for mothers & children (up to pre-school age).
Maternal health is the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. In most cases, maternal health encompasses the health care dimensions of family planning, preconception, prenatal, and postnatal care in order to ensure a positive and fulfilling experience. In other cases, maternal health can reduce maternal morbidity and mortality
[Ref by-K. Park/25th edition]
Area/Components of MCH:
➤ Maternal health.
➤ Family planning.
➤ Child health,
➤ School health.
➤ Handicapped children.
➤ Care of the children in special setting such as day care centers.
[Ref by: K.Park 25th]
Objectives of MCH:
➤ Reduction of maternal, perinatal, infant & childhood mortality and morbidity.
➤ Promotion of reproductive health.
➤ Promotion of the physical and psychological development of the child within the family.
➤ The ultimate objective of MCH services is life-long health.
[Ref by: K. Park 25th]
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