Health Education Library

Come to the hospital or call +254 778 564 272 at once if you have vaginal bleeding, a severe or persistent headache, blurred vision, swelling of the face or hands, fits, reduced baby movement, fever, or your waters break before 37 weeks. Early arrival saves lives — do not wait until morning.

Bring your ID and any previous clinic records. We will open your Mother & Child booklet, calculate your due date, check your blood pressure and weight, take blood samples, and start iron and folate. Come before 12 weeks if you can. Check the clinic days before you come.

Eat small, frequent meals with plenty of greens, beans, eggs, fruit and safe water. Iron and folate supplements prevent anaemia — take them as advised, even when you feel well. Avoid raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurised milk and alcohol, and limit strong tea or coffee with meals as it reduces iron absorption.

Write a simple birth plan: who you want with you, your pain-relief wishes, and your plan for getting to the hospital. Pack early — your ID, Mother & Child booklet, nightwear, pad, baby clothes, nappies, towels and snacks. Keep the emergency number saved in your phone and know your route.

Note the time, what the fluid looks like, and whether it is stained with blood. Do not insert anything and do not take a bath. Come to the hospital straight away, even if contractions have not started — we will check you and your baby and decide the next steps with you.

Place your baby skin-to-skin on your chest straight after birth and start breastfeeding within the first hour. Feed whenever your baby cues — day and night. A good latch does not hurt; ask a midwife to help position you. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months gives your baby the best start.

Keep the cord clean and dry. Clean around it with a clean, dry cloth, fold the diaper below the stump so air can reach it, and avoid applying powders or traditional remedies. It usually falls off within one to two weeks. Seek help if the base smells, bleeds, or the skin around it turns red.

Hunger looks like rooting, hand-to-mouth movements and stirring; a fed baby relaxes and may sleep. Crying, a stiff body or a high-pitched wail means something is wrong — check hunger, wet nappy, temperature and wind first. Responding quickly in the early months builds trust and helps your baby feel safe.

Many methods are safe while breastfeeding, including progestin-only pills, implants, injectables and IUDs — some can even be started before you leave the hospital. Permanent methods are also available. Talk to your provider about your plans for future pregnancies, your health and your preferred timing.