Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Using the trainer document Essential Newborn Care as a basis, conduct a discussion on
this issue, based on the following questions:
‣ How should the cord stump be cared for?
‣ What can a mother do in order to prevent her baby from having gas pains?
‣ How should the baby’s eyes be cleaned?
‣ How should a baby be held during his bath?
‣ What is the order in which the mother should bathe different parts of the baby’s
body?
‣ After the bath, what common things should a mother do?
‣ What can a mother do to help her baby sleep well?
Correct misinformation as necessary.
Review the essentials of newborn care with the group
• Ask as second volunteer to demonstrate these principles of care
• Ask the group for feedback regarding the volunteer’s demonstration of the
principles of newborn care
• Review once more the principles if necessary.
Indicate the pages in the Roma Health Mediators’ Manual where newborn care is
described.
III. MONITORING THE NEWBORN’S HEALTH STATUS (15 minutes)
Ask participants what their purpose is in visiting families with newborns.
The answer will probably be that their purpose is to make sure that all is going well with
the baby and his mother.
Ask participants:
‣ How do you know that a baby is doing well?
‣ What questions should you ask the mother/family about the newborn?
• How your baby is doing?
• Is he breastfeeding properly?
• How frequently is he passing urine and stools?
• What do the stools look like (color, consistency)?
• Does there seem to be any problem with him?
• How is the umbilical cord stump? Is there any blood or discharge from it?
Emphasize that:
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 8: Newborn Care