At her house in Suhagi Village, Devaki is holding her newly born baby in her lap who is now steadily gaining weight with time. She is happy to become a mother and cares for his newly born. Devaki was highly anemic during her pregnancy and her Father-in-law Sitaram was worried about the poor health of Devaki and the unborn child. Unaware of proper rest and care needed during pregnancy, Devaki used to work hard as labourer to make ends meet.

Sitaram, the traditional healer in Suhagi village of Madhya Pradesh shared his concern with SABAL’s Nutrition and Health Worker (NHW) Rajendra. During her visit to Devaki, it was observed that she is very weak and lacks nutritious diet and care.

Rajendra registered Devaki to the nearest Anganwadi centre where she was given iron and folic acid tablets and vaccinated accordingly. He also got her vaccination card through ANM detailing the periodic vaccines needed for mother and child.

Understanding the risk in her pregnancy due to the poor health, Rajendra advised Devaki’s family to take her to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) for a thorough check-up and medical attention. After a month, the NHW observed that Devaki is still very weak and have not been taking proper rest, diet and care for herself and continued her hard labour.

Rajendra counseled her and shared about the risks related to her pregnancy.  On the advice of NHW, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) took Devaki to Khalwa PHC for a check-up and observed that Devaki’s Haemoglobin (HB) count was just 3 g/dl against the normal count of 10-14 g/dl. The doctor advised her to get at least three units of blood transfusion at Khandwa Civil Hospital which was arranged by Rajendra by persuading village people for blood donation.

Devaki’s HB count was restored to normal and she was advised to give birth only in hospital under the special care of doctors. SABAL’s health worker was in constant touch with Devaki’s family for ensuring her delivery in PHC.  Rajendra’s counseling and proper monitoring of Devaki’s health saved the young women and her pregnancy and she gave birth to a baby boy. ASHA and Anganwadi workers also helped Rajendra in his efforts.

Devaki’s parents expressed their gratitude to SABAL NHW Rajendra for being an angel to the family through constant guidance and support which saved their lives.