Four antenatal and four postnatal sessions were specifically targeted for MAR. Mentor Mothers visit MAR once every 2 weeks over 2 months to deliver the four antenatal sessions, once every 2 weeks after birth over 2 months to deliver the four postnatal sessions, and then check in with the MAR and family about once a month to deliver support as needed, including daily visits if a family is in a crisis. The home visits typically take about 20 min but can last up to 60 min if a family has multiple stressors or is in crisis.
One Mentor Mother systematically visits every home in her assigned neighborhood. She carries a scale to weigh all children under 5 years, and uses growth charts to identify malnourished children (i.e., those two standard deviations below their age-to-weight norm). All pregnant women are encouraged to attend at least four antenatal sessions at the local clinics, to take prenatal vitamins and folic acid provided by clinics, to exclusively breastfeed their children, to delay solid foods for their babies for 6 months, and to abstain from alcohol and smoking during pregnancy. Adherence to health regimens are addressed for avoiding smoking and drinking, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and taking vitamins and all medicine as prescribed in antenatal care. Mentor Mothers address the following specific topics: living with HIV, alcohol use, nutrition, child assistance grant and other resources, and self-care and social support, as detailed below.
One Mentor Mother systematically visits every home in her assigned neighborhood. She carries a scale to weigh all children under 5 years, and uses growth charts to identify malnourished children (i.e., those two standard deviations below their age-to-weight norm). All pregnant women are encouraged to attend at least four antenatal sessions at the local clinics, to take prenatal vitamins and folic acid provided by clinics, to exclusively breastfeed their children, to delay solid foods for their babies for 6 months, and to abstain from alcohol and smoking during pregnancy. Adherence to health regimens are addressed for avoiding smoking and drinking, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and taking vitamins and all medicine as prescribed in antenatal care. Mentor Mothers address the following specific topics: living with HIV, alcohol use, nutrition, child assistance grant and other resources, and self-care and social support, as detailed below.
