Guidelines for Pregnant and Nursing Mothers

Guidelines offer recommendations for pregnant and nursing mothers on nutrition, care, and safety. They target mothers, healthcare providers, and community workers. This promotes healthy pregnancies and infant development.

What Is This Policy?

Health guidelines providing recommendations for pregnant and nursing mothers on nutrition, antenatal care, safe delivery, breastfeeding, postnatal care, and protection during health emergencies including COVID-19.

Who Does It Target?

Pregnant women and nursing mothers Healthcare providers in maternity and child health services Community health workers and traditional birth attendants Public health educators

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Promote healthy pregnancy outcomes and optimal infant development by providing evidence-based guidance to mothers and the healthcare workers who support them throughout pregnancy, delivery, and the postnatal period.

Key Features

Antenatal Care: Recommended visit schedules, screening tests, and supplements during pregnancy Nutrition: Dietary guidance for adequate weight gain, micronutrient intake, and food safety Safe Delivery: Encouragement of skilled birth attendance and facility-based delivery Breastfeeding: Early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months Emergency Preparedness: Guidance for maternal health during disease outbreaks and emergencies

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active across maternal health programmes Coverage: All health facilities providing antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services Lead Agency: Federal Ministry of Health, Reproductive Health Division Partners: WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA

How to Access

Mothers receive guidance through antenatal clinics and community health services. Attend antenatal care at the nearest health facility Access information through community health workers and health education campaigns

Official Resources

Website: health.gov.ng Contact: Reproductive Health Division, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja

Legal Framework

Issued under the authority of the Federal Ministry of Health pursuant to the National Health Act 2014, the National Reproductive Health Policy, and the National Policy on Food and Nutrition. Aligns with WHO guidelines on maternal nutrition, the National Nutritional Anaemia guidelines, and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) framework. Consistent with SDG 2.2 on ending malnutrition.