The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing at Manipal College of Nursing (MCON) successfully organized the ‘Safe Motherhood Week’ from April 11 to 17, 2025, centered on the theme “Equity in Maternal Healthcare: Leaving No Mother Behind.”
The events aimed to promote awareness, enhance skills, and empower women for self-care as well as healthcare providers in maternal and neonatal care through structured sessions and interactive programs. The celebrations commenced with a demonstration on optimal breastfeeding techniques and newborn hunger cues, conducted by Mrs. Sweety Jousline Fernandes (Assistant Professor, OBG Department, MCON) along with sixth-semester BSc Nursing students. Mrs. Vanishree, a postnatal woman who was on her 2nd day of postnatal period, was recognized for her practice in breastfeeding techniques through the breastfeeding assessment checklist. An awareness program on antenatal, postnatal, and gynecological care was subsequently held for 30 nursing professionals at Dr. TMA Pai Hospital, fostering constructive discussions and receiving positive responses from the beneficiaries. Additionally, a session by Mrs. Pratibha Kamath, Assistant Professor, OBG Nursing Department, MCON, was conducted for 35 Anganwadi workers and postnatal mothers in Katpadi, focusing on women’s health, pregnancy care, and postnatal well-being. The concluding session featured a lecture by Dr. Sushmita Karkada, Associate Professor, OBG Nursing Department, MCON, on comprehensive women’s health, presented to 55 postgraduate students at G. Shankar Women’s College, Udupi. The discussion addressed critical healthcare concerns on Menstrual health, PMS, Usage of Screen time, Nutrition diet, substance abuse, followed by an engaging Question & answer session that clarified queries of the participants.
Overall, the Safe Motherhood Week initiative effectively disseminated essential knowledge, strengthened community engagement, and reinforced equitable maternal healthcare. The program was meticulously coordinated by Mrs. Sweety Jousline Fernandes (Assistant Professor, OBG Department, MCON), ensuring its impactful execution and widespread reach.
