Table 1 Antenatal and postnatal SMS text messages sent to fathers and mothers
Time | Fathers | Mothers |
|---|---|---|
Antenatal SMS messages | Have you talked to your wife about breastfeeding your baby? | It may take a day or two for your milk to come in don’t give anything else but colostrum |
Breastmilk only will make your baby grow big, strong and smart | Always give your baby access to your breast so they can feed when they are hungry or thirsty | |
The first milk colostrum is good for baby it will help the baby fight infection | The first milk colostrum is good for baby it will help the baby fight infection | |
Ask the health workers to put your baby to your wife’s breast within an hour of giving birth | Let the baby suckle at your breast to increase milk supply | |
Postnatal SMS messages | ||
Month one | Breast milk has everything, and it is clean so that it helps brain development, to build the body, for health and its good for everything | When the baby has stomach, pain bring the baby to the health facility, don’t give fenugreek |
Encourage your wife to breastfeed whenever the baby is hungry | Breastmilk is clean and safe and has enough water | |
All your baby needs for the first 6 months is breastmilk, don’t give other food or liquid | Give your baby all of the breastmilk in one breast before starting on the other breast | |
Feeding only breastmilk is important for your baby to grow big and strong | Ask your partner to bring you food and provide support | |
Month two | No water just breastmilk—water may give your baby diseases | Breastmilk has everything, and it is clean so that it helps brain development, to build the body, for health and its good for everything |
Help your wife, bring her a drink of water, soup or milk while she is breastfeeding | Breastmilk will protect your baby from diarrhea | |
Exclusive breastfeeding can protect from breast and cervical cancer | Exclusive breastfeeding can protect from breast and cervical cancer | |
Tell the housemaid/grandmothers no water or food just breastmilk | All your baby needs for the first 6 months is breastmilk, don’t give other food or liquid | |
Month three | Help your wife express breastmilk into a cup if she is going out | Even if the baby is smelling don’t give food, wait until they are 6 months old |
Help your wife to breastfeed by doing the shopping | Don’t stop breastfeeding, you can overcome all challenges | |
Encourage your wife to let the baby suckle at her breast to increase milk supply | Express breastmilk into a cup if you are going out | |
Make sure your wife eats enough food—serve your wife if she is breastfeeding | Providing water, foods and liquids other than breastmilk will expose the baby to disease | |