Home based new born care program (HBNC)

Despite the impressive increases in institutional deliveries, there are persistent in-home deliveries. For such deliveries, Home-based newborn care is essential even on the first day. In the case of institutional delivery, where the baby and mother are discharged after 48 hours it is expected that care for a newborn during this period is provided in the institution. When the mother and baby return home, although the newborn has crossed the critical first day, there is still the remainder of the first week and month during which neonatal mortality could be as high as 54% and for which care has to be provided.

For this ASHAs have been trained who will conduct a series of home visits to provide postnatal care to mothers and essential care to newborns thereby preventing sickness and improving survival.

ASHA will make six visits in case of institutional delivery – Days – 3,7,14,21,28 & 42

In case of Home delivery, seven visits – Days 1,3,7,14,21,28, & 42.