IEC Session Guide: Right Diet for Pregnant Women

Welcome the woman with a warm tone, smile, and eye contact. Keep it short and genuine.

• What to say: "Good morning. Please make yourself comfortable."
• Introduce yourself: "I’m [Your Name], one of the health workers here today."
• Why it matters: A friendly start builds trust and makes the client more receptive.

2. Explanation of intention 2 Marks

State the session objective in plain language so the client knows why you are talking about diet.

• Say: "As part of your prenatal care today, I’d like to spend a few minutes talking about the best foods to eat during pregnancy."
• Emphasize: "A healthy diet helps your health and your baby’s growth."

3. Hand Washing with Soap and Water 2 Marks

Wash your hands before using any teaching aids. Explain briefly why you are doing it.

• How to say it: "Excuse me for a moment; I’ll wash my hands before we use the materials."
• Follow the clinic protocol: Wet, soap, scrub 20 seconds, rinse, dry with a single-use towel.
• Why: Shows professionalism and models good hygiene.

4. Hand washing with soap and water 3 Marks

Use a mix of discussion, demonstration, and short lectures to suit the client’s learning style.

• Discussion: Ask about current eating habits. For example, "What foods have you been enjoying lately?"
• Demonstration: Use posters, food models, or a laminated food chart. Point as you explain.
• Brief lecture: Share key points in short, plain sentences and check for understanding often.

5. The Health Talk: Language and Pace 3 Marks

Speak in the client’s preferred language. Avoid jargon and speak slowly so she can follow and ask questions.

• Simple phrasing: "Eating dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, beans, and groundnuts helps build your blood and prevents weakness."
• Calcium example: "Drinking milk, having yogurt, and eating fish with soft bones helps your baby’s bones grow strong."
• Why: Clear language and steady pace make the message useful and memorable.

6. Clarity of Speech and Brevity 2 Marks

Keep explanations short and focused on one main idea at a time.

• Break complex ideas into small steps.
• Use local food examples the client recognizes.
• Example script: "Eat a variety of food groups every day. This helps you and your baby get all needed nutrients."

7. Appropriate Choice and Use of IEC Materials 3 Marks

Use clinic posters, flipcharts, or pamphlets to reinforce key points and to support clients with limited literacy.

• Show the material while keeping eye contact and pointing to images.
• Go through a pamphlet together before giving it to her to take home.
• Ensure the materials are clean, relevant, and culturally appropriate.

8. Checking Understanding by Asking Questions 2 Marks

Ask open questions that require more than a yes or no answer so you can assess comprehension.

• "Which foods will help your baby’s bones grow strong?"
• "Name one food you will try to include more this week."
• Adjust your explanation depending on her answers.

9. Return Demonstration and Feedback 2 Marks

Ask the client to point to the chart or explain one action she will take. Invite feedback.

• Return demonstration: "Can you point to the foods that build blood?"
• Feedback: "Was this helpful? Any concerns you want to talk about?"
• Why: Confirms understanding and boosts confidence to act on the advice.