Ara is expecting her second child

Through this program, she comes to the clinic regularly for routine check-ups with the AIC doctor and receives all medical treatment and medication free of charge. In the event that she needs to see a doctor at the hospital, including at the time of delivery, she is accompanied by one of AIC’s trained health workers. Furthermore, she has the option of stopping by AIC’s Health Centre for mid-day meals and to receive nutritional supplementation to ensure that her baby will be born at a healthy birth weight.

Ara never had the opportunity to go to school as a child, and now that she is an adult, she  is rarely permitted outside of the house, as is the custom in her community. Her husband is supportive of her trips to the AIC Health Centre, however, and Ara enjoys the opportunity to leave the house, visit the doctor and health workers, and stop in for a meal with other expectant mothers from the nearby communities.

Ara benefits from the attendance incentives offered to the women as well – small toiletry and hygiene items like soap, baby toothbrushes, and baby lotion. On her family’s meager income, Ara would be unable to provide these items for her little ones without the support of the program. She feels excited about the information that she is learning and the opportunity to bond with other women. Through these classes, she knows that she is improving her children’s lives and futures.

Furthermore, because her husband earns only 3,000 rupees ($60) per month and would not be able to afford the necessary medical care for her, Ara is grateful to have so much support and care during her pregnancy.

Thank you for coming together to provide comprehensive antenatal care to Ara.