Intern Update - Nutrition Training 2017

MAISHA Nutrition Training Week By: Madison Meeks, MAISHA volunteer

Traditional Birth Attendant Training During the week of January 30, 2017 Maternal Access and Infant Survival for Health Advancement (MAISHA) hosted a training session at the Grabo County Dream Hotel, in Migori Town, Kenya, for two separate groups of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA’s). The first training was a group of 19 women from the Godkwer area. In the second group there were 23 women from the Nyamaraga and Ogwedhi areas.

Our first day of training was conducted outside in a big white tent. One of the ladies had brought a live chicken with her. She gifted it to me at the end of the training session.

Everyone was involved in the training; it was very hands on.

We sat in a U-shape so everyone could see and take part. Although the groups differed in knowledge level both groups committed their energy to learning and engaging in the material. The ladies were very interested and enjoyed participating. On the first day of training Mr. Ogutu (County Deputy Nutritionist) had the ladies sort food items into food groups such as starch, protein, fruits and vegetable.

Picking items for the food group/serving size activity

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Once sorted, we resorted as a team so all the food items were in the right categories. The TBA’s then had to demonstrate the proper food groups and amounts one should eat at each meal.

We enjoyed tea with mandazi (fried bread) and samosas for snack. And for lunch, we could choose fish, chicken, or beef. We had fruit for afternoon snack. The Grabo staff did a great job cooking for us. The ladies commented on how much they enjoyed all the food. The women were extremely excited to have fish. I tried it and can see why they like it so much. It was delicious.

Between Mr. Ogutu, Winnie (project leader) and Teddy (nursing student), the topics covered were “exclusive breast feeding”, “feeding up to age two”, and “feeding your child when they are sick”. Through demonstration and discussion it was obvious that the TBAs had learned and understood the material presented.

Mr. Ogutu demonstrating techniques for breast feeding.

Above: TBA discussing Neo-Natalie with a friend.

Left: TBA with Neo-Natalie tucked into her kanga.

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On the second day of training, the ladies enjoyed a video on proper breastfeeding technique.

Teddy and Winnie translated and explained, in more detail, the twenty-minute video that they watched. The TBA’s got to use the “NeoNatalie’s” (demonstration dolls) and breast feeding models to demonstrate their understanding of the techniques they had been shown by Mr. Ogutu. His passion for teaching was obvious as he walked around with a “Neo-

Natalie� demonstration doll for most of the morning. The women really enjoyed the dolls as well.

Some of the women would hold the doll and wrap her in their kangas (a big piece of fabric many of the women use to wrap and carry their babies in, as well as to keep them warm).

In the afternoon, the TBAs learned proper hand washing techniques and had time to ask questions at the end of the instructions. They grasped the handwashing quickly. Many of them volunteered and discussed within the group. They asked about how to know when your young child is sick, what to do when your baby will not eat and many more related questions. All of their questions were answered by Mr. Ogutu, Winnie and Teddy. The TBAs inquired about having the project supply uniforms to each of them. Madison and Winnie later discussed options and thought aprons would be appropriate as they are easy to wash, have room for a logo, and would define the women as TBAs. Above: Teddy assisting TBA in handwashing demonstration.

The TBA training went well. They really enjoyed their two days at the Grabo Hotel. They danced and sang in between activities, always welcoming me and Winnie into the middle. They sang a song about their appreciation for Winnie. In another song they thanked God for making them 4

women who can share knowledge with their families and friends.

Right: TBA’s discussing thoughts and ideas as a group.

This experience was empowering and fulfilling for me. To work closely with the TBAs allowed me to appreciate the struggles they have and their desire to improve infant and maternal care. As women, we all share the passion to care for expectant mothers by sharing and improving techniques for better maternal health.

Acknowledgement I do not speak the languages they speak, so thank you to Mr. Ogutu and Teddy for translating and teaching the TBAs. We had two guest speakers, Florence and Rose. Thank you to Winnie for organizing and putting so many long hours into this project. Without you it would not have been possible to be part of this successful training week.

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A good time was had by all!

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