Table 3.

List of potential interventions for improving neonatal health involving TBAs

Encouraging healthy behaviours by promotion of/training in
Prevention of tetanus	Tetanus coverage for every pregnant woman in TBAs' areas
	Encouraging TBAs to get to know all pregnant women in her area and inform them about TT vaccination
Preventing delays	Planning transport to facility and other emergency arrangements ahead of time, in case complications arise
Clean delivery	Washing hands of attendant(s) with soap before and after delivery
	Using a new or clean blade and surface to cut the umbilical cord
	Inform on the importance of the ‘5 cleans’ to emphasize the importance of cleanliness during delivery in the home
	Proper use of clean delivery-kit, educate on intended use of every item in the kit
Thermal care	Immediate drying and wrapping of the baby, even if the cord has not been cut
	Handing the newborn to the mother or another family member immediately after birth
	Encouraging skin-to-skin care with the mother
	Delayed bathing until at least 6 hours after birth, preferably waiting until second day: inform on the possibility of negative
	consequences of early bathing
Cord care	Clean cord-cutting instrument and surface
	Application of antiseptic (chlorhexidine) to the umbilical cord
	Not applying substance other than antiseptic to the cord
Breastfeeding	Early (within 1 hour) and exclusive breastfeeding, avoiding prelacteal feeds
	Feeding of colostrums
	Not feeding foods in addition to breastmilk for the first 6 months of life
Oil massage	Use of oil with protective properties, such as sunflower oil, promote as ‘hot’ oil
	Not using mustard oil for massage, providing information on harmful characteristics of mustard oil
Post-delivery care	Use of postnatal visit to mother and child to advise on proper neonatal care, hygiene, breastfeeding, and information on immunizations and reproductive health

TBAs=Traditional birth attendants; TT=Tetanus toxoid