Table 1.

Health messages to promote good maternal and newborn practices in rural communities of Afghanistan.

Breastfeed your baby immediately, since the first milk contains medicine which is Allah's gift for the newborn baby. Mothers need health care during pregnancy, delivery and after delivery. Going to the health facility is not shameful. Go to health facilities, rather than non-medical people, when seeking health care services during pregnancy, for delivery, or after delivery. Community health workers, your proper care of the mother and newborn is essential when mothers cannot go to a health facility. Families, whenever mothers feel sadness after delivery, they need kindness and more support from each of you. Administering opium is very harmful and dangerous for children.