Growing Healthy Food & Healthy Children in Ghana

For many first-time mothers, caring for a newborn comes with uncertainty, conflicting advice, and anxiety about breastfeeding. Through Self-Help International's Mother-to-Mother Support Groups, these challenges are being replaced with confidence, knowledge, and healthier practices in Ghana's Upper West Region.

Denis Tankpaa, Self-Help International's Promoting Good Nutrition Officer, facilitates regular support group meetings, where pregnant women and first-time mothers receive practical education on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), complementary feeding, growth monitoring, malaria prevention, family planning, and other essential maternal and child health practices.

The meetings create a safe environment where mothers learn from trained mentor mothers and one another, ask questions freely, and share their experiences.

One of the first-time mothers shared: "Before joining the Mother-to-Mother Support Group, I thought giving water to my baby was necessary because that was what I saw growing up. During the meetings, I learned that breast milk alone provides all the water and nutrients my baby needs for the first six months. My baby is now six months old, healthy, active, and has never needed water or other foods before the recommended age."

Another mother testified: "I was worried that I was not producing enough breast milk because my baby cried often. Denis explained the importance of correct positioning and frequent breastfeeding. After following the advice, my baby breastfeeds well and is growing beautifully. I now encourage other mothers in my community to breastfeed exclusively."

These testimonies demonstrate that community-based nutrition education is an effective approach to promoting exclusive breastfeeding and improving maternal and child health outcomes.

Through the sessions, first-time mothers are developing lasting healthy behaviors that contribute to improved child survival, optimal growth, and stronger family well-being.

The support groups have also improved mothers' understanding of personal hygiene, timely antenatal and postnatal care, child immunization, and proper nutrition during pregnancy and lactation. Many participants have become peer educators, spreading accurate health information to their families and neighbors.

"The greatest impact is seeing mothers become confident in making informed decisions about their children's health," said Denis, the Self-Help Nutrition Officer. "No longer relying on myths but on evidence-based practices that give their children the best start in life."

The Self Help International Mother-to-Mother Support Groups – funded by generous donors like you – empower women to become champions of good nutrition and positive health practices within their communities. Thank you for supporting Self-Help International's efforts to reduce infant and childhood malnutrition in Ghana.

Links:

• Self-Help International
• Read more about how we are Promoting Good Nutrition in Ghana
• Read more about our work in Ghana's Upper West Region