World Health Day 2025: 7 Habits That Protect Maternal and Newborn Health

The theme for World Health Day 2025 is ‘Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures.’ This year’s theme will kick off a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health. This initiative will encourage governments and the healthcare sector to intensify their actions to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

image source: https://www.who.int/

7 Habits to Protect Maternal and Newborn Health

Here are seven simple but powerful habits that create strong starts for mothers, babies, and families—laying the foundation for a healthier future generation.

1. Prioritize Prenatal Care
   Early and regular prenatal checkups can detect and prevent complications, monitor fetal development, and provide essential health education. They are small appointments that hold immense power for both mother and baby. Ensure expectant mothers begin antenatal visits in the first trimester and attend all scheduled appointments.
2. Nourish the Mother, Nurture the Baby
   A balanced, nutrient-rich diet during pregnancy supports a baby’s brain, bone, and organ development. It also reduces the risk of maternal anemia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth. Include iron, folic acid, calcium, and protein-rich foods daily—and drink plenty of water.
3. Embrace Emotional Support
   Pregnancy and postpartum can be emotionally overwhelming. Compassionate conversations, community support, and mental health check-ins reduce the risk of perinatal depression and anxiety. Ask new and expectant mothers how they feel—and listen without judgment.
4. Promote Safe Birth Practices
   Skilled birth attendance is critical for safe deliveries. Choosing a trained midwife or healthcare provider reduces risks for both mother and newborn, especially in emergencies. Advocate for safe birthing spaces and emergency care—every woman deserves a safe delivery, no matter where she lives.
5. Champion Breastfeeding from Hour One
   Initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth strengthens immunity, promotes bonding, and reduces neonatal mortality. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months offers optimal nutrition and protection. Target educating families about the benefits of colostrum—the “first milk”—and the importance of skin-to-skin contact.
6. Encourage Vaccinations and Newborn Screening
   Vaccinations during pregnancy (like tetanus and influenza) protect both mom and baby. Early newborn screenings help detect and treat life-threatening conditions before symptoms appear. Keep a clear record of vaccinations, and schedule newborn screenings within the first few days after birth.
7. Build a Village of Care
   Public health is personal—but it’s also collective. Family, friends, health workers, and policymakers all play a role in ensuring that no mother or child is left behind. Support maternal health drives, donate to newborn care kits, or offer help to a new mom in your neighborhood.

Every mother deserves a safe pregnancy. Every newborn deserves a strong start. And every small action—from a shared meal to a timely checkup—can shape a healthier, more hopeful future for generations to come.

This World Health Day, let’s champion the quiet, powerful beginnings that make all the difference.

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.