Aarti’s story is a testament to the transformative power of community healthcare and the unwavering support it can provide. Uprooted from the familiar chills of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, to Bhikiyasen block at a young age of 17, Aarti’s health became a growing concern for her new family. Frequent fainting spells, sometimes lasting for hours, shrouded her life in a cloud of anxiety. The stark contrast between Kullu’s wintry embrace and the unfamiliar warmth of her new home seemed to exacerbate her condition.
Married to Sanjay, the sole breadwinner for their eight-member family, Aarti found herself grappling with another challenge of lack of any identification documents. This rendered her invisible in the official system, adding another layer of complexity to her life. However, a glimmer of hope emerged during a routine session with the dedicated ASHA and ANM community health workers. Aarti’s plight unfolded during this interaction. Her weight, a mere 38 kilograms at the young age of 19, raised serious concerns amongst the healthcare professionals. Doctors warned her that without gaining weight, a healthy delivery would be at risk. This critical juncture marked the beginning of Sanjeevani & L&M foundation’s intervention in Aarti’s life. Project support extended far beyond just providing a much-needed nutrition kit.
Recognizing the financial constraints of Aarti’s family, the project team, in collaboration with the ANM, designed a robust diet plan incorporating eggs, fruits, beans, protein powder, and essential supplements like iron, folic acid, and calcium.
However, L&M Foundation and its implementing partner, Sanjeevani understood that physical well-being was intricately linked to emotional well-being. Regular counselling sessions were organized for Aarti and her family. These sessions aimed to emphasize the importance of the prescribed care regime and provided Aarti with the emotional strength to persevere. The project’s role transcended mere medical intervention. They became a beacon of hope, encouraging Aarti to diligently visit the ANM centre for regular check-ups. Every additional ounce gained wasn’t just a number on the scale; it was a testament to Aarti’s growing strength and the increasing possibility of a safe delivery.
After regular care and support today Aarti is a mother of a beautiful girl child named - Gayatri. Gayatri’s weight during delivery was 2800 gram.
Aarti expressed her heartfelt gratitude towards Sanjeevani and L&M Foundation. The project support empowered Aarti not only physically but also emotionally!
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