In the remote village of Mehguwa in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district, Neeta, a 28-year-old mother, was caring for her newborn daughter, Kavya, under challenging circumstances. Kavya was born underweight at 2.8 kilograms, making her especially vulnerable and in need of careful monitoring — something not always easy in areas with limited access to healthcare.
With support from The Antara Foundation, village ASHA worker Lalita Rai began visiting Neeta regularly as part of home-based newborn care. She checked Kavya’s health and guided Neeta on feeding and nutrition. With this support, Kavya began to improve, gaining weight and showing early signs of recovery.
But after these visits ended, Kavya’s care was influenced by traditional practices. Neeta’s mother-in-law insisted on home remedies such as shaving the baby’s head and feeding her musk tablets, ghutti, and dal water. Though Neeta was unsure, family pressure made it difficult to resist. Gradually, Kavya’s health began to worsen.
Months later, during a door-to-door health campaign, Lalita visited again and immediately noticed signs of malnutrition. At 11 months old, Kavya weighed only 8 kilograms and needed urgent care. Lalita advised that she be taken to a Nutritional Rehabilitation Center (NRC). The family hesitated, relying on their beliefs. But Lalita, backed by The Antara Foundation’s training and support, continued to visit and counsel them patiently.
Over time, she built trust and helped them understand the seriousness of Kavya’s condition. Finally, the family agreed. Kavya was admitted to the NRC, where she received two weeks of focused medical and nutritional care. Her health began to improve soon after. Through these programs, The Antara Foundation empowers frontline workers like Lalita to guide families through difficult decisions. Their work ensures that even in remote communities, mothers and children can access the care they need. “If it weren’t for ASHA Didi,” Neeta says, “something unimaginable could have happened to Kavya.” Kavya’s story shows how the right support, delivered with patience and trust, can change a child’s future.
