Like the previous months, the pregnant women’s class activity in Posyandu Melati was always crowded with women both pregnant and those who had babies. This activity seemed to be a favorite in this posyandu. It was not surprising that participants in the class always exceeded capacity and had to be divided in two, and even then it was still too large for the ideal class size (12–15 people). The monthly report showed that the number of participants reached 42 women!

Of the many participants, one participant attracted my attention. She came with her 40-day old baby. It seemed she was a frequent visitor. She was Mrs. Sanah, 42-years old, wife of a driver who transported vegetables. She lived in Wadas Cikiray, Sindangsari village. Her house was approximately 2 km from the place where the class was held.

“She was one of participants who diligently attended the pregnant women’s class. She joined the class since she was pregnant with her third child,” said the village midwife.

While waiting for the other participants to come, I approached and talked with Mrs. Sanah to know more about her and her motivation to attend the class.

She said she had learned the information about the pregnant women’s class when she had her antenatal care visit at the posyandu seven months ago. At first, it crossed her mind that the activity would be the same as the education package she once completed to get a high school diploma. She asked a cadre, who explained to her that it was not like school. The pregnant women’s class turned out to be fun.

“I become more curious, sir. Sure enough, it was a very fun class, not only for me but all women were happy. Other than learning a lot about pregnancy and baby care, I also learned about exclusive breastfeeding and handwashing with soap. Now I know why the nipples of lactating women are often sore; it’s because the way she nurses that is wrong,” she recounted from her learning in the class.

She admitted that her knowledge from the class was applied during her last pregnancy. Mrs. Sanah tried to do what she learned, including the exclusive breastfeeding, when her third child was born. For her, the pregnant women’s class was a blessing.

“Through this activity, I now know all about how to be a good mother, and I became an active family planning user. It is very useful, not only for me but also for my family,” she said.

Now she was not only an active participant in the pregnant women’s class, but she also did not hesitate to invite other women she knew to join.

“Come on ladies, join the class. You will get many benefits,” said Mrs. Sanah when she invited other women to come along with her to the class.


Abdul Jabbar
Field Officer, MCHIP Serang