Empowering First-Time Parents in Bangladesh: A Journey Through Group Care

In the dense, fast-moving neighborhoods of Tongi, Bangladesh, young women often navigate pregnancy with little formal support. Social expectations, economic limitations, and a lack of accessible health care leave many first-time parents uncertain and isolated. But for women like Tangina, Momo, and Shimla, the Healthy Women, Healthy Families project (Shustha Ma, Shustha Poribar in Bangla), has made all the difference. 

Since 2021, Management Sciences for Health (MSH), in partnership with BRAC, SCOPE, and the Population Council, has pioneered a human-centered approach to maternal health. The project’s Group Antenatal and Postnatal Care (GANC/PNC) model is not just about providing check-ups and quality care—it is about creating a community where young mothers and fathers can learn, connect, and prepare for the journey ahead. 

Over four years, the project enrolled more than 6,100 first-time mothers in group sessions, where they gained knowledge, built friendships, and found the confidence to advocate for their health and that of their babies. Here are a few of their stories. 

A Mother’s Quick Thinking Saves Her Baby: Tangina’s Story 

In a small home near the BRAC Maternity Center in Morkun, Tangina cradles her daughter, Arifa. Just a few months ago, she was a first-time mother overwhelmed by the unknown. But thanks to the group ANC sessions she attended, she knew what to do when trouble struck. 

“A few days after I gave birth, Arifa wasn’t feeding well. She looked weak. Then I remembered what we learned in the sessions—that an umbilical cord infection can happen after birth. I checked her belly and saw the signs.” 

Tangina immediately brought Arifa to the health center, where midwives provided lifesaving treatment. Without this knowledge, she might have waited too long. 

“Because of these sessions, I wasn’t afraid—I knew what to do.” 

Like Tangina, 84% of eligible first-time mothers in Tongi enrolled and attended group ANC sessions, learning how to recognize danger signs during pregnancy and after birth. With each session, their confidence and knowledge grew. 

A Community of Mothers: Momo’s Story 

Momo had been waiting for the moment she would become a mother. But when she found out she was pregnant, she also felt a deep sense of uncertainty. What should she eat? How could she prepare for delivery? Then she found the group ANC sessions. 

“The midwives were kind and supportive. I could ask questions about my health, my baby, and what to expect. I remember learning the five pregnancy danger signs—those stuck with me.” 

Sitting in a bright room with other first-time mothers, Momo found a sisterhood. Together, they learned about birth preparedness, nutrition, and the importance of delivering at a health facility. 

The impact was clear: 75% of women participating in the program received four or more antenatal visits, compared to the national average of 55% And 80% of mothers who took part in the group sessions delivered at a health facility—higher than the national urban average of 76% (BDHS 2022). 

After her safe delivery, Momo became an advocate, encouraging other women in her neighborhood to join the sessions. 

“These sessions made all the difference. I want other mothers to feel the same support I did.” 

Fatherhood and Family Support: Billal’s Story 

In Bangladesh, maternal health is often seen as women’s business. But when his wife, Shimla, enrolled in the group ANC sessions, Billal decided to see what it was all about. 

“As men, there are things we don’t usually talk about. But in these sessions, I learned about vaccines, nutrition, and how to support my wife during pregnancy.” 

What he learned changed the way he approached fatherhood. 

“I had seen this information before, but the sessions explained it in the most effective way. Now I help with small things—making sure Shimla eats well, taking her to check-ups, helping with the baby. It’s not just her responsibility.” 

 Billal is just one of thousands of men who took part in the project. In total, the program recorded over 5,300 instances of male participation in group sessions. Some men, like Billal, attended multiple sessions, reinforcing their role as supportive partners in maternal and newborn health. 

“I strongly encourage other men to attend. Not only will they gain knowledge for themselves, but they will also learn how to support their wives and how best to take care of their families.” 

Beyond Pregnancy: The Power of Postnatal Care 

The support didn’t stop after birth. Beyond pregnancy and delivery, the model also supported healthier postnatal care (PNC) practices. Group PNC sessions ensured that new mothers and babies received the attention they needed in the critical first weeks of life.  

More mothers in the intervention group exclusively breastfed their babies for up to six months compared to those in the control group—63 percent versus 55 percent. 

Similarly, a higher proportion of mothers who participated in the group sessions could recognize postnatal and newborn danger signs, compared to those in the control group. 

The program also reached beyond mothers and fathers—training community leaders, midwives, and caregivers to create a broader network of support. More than 360 community sessions were held, including topics carefully tailored to their audience. For example, adolescent girls were informed about good menstrual hygiene and nutrition practices, while mothers-in-law learned how to foster positive relationships and support the mental well-being of the first-time mothers in their families. 

A Model for the Future 

The Healthy Women, Healthy Families project proved that group-based care works. By integrating clinical check-ups with peer learning and social support, it led to more women attending antenatal check-ups, higher facility-based delivery rates, increased knowledge of maternal and newborn health, and greater involvement of fathers. 

But the work isn’t done. While this model succeeded in NGO-run maternity centers, its true potential lies in scaling it to government-run facilities across Bangladesh. 

“We have seen the impact,” says Dr. Farzana Islam, Project Director. “Now, we must work to integrate this approach into public health systems, ensuring that every first-time mother—no matter where she lives—has access to the care and support she deserves.” 

As Bangladesh moves toward achieving global maternal health targets, innovative solutions like group ANC and PNC will be key.