Postnatal Care
Women in the postnatal period need to maintain a balanced diet, just as they did during pregnancy. Iron and folic acid supplementation should also continue for 3 months after birth. Women who are breastfeeding require additional food and should drink sufficient clean water.
Postnatal care, also known as postpartum care, focuses on the well-being of both the mother and her newborn baby in the period after childbirth, typically lasting up to 6 weeks. It includes regular check-ups, guidance on breastfeeding, and support for the mother’s physical and emotional recovery.
Key Aspects of Postnatal Care:
Mother's Care:
- Physical Recovery: Monitoring the mother's recovery from childbirth, including checking for signs of infection, postpartum hemorrhage, and other complications.
- Breastfeeding Support: Providing guidance and support for breastfeeding, including latching techniques, milk production, and troubleshooting common problems.
- Emotional Support: Addressing the emotional and psychological needs of the mother, including postpartum blues or depression.
- Rest and Nutrition: Encouraging adequate rest and a healthy diet to aid in recovery.
- Physical Activity: Providing guidance on safe and appropriate physical activity as the mother recovers.
- Contraception and Sexual Health: Discussing contraceptive options and providing information on sexual health after childbirth.
- Perinatal Loss Psychological Service: Providing support for mothers who have experienced a perinatal loss.
Newborn's Care:
- Health Checks: Regular health checks for the newborn, including monitoring weight, feeding, and overall well-being.
- Umbilical Cord Care: Providing guidance on proper care for the newborn's umbilical cord.
- Keeping Warm: Ensuring the newborn stays warm and protected from the elements.
- Feeding: Supporting breastfeeding or formula feeding, as appropriate.
- Feeding: Supporting breastfeeding or formula feeding, as appropriate.
- Safe Sleep Environment: Providing guidance on creating a safe sleep environment for the newborn.
Follow-Up and Referrals:
- Early Visits: Encouraging early postnatal visits to healthcare providers to monitor the mother and baby's progress.
- Home Visits: Offering home visits by midwives, other skilled providers, or community health workers.
- Referrals: Making referrals to specialists as needed, such as for breastfeeding difficulties or mental health concerns.
Postnatal exercises:
- Postnatal exercises are exercises that are specially carried out following childbirth to help you to return to an active lifestyle.
