Post natal care

The postnatal period can be defined as the first 6-8 weeks after birth. Postnatal care should be a continuation of the care the woman has received through her pregnancy, labour and birth and take into account the woman’s individual needs and preferences. It should aim to create a supportive environment in which families will be guided by professionals in how to care for their baby and themselves and be able to recognise and act upon any deviation from the normal (NICE 2006; updated 2015).
Midwifery care may apply for the whole or part of the postnatal period. In the absence of any physical, emotional, social or psychological risk factors or concern, it is anticipated that women will be discharged to the care of the GP and Health Visitor by day 10-14 following birth. It is important that care is planned according to the woman and her baby’s individual needs and these plans communicated to all relevant professional groups that may be involved in her and her baby’s care.
If everything is well with you and your baby and depending on the type of birth you’ve had, you will normally be discharged home between 6-24 hours after birth to the care of the community midwifery team, who will continue to support you in your own home. The first community postnatal visit will be done by a midwife in your home who will discuss and agree with you further visits. You will be given information of who to contact in the event you have any questions or if there is an emergency involving you or your baby.

Examination of the mother will consist of:

During the home visit, the nurse will examine the mother and her newborn baby according to the existing standard operating procedures. If the nurse detects any abnormal condition of the mother and baby, they will treat it accordingly or refer the case to the health clinic or hospital.

1. General observation of the mother, including personal hygiene
2. The fundal height of the uterus is measured during each visit to detect involution of the uterus
3. Breast examination to detect any abnormalities such as swollen, cracked nipples, inverted nipples or less flow of milk
4. Observe mother while breastfeeding the baby and provide breastfeeding education/counselling

Health education should be given such as:

Every finding of the examination, either normal or abnormal, should be discussed with the mother/husband/family member. If necessary, referral to the Medical Officer of the health clinic or hospital will be made. Therefore, the involvement and cooperation from husband/family member is needed. This ensures that the mother/husband/family member understands the health condition and participates in optimal care.

• Breastfeeding
• The aim of early exercise and early ambulation during the postnatal period is to allow blood flow, restore muscle tone and blood supply to the reproductive organs
• The importance of follow-up visits to the clinic
• Episiotomy wound care / surgical wound care
• The importance of taking medication regularly