Post partum care

Recommendations for Post partum care for Mothers.

Provision of postnatal care in the first 24 hours to all mothers and babies-regardless of where the birth occurs.

Hospital stay for all women and their newborns stay for at least one day after the delivery. 

All mothers and newborns need at least four postpartum visits in the first 6 weeks

For home deliveries, the first postnatal contact should be as early as possible, within 24 hours of birth.

Proper education to all mothers on serious health concerns such as signs and symptoms of infection, postpartum hemorrhage, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, and thromboembolism.

The use of prophylactic antibiotics among women with a vaginal delivery and a third or fourth-degree perineal tear.

Provision of hematenics until 3 months post delivery.

Mental health support to prevent post partum anxiety or depression and proper treatment in case any of these disorders in present.

Proper management of chronic health conditions.

Family planning and reproductive health support.

Recommendations of Postpartum care plan for New born

Assessment of the baby

It is done through evaluation of vitals signs, chest movements, jaundice, cyanosis and for any signs of congenital anomalies.

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF)

All babies should be exclusively breastfed from birth until 6 months of age. Mothers should be counselled and provided support for EBF at each postnatal contact. Prepare mothers for transitioning their infants to complementary foods with continued breastfeeding at 6 months.

Cord care

Daily chlorhexidine (7.1% chlorhexidine digluconate aqueous solution or gel, delivering 4% chlorhexidine) application to the umbilical cord stump during the first week of life is recommended for newborns who are born at home in settings with high neonatal mortality (30 or more neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births)