Overview

Postnatal care pertains to the medical and supportive attention provided to both the mother and the newborn immediately following childbirth, typically extending through the first six weeks postpartum.

Key Areas for Monitoring:  

• Emotional well-being  

• Breastfeeding and lactation  

• Nutritional intake and hydration  

• Wound healing (following episiotomy or cesarean section)  

• The health and feeding of the infant

Importance

-Physical and Hormonal Changes Following Delivery - After giving birth, a woman's body undergoes significant physical and hormonal transformations. These changes are essential for recovery but can also lead to various discomforts, that affects overall well-being.

  -Risk of Postpartum Complications - The postpartum period presents an increased risk of complications, such as hemorrhage and infections, which can pose serious health threats.

-Emotional Adjustments and Mental Health Issues - New mothers often face challenges in emotional adaptation during the postpartum phase. Conditions such as the “baby blues” or more severe postpartum depression can emerge, highlighting the need for emotional support and mental health care during this critical transition to motherhood.

Common symptoms that a mother may experience after childbirth can include:

-Vaginal bleeding (lochia)

-Breast engorgement or pain

-Fatigue

-Mood swings - Fluctuations in hormones, coupled with the stress of adjusting to a new routine, can result in mood swings.  

-Constipation or urinary issues -Changes in diet, hydration, and physical activity can affect bowel movements.