Postnatal care PNC – This course is designed to understand the care of pregnant women and newborn: antenatal, intra-natal and postnatal; breast feeding, family planning, newborn care and ethical issues, The aim of the course is to acquire knowledge and develop competencies regarding midwifery, complicated labour and newborn care including family planning.
Postnatal care PNC
Postnatal care (PNC)
Postnatal care (PNC) is the care given to the mother and her newborn baby immediately after the birth and for the first six weeks of life (Figure 1.1). This period marks the establishment of a new phase of family life for women and their partners and the beginning of the lifelong health record for newborn babies (or neonates – a term often used by doctors, nurses and midwives).
Why is effective postnatal care so important
The time when effective postnatal care can make the most difference to the health and life chances of mothers and newborns is in the early neonatal period, the time just after the delivery and through the first seven days of life. However, the whole of the neonatal period, from birth to the 28th day after the birth, is a time of increased risk.
Deaths during the first 28 days of babies who were born alive is reported by all countries in the world as the neonatal mortality rate (the number of babies who die in the first 28 days) per 1,000 live births. Similarly, reports of maternal mortality include deaths of women from complications associated with postnatal problems, not just problems arising during the birth. Both these rates are important indicators of the effectiveness of postnatal care.
Care Needs of Women
In the postpartum period, women need:
1. information/counselling on
- care of the baby and breast feeding
- what happeris to their bodies including signs of possible problems
- self care – hygiene and healing
- sexual life to
- contraception
- nutrition
2. support from
- health care providers
- partner and family: emotional, psychological
3. health care for suspected or manifest complications
4. time to care for the baby
5. help with domestic tasks
6. maternity leave
7. social reintegration into her family and community
8. protection from abuse/violence.
Women may fear:
1. Inadequacy
2. loss of marital intimacy
3. Isolation
4. constant responsibility of caring for the baby and others
Needs of newborn infants
In the postnatal period newborn infants need:
1. easy access to the mother
2. appropriate feeding
3. adequate environmental temperature
4. a safe environment
5. parental care
6. Cleanliness
7. observation of body signs by someone who cares and can take action if necessary
8. access to health care for suspected or manifest complications
9. nurturing, cuddling, stimulation
10. protection from
- Disease
- harmful practices
- abuse/violence
11. acceptance of
- Sex
- Appearance
- Size
12. recognition by the state (vital registration system)
Read More.