Parenting – Page 55 – Babies Carrier

Facebook Pinterest Instagram Postnatal care Postnatal care means, care of both mother and baby after delivery of the baby. After delivery the organs of reproduction return to their pre-pregnant stage within 6 weeks which is called puerperium. Lot of things may happen to mother and baby at this period. Why the need of post-natal care ? • Identification and management of any complication of mother and baby • Helping the mother to recover the pre-pregnant state • Ensure early initiation of breastfeeding and promote exclusive breastfeeding of the baby • Advice to mother regarding family planning • Advice to mother and other family members regarding how to take care of the baby • Advice on immunization of the baby When to take postnatal Visits ? 1st visit - within 24 hours of delivery 2nd visit – within 2 to 3 days of delivery 3rd visit – within 6 to 7 days of delivery 4th visit – at 6 week Where and by whom to take the postnatal care ? When a delivery is done at a hospital, usually the 1st check up is done within one hour of delivery and the mother is advised to stay at hospital for at least 24 hour. 2nd checkup should be done before the discharge of the patient from hospital. If the delivery is done at home, then the care can be given by a community health worker or by a skilled provider and if they find any complication, will refer the mother or baby to the nearby hospital. Care during post natal period Care for the mother: Checking and assessment of the bleeding per vagina Checking and recording the temperature of mother If the mother suffers from anemia, need to take action regarding this Provide supplementation of vitamins and minerals such as Iron, Calcium, Vit-A etc Counseling on diet and family planning If any complication found, such as bleeding, infections, post partum depression etc. refer to the nearby facility Care for the baby: Assessment of the baby for any danger sign Measurement and recording of weight, checking of temperature Ensure early initiation of breast feeding and promote exclusive breast feeding Counseling about various care of the baby such as skin care, eye, cord care etc Keep the baby warm and ensure first bathing after 24 hours of delivery Advice regarding birth registration, routine immunization, Counseling on the danger signs of the baby What to do for vulnerable babies ? Vulnerable baby means babies with low birth weight or small babies or babies of HIV infected mother. These babies must be identified early and managed properly, because they face various physical problems. So they need special attention. Just after delivery – Do the proper resuscitation if needed Properly wrapping of the baby Keep the baby warm Make skin to skin contact with mother Try to initiate breast feeding, if not possible provide expressed milk to the baby Make sure the early identification of high risk and vulnerable babies and their proper management What are the Danger signs ? Many complications may occur to both baby and the mother during the post natal period. Early detection and management of emergencies of mother and baby can reduce the mortality. So the danger signs should be known to all. Danger sign of mother: Per vaginal bleeding more than normal Increased temperature Blurred vision Severe pain at the abdomen Discharge from the vagina, which is usually foul smelling Engorgement of breasts Danger sign of babies: Reluctance to feeding Fast breathing (60 or more breaths per minute ) Increased or decreased body temperature Baby becomes lethargic Convulsion with or without fever So the postnatal care is very essential for both mother and the baby. Each and every mother should be aware of this care. NEXT → Post Pregnancy Diet Let’s get social Facebook-f Pinterest Instagram Other Helpful Articles Simple Birth Plan Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression Signs of labor approaching GIVING BIRTH AT HOME HOME BIRTH VS. HOSPITAL BIRTH STAGES OF LABOR