The Post-Partum Period Revised by Prof. Unn Hidle Updated Spring 2010.
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Transcript of The Post-Partum Period Revised by Prof. Unn Hidle Updated Spring 2010.
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The Post-Partum PeriodRevised by
Prof. Unn Hidle
Updated Spring 2010
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Third Stage of Labor
• Delivery of placenta• Usually about 20-30 minutes after delivery• If >30 minutes = retained placenta• The placenta should be delivered
spontaneously• Never “pull” / “tug” on the umbilical cord• DO NOT MASSAGE if placenta is in place• Fundal height:
– Should be between symphysis pubis and umbilicus immediately after delivery
– Feels more boggy immediately, but firms up quickly
– Bimanual massage once placenta is delivered (in most cases)
D
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• Separation of the placenta from uterus is evident when:– There is a rise in the uterus with firm and
globular appearance in the abdomen– The cord protrudes from the vagina– There is a “gush”, “spurt” or “trickle” of blood
from the vagina– The shape of the uterus changes from a disk to
a probe
• Instruct the mother to bear down to deliver the placenta UPON A CONTRACTION
• If the uterus is not contracted, the uterus may turn inside-out in attempted delivery
• Important to note the TIME of the placental delivery
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Dirty Duncan vs. Shiny ShultzCareful with terminology!
• “DIRTY DUNCAN”– Separation from the outer
margin inward and rolling up
– Maternal side first• “SHINY SHULTZ”
– Separation from inside to the outer margins
– Fetal side first
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Dirty Duncan
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Shiny Shultz
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VARIATIONS IN PLACENTA
WHY SHOULD WE KNOW THIS ???
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Succenturiate placenta
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Placenta circumvallatate
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MATERNITY NURSING: The Postpartum Period
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Battledore placenta
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Velamentous placenta
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Post-placental delivery
• Note TIME of placental delivery in nurse’s notes
• Inspect the placental membranes to make sure they are intact (no residual placenta)
• Inspect for all the cotyledons (mass of villi, fetal vessel and intervillous space)
• If a part is missing, manual uterine exam is necessary
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REVIEW OF OXYTOCIN/PITOCIN
Remember, the post-partum use of Pitocin is
different than for induction!
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OXYTOCIN (PITOCIN)
• Pitocin is the synthetic for of Oxytocin• Natural release of Oxytocin i.e. with BF• Administered DIRECTLY upon delivery
of the placenta• To contract the uterus and therefore
minimize bleeding• Standard drip:
– (10)-20 units in 1000cc LR @ 125cc/h– Know your drip factor!
• Well, actually we’re using more and more IV pumps (ml/hr)
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• Side effects:– Water intoxification = HYPERHYDRATION
• Nausea / Vomiting
• Hypotension
• Tachycardia
• Cardiac arrhythimas secondary to electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia)
– Urinary retention– Hypotension
• With rapid IV bolus administration
• IMPORTANT:– Literature states Pitocin can result in EITHER
hypotension (rapid infusion) or hypertension (contractility = increased BP)
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• Started in the delivery room: 2 bags– First bag: “poured” in, wide open in
Delivery Room– Second bag: given @ 125cc/h X 8
hours• Pitocin may also be given IM or SLOW
IV push• Alternative: Methylergonivine maleate
(Metergine) 0.2 mg IM
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Methylergonovine maleate
(Methergine)
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Methylergonovine maleate (Methergine)
• Ergot alkaloid• Stimulates smooth muscle tissue =
vasoconstriction• Uterus very sensitive to the drug• Used in PP to stimulate the uterus to
contract in order to decrease blood loss by clamping off uterine blood flow (promote involution)
• Vasoconstriction may result in HYPERTENSION (be aware in case of PIH)
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• Dose:– 0.2 – 0.4 mg IM (may be given PO
later) after delivery– May be given IV but more side
effects– Can be given Q2-Q4 hours
• Contraindication:– Pregnancy….. Fetal trauma or death– Hepatic, renal or cardiac disease– Hypertension– Caution with lactation
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• Side Effects:– Hypertension– Nausea and vomiting– Bradycardia– Dizziness– Tinnitus– Abdominal cramps– Palpitations– Dyspnea– Chest pain
• Methergine has a long duration (3 hours) and can cause tetanic contractions.
• Therefore, NEVER use DURING pregnancy or labor as it may cause sustained uterine contractions (result = amniotic fluid embolism – entry of amniotic fluid under the edge of the placenta and then into the maternal circulatory system )
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Cytotec (Misoprostol)
• Dual action!• Prostaglandin analog• Causes uterine contractions• Labor induction:
– “Cervical ripening”– Very potent– May cause uterine rupture
• Post-Partum hemorrhage:– Prevention or treatment of post-partum
hemorrhage in the presence of uterine atony
• Termination of pregnancy
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LACERATIONS
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LACERATIONS
• High risk:– Young mothers– Nullipara– Large fetus– Epidural (decreased sensation and
unable to push exactly with contractions)
– Forceps assisted birth– Previous episiotomies– Has not done perineal massage or
preparation during pregnancy
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Categories of lacerations
• First Degree– Limited to the fourchette, perineal skin and
vaginal mucous membrane
• Second Degree– Perineal skin (1st degree) + underlying fascia
and muscles of perineal body on one or both sides of the vagina
• Third Degree– All of 2nd degree + involvement of anal sphincter
• Fourth Degree– Same as 3rd degree + extension through the
rectal mucosa to the lumen of the rectum. It is also called “3rd degree laceration with a rectal wall extension.”
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2nd Degree Laceration
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4th Degree Laceration
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EPISIOTOMY
• Surgical incision of the perineal body that is done DURING CROWNING to protect the perineum, the anal sphincter, and the rectum from laceration during birth
• Also helps “shorten” the 2nds stage of labor
• Use scissors (or sharp scalpel)
• Some research suggest that instead of protecting the perineum, the episiotomy makes a woman more prone to lacerations in subsequent pregnancies (weakened tissue)
• CULTURAL
• Complications:– Infection– Blood loss– Pain– Dyspariumia (painful intercourse)
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• Two types:
– Mediolateral: 45 degree angle to the right or the left of the perineum• “Larger” opening with smaller incision• Increase risk for blood loss• Increased pain
– Midline: Extends down through perineal body• Preferred because of decreased blood
loss• Incision easier to repair• Heals with less discomfort
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• Done DURING A CONTRACTION when crowning causes distension (also numbing of the perineum????????)
• Usually regional or local anesthesia (1% or 2% lidocaine), but sometimes without anything
• Episiorrhaphy = repair of the episiotomy:– Done during the period between
birth of the neonate and BEFORE the expulsion or AFTER expulsion of the placenta
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Episiotomy
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Medical and Nursing Care
• Inspect Q15minutes X 1st hour• Assess for redness, swelling, tenderness and
hematomas• PAIN management IMMEDIATELY!
– Ice pack X 12-24 hours: Leave on for 20-30 minutes and remove X 20 minutes in order to avoid burns
– Ice will: decrease the inflammatory process, vasoconstrict and numb the area
– Careful baseline assessment: Use pain scale
– After 24 hours: Warm sitz baths to increase circulation
– Mild local anesthetic spray (Dermaplast, Americaine) may be used
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• Hygiene is essential: touch minimally to prevent transmission of any organisms (i.e. don’t touch directly with fingers)
• Use peri-bottle front-to-back and pat dry
• There may be pain for a prolonged period of time (>8 weeks), which may interfere with:– Breast feeding– Sexual intercourse– ADL– Depression
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4th STAGE OF LABOR
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POSTPARTUM PERIOD
• Fourth Stage of Labor– Begins with placental delivery– Ends 1-4 hours postpartum when
the mother is stable
• Post-Partum Period (overall):– Period when the reproductive tract
returns to the normal non-pregnant state
– Starts immediately after delivery and is completed usually by week 6 following delivery
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POSTPARTUM IMPLEMENTATION
• Assessment– Monitor vital signs (fever >101 and BP)– Low grade fever is acceptable in 1st 12-24H– Assess height, consistency, and location of the
fundus– Monitor color, amount, and odor of lochia– Assess breasts for engorgement– Monitor perineum for swelling or discoloration– Monitor episiotomy for healing– Assess incisions or dressings of cesarean birth
client– Monitor bowel status– Monitor I&O– Encourage frequent voiding– Encourage ambulation
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POSTPARTUM IMPLEMENTATION
– Monitor lab values (CBC)– Administer RhoGAM as prescribed
within 72 hours postpartum to the Rh-negative client who is not sensitized• RhoGam 300 mcg IM after every
pregnancy• RhoGam 50 mcg after other
causes (amniocentesis, abortion, ectopic pregnancy)
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A word on Rh factor:
Detect sensitization (if mother is Rh -):– Indirect Coombs test: done on the mother’s blood to
measure the number of Rh+ antibodies– Direct Coombs test: done on the infant’s blood (after
birth) to detect antibody-coated Rh+ RBCs
• Based on the results:– If mother’s Indirect Coombs is negative and the
infant’s direct Coombs is negative, GIVE RhoGAM within 72 hours to prevent harm in next pregnancy (of note, if Rh factor is NEGATIVE in both mother and infant, NO NEED FOR RHOGAM)
– Usually if the Indirect Coombs test is negative in a Rh- mother, the Direct Coombs test is not done since RhGAM is given anyway
– If mother’s Indirect Coombs is positive and her Rh+ infant has a direct Coombs that is positive, SENSITIZATION has occurred and RhoGAM is not given, but infant is watched for s/s of hemolytic disease
• Administer RhoGAM accordingly
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– Determine need for Rubella vaccine • Titer < or = 1:10 (no immunity) – for example, 1:8 is a
clear indicator there is no immunity – see website: http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/rubella_test.jsp or
• Test antibody negative on the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)
• Safe of nursing moms
• Should not get pregnant for next 2-3 months
• Precautions if allergic to egg whites (???)
– Assess bonding with the newborn infant
– Assess emotional status
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PHYSIOLOGICAL MATERNAL CHANGES
• Involution– Description
• The rapid decrease in the size of the uterus as it returns to the non-pregnant state
• Clients who breast-feed may experience a more rapid involution
– Assessment• Weight of the uterus decreases from 2 lb to 2 oz
in 6 weeks; endometrium regenerates• Fundus steadily descends into pelvis• Fundal height decreases about one
fingerbreadth (1 cm) per day• A flaccid fundus indicates uterine atony and
should be massaged until firm• A tender fundus indicates an infection• By 10 days postpartum, uterus cannot be
palpated abdominally
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• Factors enhancing involution:– Uncomplicated L&D– Complete expulsion of the placenta
or membranes– Breastfeeding– Early ambulation
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MATERNITY NURSING: The Postpartum Period
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Post-partum implementation
• If uterus boggy / lateral displacement, have pt void and/or reposition to get better body alignment
• If no void >6-8 hours, possible catheterization:– Atony of the bladder = decrease
tone due to:• Hormones• Trauma to urethra and bladder• Anesthesia• Pitocin also decreases chance of
urination
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• Firm fundus, but still bleeding – suspect laceration
• If fundus unable to contract or sustained contraction, possible retained placental fragment
• Teach appropriate peri-care (as previous) --- PERI-BOTTLE!
• Lochia– Description
• Discharge from the uterus that consists of blood from the vessels of the placental site and debris from the decidua
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PHYSIOLOGICAL MATERNAL CHANGES
– Assessment• Rubra: Bright red discharge which
occurs from delivery day to day 3– 2 pad checks 15 minutes apart =
hemorrhage (or =>8 pads/24H)• Serosa: Brownish pink discharge which
occurs from days 3 to 10• Alba: White discharge, which occurs
from days 10 to 14• Normally, the discharge has a fleshy
odor. Should not be foul = infection
• No clots (NOT larger than a QUARTER)• Discharge decreases daily in amount• Discharge increases with ambulation
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POST PARTUM PHYSIOLOGICAL MATERNAL CHANGES• Cervix
– Soft, open and edematous– Many lacerations– Two fingers can be inserted following delivery– One week later, only one finger can be inserted– Cervical involution and after 1 week the muscle
begins to regenerate– KEGAL EXERCISE!
• Vagina – Bruises– Normal rugea – returns after 3 weeks– Poor tone– Vaginal distention decreases although muscle
tone is never restored completely to the pregravida state
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PHYSIOLOGICAL MATERNAL CHANGES
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PHYSIOLOGICAL MATERNAL CHANGES
• Ovarian Function and Menstruation
– Ovarian function depends on the rapidity with which the pituitary function is restored
– Menstrual flow resumes within 8 weeks in nonbreast-feeding mothers
– Menstrual flow usually resumes within 3 to 4 months in breast-feeding mothers
– Breast-feeding mothers may experience amenorrhea during the entire period of lactation
– NOT A CONTRACEPTIVE!
– Woman may ovulate without menstruating, so breast-feeding should not be considered a form of birth control
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PHYSIOLOGICAL MATERNAL CHANGES
• Breasts
– Influenced by HPL during pregnancy
– Influenced by LH, FSH, Prolactin, ACTH, TSH to produce milk
– After placenta is delivered = decrease in estrogen and progesteron: Prolactin increases
– Oxytocin for letdown reflex
– Breasts continue to secrete colostrum
– Breasts become distended with milk on the third day
– Breast-feeding will relieve engorgement
– Engorgement occurs in 48 to 72 hours in non-breast-feeding mothers
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• Urinary Tract
– May have urinary retention due to loss of elasticity and tone and loss of sensation in the bladder from trauma, medications, anesthesia, and lack of privacy
– Diuresis usually begins within first 12 hours after delivery and they may diurese more than normal (may be 1-2 liters/hour immediately)
– Should normalize within 6 weeks
• Gastrointestinal Tract
– Women are usually very hungry after delivery ?– Constipation can occur– Hemorrhoids are common
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PHYSIOLOGICAL MATERNAL CHANGES
• Blood volume– Pre-pregnancy level returns rapidly
– Normalized by the 4th week PP = 4 liters
• HCT– Decreased 1 day PP (500 – 1000cc EBL)
– Increased cardiac output to get extra blood to kidneys
• Vital Signs– Temperature may be elevated during the first 24
hours due to dehydration, inflammation, trauma
– Note any “abnormal” temperature elevations
– Bradycardia is common during the first week with a range of 50 to 70 beats per minute
– Blood pressure slightly elevated initially, but then returns to baseline
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POSTPARTUM IMPLEMENTATION
• Client Teaching– Demonstrate newborn care skills as necessary
– Provide the opportunity for the mother to bathe the newborn
– Instruct on feeding technique
– Instruct mother to avoid heavy lifting for at least 3 weeks
– Instruct mother to plan at least one rest period per day
– Instruct mother that contraception should begin after delivery or with the initiation of coitus
– Instruct mother on the importance of follow-up which should be scheduled at 4 to 6 weeks
– Instruct mother to report any signs of chills, fever, increased lochia, or depressed feelings to the physician immediately
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POSTPARTUM DISCOMFORTS
• Afterbirth Pains– Occur due to contractions of the uterus
– Are more common in multiparas, breast-feeding mothers, clients treated with oxytocin (Pitocin), and clients who had an overdistended uterus during pregnancy
• Episiotomy– Instruct client to administer perineal care after
each voiding
– Encourage the use of analgesic spray as prescribed
– Administer analgesic as prescribed if comfort measures are unsuccessful
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POSTPARTUM BLUES
• Condition is caused by physiological and emotional stress
• The mother may feel upset and depressed at times
• Verbalization should be encouraged
• Postpartum blues may progress to postpartum depression if unresolved
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• Breast Discomfort from Engorgement
– Encourage wearing a support bra at all times, even while sleeping
– Encourage the use of ice packs if not breast-feeding
– Encourage the use of warm soaks before feeding for breast-feeding mother
– Administer analgesics as prescribed if comfort measures are unsuccessful
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RUBIN’S POSTPARTUM PHASES OF REGENERATION
• Taking-In Phase
– First 3 days– Mother focuses on her own primary
needs such as sleep and food Important for nurse to listen and help mother interpret the events of delivery to make them more meaningful
– Not an optimum time to teach the mother about baby care
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RUBIN’S POSTPARTUM PHASES OF REGENERATION
• Taking Hold Phase
– Days 3-10 – Autonomy and independence– More in control but yet fatigue and
exhaustion– Begins to assume the tasks of mothering– An optimum time to teach the mother
about baby care– Despair if she cannot handle mothering– DANGER SIGNS: Mother is distancing
herself from infant, i.e. not responding to infant’s needs. Intervene IMMEDIATELY!
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• Letting Go Phase
– Mother may feel deep loss over separation of the baby from part of the body and may grieve over the loss
– Mother may be caught in a dependent/independent role, wanting to feel safe and secure yet wanting to make decisions
– Teenage mothers need special consideration because of the conflict taking place within them as part of adolescence
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NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING
• Discuss caloric intake for breast-feeding and non breast-feeding mothers
• Nutritional needs depend on pre-pregnancy weight, ideal weight for height, and whether the mother is breast-feeding
• If the mother is breast-feeding:– Increase diet with 500 kcal per day– Increased fluids– Continue prenatal vitamins and minerals
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TRANSITION TO PARENTHOOD
• ANTICIPATORY– Division of labor needs to be decided during
pregnancy. Expectations, decision and changing roles. Plans who will work, when, change shifts, etc
• HONEYMOON– Attachment phase between parents and baby– EXPLORING the baby (10 fingers/10 toes, etc)
• BONDING & ATTACHMENT– Initial attraction and desire to make it with another
person; work to keep the relationship going
• RELATING– “He looks like……..”
• INTERPRETING– Meaning given to infant’s actions and perceived
needs, i.e. screaming baby: mother interprets the baby will be a “terror”
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MATERNITY NURSING: The Postpartum Period
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LATER POST-PARTUM PERIOD
HOME CARE
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OVERVIEWThere are three aspects to the home care
of postpartum women:
1) Care of the mother
2) Care of the infant
3) Care of the family
Each piece is integral in the overall wellness of the family unit.
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Initial Post-partum Period:Physical and Developmental tasks:
• Restoring physical condition• Developing competence in caring
for an meeting the needs of her infant
• Establishing a relationship with her new child
• Adapting to altered lifestyles and family structure with the addition of a new baby
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REST
• Rest and sleep is critical in the immediate postpartum period.
• The new mother, especially when nursing, should prioritize rest:– Take naps when the baby naps– Pump breast-milk so that another family
member can assist with one of the night-feeds
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ACTIVITY
• Provide information regarding appropriate exercise programs
• Exercise depends on the pre-pregnancy & pregnancy exercise levels
• Introduce an exercise program slowly
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EXERCISES: 1st week
• KEGAL exercises:– Strengthens the muscles of the
pelvic floor
• ABDOMINAL BREATHING:
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Before advancing …….
• Check for extensive separation of the abdominal muscles:– Lie on your back and bend your knees, feet flat on the
floor.– Slowly put your chin to your chest and raise your
head and shoulders until your neck is six to eight inches off the floor.
– Hold one arm out in front of you.– With the other hand, check for a gap or a bulge in the
middle of your abdomen. • If there is a gap wider than the width of two fingers, avoid
further separation by:– Drossing your hands over the abdominal area to
support and bring together the muscles.– Exhale as you lift your head = decreases strain on
abdomen– Tighten abdominal muscles when lifting
• If you become dizzy, excessively tired, or begin bright red bleeding, STOP IMMEDIATELY.
• Consult your health care provider for his/her recommendations.
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EXERCISES: After 1st week
• PELVIC TILT
– Lie on your back, with your knees bent.– Tighten your stomach and buttock
muscles.– Allow your pelvis to tilt upward.– Flatten the small of your back against the
floor as you inhale.– Hold for a count of five.– Relax and exhale.– Repeat three to five times.
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• Straight Curl-up
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• Sit-ups
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BREAST-FEEDING
• General Principles and Considerations
– Put baby to breast as soon as mother and baby's conditions are stable; on delivery table if possible (remember the 30min window)
– Stay with the client while nursing until she feels confident
– Explain uterine cramping from oxytocin release Use general hygiene and wash the breast once daily
– Hygiene:
• Gently clean with warm water after feedings
• Do not use soap as it tends to remove natural oils and increases the chances of cracking
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MATERNITY NURSING: The Postpartum Period
BREAST-FEEDING
• General Principles and Considerations – Bra should be well fitted and supporting– Breasts may leak between feedings or
during coitus; place breast pad in bra– Baby's stools will be light yellow, watery,
and frequent– Medications should be avoided unless
prescribed– Gas producing foods and caffeine should
be avoided– Baby will develop own feeding schedule
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MATERNITY NURSING: The Postpartum Period
BREAST-FEEDING: Procedure
• Start with the breast that the last feeding ended with
• Stimulate Rooting Reflex• Guide nipple and surrounding areola into
baby's mouth• After baby has nursed, release suction by
depressing the newborn infant’s chin or inserting clean finger into the baby's mouth
• Burp baby after first breast• Repeat procedure on the second breast until
the baby stops nursing• Burp baby again• Instruct mother to listen for audible sucking
and swallowing
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MATERNITY NURSING: The Postpartum Period
LATCHING
• L = Latching on
• A = Audible swallowing
• T = Type of nipple
• C = Comfort
• H = Hold
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SPECIFIC BREASTFEEDING ISSUES
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NIPPLE SORENESS
• Peaks between the 3rd and 6th day and then recedes
• Nipple soreness can be painful and discouraging– May cause mom to stop breastfeeding causing
• Factors contributing to nipple soreness include: – The baby’s position at the breast– Poor sucking habits (only sucking on nipple)– Continuous negative pressure (infant falls asleep
while feeding) – Other reasons:
• Overly eager to nurse• Dry colostrum/milk on nipple• Moist nipples• Improper use of breast shield• Lotions or other products on nipples
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NIPPLE SORENESS INTERVENTIONS
• Encouraging the mother to rotate position when feeding the infant.
• Ice may be applied BRIEFLY to the areola pre-nursing to promote nipple erectness and numb the tissue (prolonged ice may stop milk production)
• Wash the nipples with water immediately after feeding and let them air-dry
• Nipples can be left open to air or exposed to sunlight or UV light. – Even drying nipples with hair dryer on low heat.
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CRACKED NIPPLES
• Nipple soreness is often coupled with cracked nipples …… may lead to fissures
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CRACKED NIPPLES: Possible Outcomes
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NIPPLE SHIELD
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BREAST ENGORGEMENT
• Distinguish between breast fullness and engorgement (FULLNESS & TENDERNESS in breast 3-4 days post-partum = normal)
• Engorged breasts are hard, painful, warm and appear taut and shiny
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BREAST ENGORGEMENT: Interventions
Makes sure the infant suck for an average of 15 min/feeding
Infant should feed at least 8 times/24 hours
Mother may express milk manually or pump if breasts are not emptied
Warm compresses before nursing stimulate letdown and soften the breast
Use of fresh green cabbage leaves placed inside the bra (home remedy) works by decreasing edema -- unknown etiology
Analgesics (i.e. acetaminophen, codeine) may be helpful if taken immediately prior to nursing
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BREAST ENGORGEMENT
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PLUGGED DUCTS: May lead to mastitis if not treated
• Usually follows engorgement • May be referred to as “caked
breasts”• Area of tenderness or lumpiness• Blister on the nipple is often
associated with a plugged duct
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PLUGGED DUCTS: Interventions
• May be relieved by:
– Increase nursing on the affected breast
– Massaging toward the nipple while nursing
– Heat q4h prn to site
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MASTITIS
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PLUGGED DUCTS
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BREAST FEEDING & RETURN TO WORK
• Key: Frequent breastfeeding to maintain breastmilk
• Continue to take prenatal vitamins • Increase 500 Kcal/day (increased protein) • Adequate fluid intake: >2000cc/day• Breast milk production: supply & demand
demand • Options for milk expression include:
• Electrical breast pump (single or double)
• Manual breast pump• Manual expression with use of hands• Arranging schedule so that breast-
feeding infant is possible i.e. during lunch hour
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WEANING
• WHEN (WHAT AGE) IS IT APPROPRIATE TO WEAN?
• Decision to wean is based on:– Family/personal reasons– Cultural influences– Changes in the home situation– Pressure from the woman’s partner
• Weaning is a time of emotional separation for mother and baby
• It may be difficult for them to give up the closeness of their nursing sessions
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LATE Post-partum WARNING SIGNS
• Fevers – signs of infection• Mastitis – redness, marked tenderness, or even
abscess formation• Cesarean incision – drainage, redness, tenderness,
pain, edema• Urinary incontinence – urethral trauma, cystocele• UTI – pain or burning with voiding, urgency &/or
frequency, pus (WBC) in urine• Trauma or hemorrhoids – sever constipation or
pain when defecating• Fecal incontinence or constipation – rectocele• Lochia – excess amounts (non-firm uterus); foul
odor (infection)• Episiotomy or laceration healing – evidence of
redness, tenderness, poor tissue approximation in episiotomy and/or laceration may indicate wound infection
• Emotional state - “blues”; lack of caring for infant• Inadequate knowledge of self-care
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HOME-VISIT Follow-Ups• Should ideally occur within 24-48 hours post-
discharge:– RN experienced in postpartal and newborn
care – Not usually the case (insurance issues)
• Home visits done to assess for any postpartum complications (including infant)
• Reality:– Infant follow up:
• 1-2 days of age for breastfed infant• 2-3 days of age for formula-fed infant
– Maternal follow-up:• 6 weeks post-partum
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THE END!