Postnatal care is given to the mother and her newborn baby immediately after the birth of the placenta and for the first 42 days of life because the majority of maternal and neonatal deaths occur during childbirth and the postnatal period.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s family, relationship, and lifestyle show dubbed NYANSAPO FIE, on the Topic “POSTNATAL CARE ” with Madam Ruth Bonney staff midwife, and Thiana Kwei staff midwife from Tema Polyclinic hosted by Dr. Michael Asenso.
Madam Ruth Bonney said after delivery, mothers go through several emotional and physical changes, as they learn to take care of their newborns and therefore postnatal care involves proper rest, nutrition, and vaginal care for the mother, facilitating a quicker and healthier recovery.
She stressed that the care needed to provide to the postnatal mother includes measuring her vital signs at every visit, washing her genital area and checking for tears, blood clots, cervical prolapse, and bleeding, helping her to urinate, eating and drink, and giving her micronutrient supplementation (vitamin A, iron and folic.
Madam Thiana Kwei also said women in the postnatal period need to maintain a balanced diet, just as they did during pregnancy. Iron and folic acid supplementation should also continue for 3 months after birth. and women who are breastfeeding require additional food and should drink sufficient clean water.
She stressed that postpartum infections, most often in the urinary tract and uterus. excessive bleeding after delivery. postpartum depression and or “baby blues” sleep deprivation, breast and breastfeeding problems, such as swollen breasts, mastitis, or clogged milk ducts.
She noted that all new nursing mothers need a baseline of support like sleep, healthy food, and time for themselves and then there might be reasons for extra care and attention. Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, heavy bleeding, and cesarean birth are just some of the factors that may put you at higher risk for postpartum complications is the reason why postnatal care shouldn’t be taken for granted., she appealed.
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