POST NATAL CARE

Week 12 Theme 12 Presenter Sn Sr Nauku

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Objectives
identify potential problems in physical or emotional well-being as early as possible and ensuring prompt and appropriate help & treatment ensure good communications between all the people providing care for the mother and baby enabling parents to become confident in necessary skills of caring for their infant by proving opportunities for learning and discussion.
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Introduction
Post natal period /postpartal/Puerperium begins immediately after the birth and continues for approximately 6weeks, or until the body has returned to near prepregnant state. Immediate care Physical comfort wash, change of nightie, mouth care, hair brush, offer a cup of hot drink
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 Empty the bladder encourage the mother to pass urine as full bladder impede uterine contraction Close observation of the uterine contraction and blood loss Keep mother warm

Introduction
Baby to be thoroughly dried and wrapped in a dry clean towel / wrapper so that body heat is retained, Check the security of the cord clamp, observe general skin color, temperature Offer baby to mother for breastfeed.

Records
record observation of the placenta, membranes, blood loss and check all delivery informations to be filled in patients file. Before transfer to the post natal ward, check : a) the uterine fundus for firmness, bladder to be empty, clean pad b) Check babys cord clamp, 6 c) identity tag.

Management of postnatal case

Ensure that postnatal care is related to the need of each individual mother rather than to any routine pattern promoting a relaxed environment in which the mother can be certain of adequate rest and freedom from any unnecessary stress

Postnatal Ward
prepare bed in a quiet area of the ward greet the mother ensure the uterus is well contracted & bladder is empty assist with breastfeeding leave parents to enjoy their baby and rejoice his/her birth The nurse should familiarize herself with the mothers history esp:
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Age & parity

Blood group and Rhesus factor The result of the most recent hemoglobin The events of labour and delivery, including the amount of blood loss Babys condition at birth and his birth weight Mothers chosen method of infant feeding Mothers social and family needs What examinations and test had been done
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Daily examination
General well-being complains of unduly tiredness must be noted and investigated. Vital signs any rise in pulse may indicate excessive bleeding or puerperal infection Breasts signs of lactation Uterus daily abdominal palpation should be well contracted, bulky uterus indicate presence of blood clots Lochia colour rubra, serosa, alba amount
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Daily examination
After pains caused by mild contractions of the uterus Micturation difficulty may be due to perineal bruising and laceration Diuresis perineum and vulva change pads frequently, Legs examine for tenderness indicates thrombosis
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Prevention of infection strict cleanliness

genital tract infection urinary tract infection upper respiratory tract infection

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Ambulation and exercise

increase the drainage of Lochia, increase muscle tone Rest and sleep Care of the breasts Nutrition nourishing and well balanced Emotional Needs mothers need to be supported during this experience of motherhood * encouraging attitude, praising all efforts made by the mother, offer consistent advice
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 Caring for mothers after Caesarian Section Require the degree of care needed by anyone who had undergone major surgery. Assist mother to breast feed effectively

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 Let us look at our situation where we have mothers living in the villages and towns. Discuss: Differences in caring for post partum mothers in town verses a village setting. (Include this in your tutorial activity) Your discussion should include the following: - Availability if services; distance, financial 15 issues, knowledge, attitude, family support