Page 83 - fourth year book

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CARE (MCH)

Objectives of postpartum care:

1. Helping women to resume physical and mental health.

2. Early detection, proper management and follow up of obstetric
injuries, health problems and pregnancy associated complications

as well as reproductive tract infections.
3. Examination of the new born for early detection of congenital

malformation, handicapping condition and jaundice.

4. Health education and guidance for the mother regarding: hygiene,
nutrition, child care, breast feeding, immunization, birth spacing
and family planning methods.

Components of postpartum care:

A. Immediate postpartum care:

For the mother:

1. Check funds frequently and massage gently if not firm.

2. Inspect perineum frequently for visible signs of bleeding.

3. Check vital signs and blood pressure frequently.

4. Instruct about initiation of breast feeding which should start
within the first hour after delivery .

5. Record all data about the mother.

For the baby:

1. Cut the umbilical cord using aseptic technique.

2. Clear air way.

3. Establish respiration.
4. Evaluate infant condition by APGAR scoring at 1 and 5 minutes

after birth.

5. Protect the infant from hemorrhage, infection.
6. Eye care.

7. Provide warmth.

8. Examine for birth injuries, trauma or congenital abnormalities.

9. Measure weight, length and head circumference.

10. Record data about the infant.

53