Postnatal Care Flashcards
(6 cards)
What is post natal care and why is it important?
It commences after birth of baby and placenta to ensure no risk of mortality, easy transition into parenthood, ability to care for newborn, and allow easy infant feeding.
How is it scheduled
The midwife first reviews available documentation about the pregnancy,labour and birth, then families are offered first postnatal visit within 36 hours of birth
How is maternal health assessed
Recording Obs: physical, mental health, safeguard, social concerns taking into consideration type of birth had
Serious conditions: enometritis (inflammation of endometrium can lead to heavy sudden bleeding) eclampsia (seizures due to high BP warning is preeclampsia) infection or postpartum preeclampsia.
Mental health: 80% mums get baby blues anything beyond 2 weeks known as postpartum depression or PPA (postpartum anxiety)
Bleeding/lochia: Lochia is discharge with blood, mucus, and uterine tissue first 3 days it’s red (Lochia rubes) then pink/brown (Lochia see moss) then Lochia alba (yellow/white) above 500ml of this is signs of haemorrhage.
Perineal health: can be checked via assessment to maintain hygiene wash hands before and after washing and diet rich in protein and fibre.
How is neonatal health assessed?
Appearance: whether white of eyes is yellow (jaundice) limb movement breathing.
Behaviour: sleep most of the day if newborn decreased overtime, unsettled? Cyring?
Activity: feeding and for how long, latching vomiting.
Signs of illness: bulging fontelle, abnormal breathing, stiff neck
Skin and cord: skin may peel due to being in fluid, vernix Caseros’s white residue good for baby rubbed in to skin, any birth marks recorded
Weight and measurement: weighed 1st day, 5th day and 6months depending on baby and trust, babies lose 10% of weight and gain it back around 3 weeks.
Feeding: mum informed abt types of feeding and how it’s done
Urine and stools: first stool (meconium) so black and sticky after at least two plus, first urine 1-2 in 24 hours after day 6 up to 6 times.
Newborn health promotion
Safe sleeping: on back in crib with nothing else (no pillows, teddy) flat surface. Smoke free, if sharing with baby don’t leave on bed alone, and don’t sleep on chair or sofa with baby in arms.
Brain development: constant interaction with baby
What does ICON stand for?
I - infant crying is normal
C - comfort measures may help
O - ok to walk away
N - never shake baby
