Report on Progress of Professional Portfolio

Competency number: K-8-1

NFDN 2004, Unit 5.1: Postpartum Nursing Care. Many physiologic
DESCRIPTION OF
changes happen during pregnancy, but not many people understand the
ONE SIGNIFICANT
changes that happen after pregnancy.
LEARNING
EXPERIENCE IN THIS
COURSE
I learned about the numerous changes that happen to a persons body
after birth such as:

The location and consistency of the fundus

o At umbilicus at delivery
o Approximately 2cm below umbilicus at day one after
delivery
o Fundus shrinks approximately 2cm each day until day
nine it should be back to normal size

WHAT I LEARNED

Afterpains in the uterus due to oxytocin flow and subsequent

contraction of the uterus to shrink it down to pre-pregnant state

The cervix contracts to close up to pre-pregnant state by the end

of day 7

The perineum can feel edematous and tender after birth

Lochia has three phases: rubra, serosa, and alba, and may be very
little after a cesarean birth due to the scraping of the uterus

Diuresis occurs to rid body of excess water built up during

pregnancy

Weight loss due to loss of water through urination, loss of fat

from breastfeeding

Ovulation occurs within the first month of childbirth, the

pregnant person must be careful because of this

Lactation happens immediately after childbirth

PROFICIENCY
RATING

WHY IT WAS
MEANINGFUL /
SIGNIFICANT

HOW I WILL APPLY

THIS LEARNING IN
NURSING PRACTICE

Fair: I have a very basic understanding of the changes to the human body
after pregnancy because I have not been through the experience. I am a
kinesthetic learner, so I really need hands-on experience to completely
understand concepts.

I believe this was meaningful because when my friends and family have
babies I will be able to help them understand the physiological changes
that will happen.

I will have a hard time applying this in my nursing practice because I do

not plan on working on a maternity unit after graduation.

Student Name: Rebecca Friesen_____________________________________________________

Course: NFDN 2004______________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________________
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Date: October 9, 2015_____________________________________________________________
Instructor/Tutor: Allison McFadden-Squire____________________________________________