1.

1 Transcultural Nursing
A ground breaking 1996 literature review found that greater than 60% of global maternal
deaths occur during the postnatal period. According to that review, 45% of postpartum
maternal deaths occur within one day of delivery, approximately 65% occur within one week
and roughly 80% occur within two weeks. Postpartum haemorrhage is a leading cause of
maternal deaths around the world. While the risk of maternal death is greatest during labour,
delivery and within the first few days following birth, some evidence indicates that women
are vulnerable up to six months postpartum. The postnatal period is critical for newborns as
well: More than a third of child deaths occur during the neonatal period, and approximately
three quarters of neonatal deaths occur within the first week of life.(Liebling & Overton,
2010)

Timely, high quality postnatal care is crucial for maximizing maternal and newborn health.
Postnatal visits represent an opportunity for providers to facilitate healthy breastfeeding
practices, screen for postpartum depression, monitor the newborn’s growth and overall health
status, treat childbirth-related complications, counsel women about their family planning
options and refer the mother and baby for specialized care if necessary, among other services.
The World Health Organization recommends that all women and newborns receive at least
three postnatal contacts following delivery the first between 48 and 72 hours, the second
between days 7 and 14 and the third at six weeks postpartum.

According to the most recent country-level data, an average of 58% of women around the
world attend postnatal visits for themselves, ranging from 9% to 98%, and an average of 28%
of women bring their infants for a postnatal check-up, ranging from 5% to 99%. In low- and
middle-income countries, women who live in urban areas, are wealthier and have higher
levels of education are significantly more likely to access postnatal care than their
counterparts (Status & Countries, 2012).

While there have been innovative efforts to improve the availability and quality of postnatal
care in low-resource settings, additional research to identify the most effective models is
needed. Continuity of care from pregnancy through the postpartum period is essential for
preventing maternal and newborn deaths.