Health Education on

Past Partum and

Newborn Care, and
Discharge Planning.
Maternal and Child Nursing
Post Partum and
New
Born Health
Teaching
Postpartum and new born care teaching is a
vital aspect of nursing care during the hospital
stay after childbirth. Assessment for the
stability of the physical status of both the
mother and newborn is crucial after birth,
however once established, the focus should turn
to assisting the mother learn to care for herself
and her newborn once she is discharged from
the hospital.
Teaching Methods
on Educating Post
Partum and New
Born Care
Teaching methods nurses use to instruct childbearing women vary and can potentially
impact the quality of the instructions and the mothers’ level of satisfaction. 
• Individualized instructions given by the nurse • Providing group classes on bathing infants,
caring for the new mother is one method used on preparing formula, breastfeeding techniques,
many postpartum nursing units to provide self and minimizing jealousy in older children and
infant care education to new mothers prior to maintaining health in the newborn can be helpful
discharge. Rooming- in is an ideal set up to observe to mothers and fathers because in these settings
and work with the mother as well as the other they can learn not only from the instructor but
member of the family (father, grandparents, also from other parents.
relatives) with an infant. It can be a good setting in
teaching how to bathe, feed the baby, how to care
for the infant’s cord and circumcision, how much
infant sleep during 24 hours and the post-partum
care.
 Breast and Nipple Care for Nursing Mother
Educate the mother that breast fullness and tenderness, or engorgement, is a
normal process that usually begins approximately 48 hours after delivery.
Inform the mother of the listed below which are some comfort measures that
she can take:
a. Wear a firm, supportive bra 24 hours a day. f. Be sure the baby takes the whole nipple and areolar
b. Expose your nipples to the air whenever you can. areas into his/her mouth.
c. Feed your baby frequently using both breasts at each g. Be sure to break the suction of the baby’s mouth
feeding. on your nipple with your little finger before pulling
d. If you are engorged, take a warm shower or apply the baby off your breast.
warm, moist towels to your breasts just before feeding. h. Don’t use soap on your nipples!
e. Manually express some colostrum or milk from your i. If you are given and using contact nipple shields,
breasts before putting the baby to your breast. you must pump at least 6 times a day/15 minutes on
each breast. Seek follow-up with a lactation
consultant and your pediatrician.
 Breast Care for Non-Nursing Mother
Educate the non-nursing mothers may also become engorged. Inform them
that the following will help to decrease any discomfort that you may feel:
a. Wear a firm, supportive bra 24 hours a day.
b. Avoid any unnecessary handling or massaging of the breasts.
c. If her breasts become full and painful, apply ice bags to your breasts for twenty-minute intervals. Crushed or
cracked ice in plastic bags works well.
Health Teaching
on Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is when you feed your baby
breast milk, usually directly from your breast.
It’s also called nursing. Making the decision
to breastfeed is a personal matter thus strongly
recommend breastfeeding exclusively (no
formula, juice, or water) for 6 months. The first
few days after birth, your breasts make an
ideal "first milk."
It's called colostrum. Colostrum is thick, yellowish,
and there’s not a lot of it, but there's plenty to
meet your baby's nutritional needs. Colostrum
helps a newborn's digestive tract develop and
prepare itself to digest breast milk. Colostrum is
the first phase of breast milk, which changes over
time to give your baby the nutrition they need as
they grow. The second phase is called transitional
milk. You make this as your colostrum is gradually
replaced with the third phase of breast milk, called
Inform the mother that newborns often want to
feed every 2-3 hours. By 2 months, feeding
every 3-4 hours is common, and by six months,
most babies feed every 4-5 hours.
 Signs that the Baby is Hungry
Educate the mother what are the cues to know if the infant is hungry and
need to be breastfed. One of the most common ways the baby will let her
know they're hungry is to cry. Other signs the baby is ready to be fed
include:
• Licking their lips or sticking out their tongue
• Rooting, which is moving their jaw, mouth, or head to look for your breast
• Putting their hand in their mouth
• Opening their mouth
• Fussiness
• Sucking on things
Breastfeeding Benefits
for the Infant
Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has a
nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat --
everything your baby needs to grow. And it's all provided in
a form more easily digested
than infant formula. Breast milk contains antibodies that
help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding
lowers your baby's risk of having asthma or allergies. Plus,
babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months,
without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory
illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea. They also have fewer
Breastfeeding Benefits
for the Mother
Breastfeeding burns extra calories, so it can help
you lose pregnancy weight faster. It releases the
hormone oxytocin, which helps your uterus return
to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine
bleeding after birth. Breastfeeding also lowers your
risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It may lower
your risk of osteoporosis, too.
Best Position for
Breastfeeding
Football
position
Line your baby's back
along your forearm to
hold your baby like a
football, supporting the
head and neck in your
palm. This works best
with newborns and
small babies.
Side-lying
position
This position is great
for night feedings in
bed. Side-lying also
works well if you're
recovering from an
episiotomy, an incision
to widen the vaginal
opening during
delivery. Use pillows
under your head to get
comfortable.
Cross-cradle
hold
Sit straight in a
comfortable chair that
has armrests. Hold your
baby in the crook of
your arm that's opposite
the breast you will use
to feed them. Support
their head with your
hand. Bring your baby
across your body so
your tummies face each
other.
Laid-back
position
This position, also
called biological
nurturing, is a lot like it
sounds. It's meant to
tap into the natural
breastfeeding instincts
you and your baby
have.
 Medical Considerations with
Breastfeeding
01 02
You are HIV positive. You You have active,
can pass the HIV virus to untreated tuberculosis.
your infant through breast
milk.
 Medical Considerations with
Breastfeeding
03 04
You're using an illegal drug, Your baby has a rare condition
such as illegal drug, called galactosemia and cannot
cocaine or marijuana tolerate the natural sugar, called
galactose, in breast milk.
 Medical Considerations with
Breastfeeding
03
05
You’re taking certain prescription
medications, such as some drugs
for migraine headaches,
Parkinson’s disease or arthritis
Common Challenges with
Breastfeeding
1. II. III.
Sore nipples Dry, cracked nipples Worries about producing
enough milk.

IV. V. NEPTUNE
Breast infection (Mastitis) Stress
 Warning Signs
Breastfeeding is natural, healthy process: But call your doctor if:

01 02
Your breasts become You have an unusual
unusually red, swollen, discharge or bleeding
hard, or sore. from your nipples.
 Warning Signs
Breastfeeding is natural, healthy process: But call your doctor if:

03 02
You're concerned your baby
isn't gaining weight or
getting enough milk
Nutrition
All mothers have increased nutritional needs after delivery, especially if they are breastfeeding.

• Good nutrition and adequate fluids are necessary for tissue repair, healing, breastfeeding and general health.
• Continue to take your personal vitamins and iron tablets as ordered by your doctor.
• Refrain from any weight-reducing diets until after your postpartum checkup. Now is not the time for dieting or
junk food
• Most women lose eight to 10 pounds just from delivery. It takes almost a full year to return to your pre-
pregnancy weight.
• If you are breastfeeding, continue to take your prenatal vitamins. Eat a well-balanced diet that is high in
protein, fiber, calcium and fluids.
• If you have a family history of food allergies or are concerned about food allergies for your baby while
breastfeeding, consult your physician for guidance.
Bowel Function
Expect a normal bowel movement by your 3rd and 4th day after delivery. To help your return to a normal
pattern of bowel movement, we recommend.

• Teach the woman that bowel activity is sluggish because of decreased abdominal muscle tone, anesthetic effects,
effects of progesterone, decreased solid food intake during labor, and prelabor enema.
• Inform the woman that pain from hemorrhoids, lacerations, and episiotomies may cause her to delay her first
bowel movement.
• Review the woman’s dietary intake with her.
• Encourage daily adequate amounts of fresh, fruit, vegetable, fiber and at least eight glasses of water.
• Drink prune juice once daily and include foods in your diet that are high in bulk such as fruits and vegetable,
bran, and whole grain breads and cereals.
• Take stool softeners as directed by your doctor.
• Two tablespoons of milk of magnesia may be taken if your have no bowel movement by your 3rd and 4th day
after delivery.
Urination
You may urinate more than usual on the second and third days after birth. This is
normal. It is important to drink a lot of fluids. Six to eight glasses of fluid a day is
recommended.
Health Education
on Perineal Care
 Educate the mother about the following:
• Postpartum perineal care is cleaning and caring of her perineum after having a baby. The perineum is
the area between the vagina (birth canal) and the anus (rear end opening)
• In the first few weeks after childbirth, she will probably have soreness or pain in her perineum
• She will also have discharge coming out of her vagina.
• She may have also had a tear or an episiotomy during childbirth
 General Instructions on Perineal Care

• Wash hands before doing perineal care

• Remove the soiled peri-pad starting at the vaginal area to the back
• While sitting at the toilet cleanse the perineal area from front to back each time you urinate or
have a bowel movement
• She may continue to use the peri-bottle that you used in the hospital
• Pat the area dry with toilet paper or cotton wipes starting at the front moving at the back
• Apply a fresh peri-pad from front to back by placing the front part of the peri-pad against the
perineum first. Be careful not to touch the inner surface of the pad
• Wash hands after doing perineal care
 Vaginal Bleeding
Inform the mother about the following:

• The color will be dark for the first 48 hours; then light red from 3-7 days after birth
• It is white colored by the 12th day after birth
• her flow will be heavy for the first 2 days, it is normal to see several small clots
• If she has been lying down for hours, it is normal to experience a gush of blood when she
stands up
• If, after 3-4 days, her flow becomes bright red again and increases in amount, it usually means
that she has been doing too much and she needs to rest more
Health Education on Postpartum Care: Caesarean
Educate the mother that at first her cut (incision) will be raised slightly and pinker than the rest
Delivery
of your skin in which it likely appears somewhat puffy. Advise her that she will experience the
following:
• Any pain should decrease after 2 or 3 days, but your cut will remain tender for up to 3 weeks or more.
• Most women need pain medicine for the first few days to 2 weeks. Advise her what is safe to take while
breastfeeding.
• Over time, her scar will become thinner and flatter and will turn either white or the color of her skin.
• She will need a checkup in 4 to 6 weeks.
 Health Teaching on Incision Care
Inform the mother to change the dressing over her cut once a day, or sooner if it gets dirty or wet.
Remind her of the following:
• The Doctor will inform her when to stop keeping her wound covered.
• Ensure that the wound area is always clean by washing it with mild soap and water. She must not scrub it.
Just let the water run over her wound in the shower is enough.
• She may remove the wound dressing and take showers if stitches, staples, or glue were used to close her skin.
• DO NOT soak in a bathtub or hot tub, or go swimming, until her Doctor tells her its allowed. In most cases,
this is not until 3 weeks after surgery.

If strips (Steri-Strips) were used to close the incision:

• DO NOT try to wash off the Steri-Strips or glue. It is OK to shower and pat the incision dry with a clean
towel.
• They should fall off in about a week. If they are still there after 10 days, she can remove them, unless the
Doctor tells her not to.
 Umbilical Cord Care (Newborn)
The umbilical cord is the tube that connects the baby to the mother. In the
uterus, the umbilical cord carries blood, oxygen, and nutrition to the baby.
At birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. This leaves a small stump.
The clamp prevents blood flowing out of the baby through the cord. In most
cases, the umbilical cord stump dries up and falls off the newborn in the
first few weeks of life.
 Umbilical Care (Newborn)

Homecare When to seek Medical Advice

• Keep the cord clean and dry. • The skin around the base of the cord is red or
• Keep the cord exposed to air. Don’t cover it up inside bleeding.
the diaper where it may come in contact with urine or • There is a bad smell, pus, or other discharge
stool. To prevent this, fold the front of the diaper from the cord.
down below the cord. If needed, cut a notch in the • Your baby has a fever (see “Fever and children”
front of the diaper to make a space for the cord. below)
• Don’t dress your baby in clothing that is tight across • Your baby cries when you touch the cord or the
the cord. area around it.
• Don’t put your baby in bathwater until the cord has
fallen off and the area where the cord was attached is
dry and healing. Instead, bathe your baby with a
sponge or damp washcloth.
• Don’t try to remove the cord. It will fall off on its
own.
• Don’t use talc or other powders on the cord.
Newborn
Bathing
Adding
Baby’sbath time
First to baby’s routine is something you can begin shortly after your baby is born.
Bath
Some pediatricians recommend delaying a baby’s first bath until they are a few days old.
That’s because after birth your baby is covered in vernix, which is a waxy substance on the
skin that protects baby from germs in the environment. If you have a hospital delivery, hospital
nurses or staff will clean off the amniotic fluid and blood after your baby is born. But you’ll
likely have the option to tell them to leave excess vernix if you choose. Once the baby is home,
you can give them a sponge bath. You can clean their head, body, and diaper area. This is the
safest way to bathe your baby until their umbilical cord falls off. Once the cord has fallen off
on its own, you can begin bathing your baby by submerging their body in a shallow bath.
 Sponge Bath
• Choose a warm room, around 75°F (23.8°C) for the bath, remove your baby’s clothes and
diaper, and wrap them in a towel.
• Lay your baby on a flat surface, such as the floor, changing table, counter next to a sink, or your
bed. If your baby is off the ground, use a safety strap or keep one hand on them at all times to
make sure they don’t fall.
• Unwrap the towel one part at a time to expose only the area of the body you’re washing.
• Start at your baby’s face and top of their head: First dip the clean cloth in the warm water. Use
only warm water without soap for this step to avoid getting soap in your baby’s eyes or mouth.
Wipe the top of the head and around the outer ears, chin, neck folds, and eyes.
• Add a drop or two of soap into the warm water. Dip the washcloth in the soapy water and wring
it out.
• Use the soapy water to clean around the rest of the body and diaper area. You’ll want to clean
under the arms and around the genital area. If your baby was circumcised, avoid cleaning the
penis to keep the wound dry unless otherwise directed by your baby’s doctor.
• Dry your baby off, including drying between skin folds. Put on a clean diaper. You can use a
towel with a built-in hood to keep their head warm while they dry off, too.
 Bathtub Bath
• Fill the tub with a small amount of water. Usually, 2 to 3 inches of water is enough. Some tubs
can be placed in the sink or regular bathtub, depending on the model you have.
• After undressing your baby, place them in the water right away so they don’t get cold.
• Use one hand to support your baby’s head and the other to place them feet first into the tub.
Their head and neck should be well above water at all times for safety.
• You can gently splash or pour warm water over your baby to keep them warm in the tub.
• Use a washcloth to clean their face and hair, and shampoo their scalp one to two times per
week.
• Wash the rest of their body from the top down, using warm water or a wet washcloth.
• Gently lift your baby out and pat them dry with a towel. Be sure to also dry the creases in their
skin.
 Scalp and Hair
• Plan to wash your baby’s scalp or hair twice a week. To wash your baby’s scalp or hair, gently
massage a baby shampoo into their hair, if they have any, or directly onto their scalp. Rinse it
out by dabbing with a wet washcloth.
• In a baby tub, you can also gently tip your baby’s head back and keep one hand over their
forehead while you pour on some warm water. The water will spill over the sides of their head
to rinse out the shampoo.
• Gently washing your baby’s hair will not hurt a soft spot, but talk with your pediatrician if you
have concerns. If your baby has cradle cap, you can gently brush your baby’s hair and scalp.
But take care not to pick or scrape at their scalp.
How Often the Baby Needs to Take a Bath?
• In your baby’s first year, they may only need about three baths a week. This is usually frequent
enough if you wash the diaper area thoroughly every time you change your baby.
• Bathing once a day or every other day is also OK, but any more frequently than that could dry
out your baby’s skin. That’s especially the case if you use soap or other baby wash.
 What kinds of clothes do newborns need?
• Clothes should be comfortable, soft and easy to take care of.
• Stretchy jumpsuits that fasten at the front are best, as well as tops with envelope necks, which
are easier to get over your baby’s head. Jumpsuits with zips can make dressing your baby quick
and easy too.
• Clothes made from cotton are a good choice. Cotton clothes will keep your baby cooler in hot
weather than clothes made from synthetic fibers. Cotton also washes well and is gentle against
your baby’s sensitive skin.
 Health Education on
Mental Health of Post
Partum
 Postpartum Depression
The birth of a new baby can lead to many
emotional changes. Many women go through a
period of mild depression following the birth of a
baby.
Major Depressive Episode
• Appetite or weight changes
• Sleep or activity changes
• Energy depletion
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
She may be suffering from guilt or have negative
feelings towards herself or her newborn.
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making
decisions
• Recurrent thoughts of suicide (also includes
planning or actual attempts)
In some cases, a woman may feel so depressed that
she wants to end her life.
 1. Postpartum blues or
Minor Depressive
•
Disorder
Depressive symptoms lasting at
least two weeks
• Exhibit fewer symptoms, or
symptoms to a lesser degree,
than seen in major depressive
disorders
• Adjustment disorder with
depressed mood
• A response to a psychosocial
stressor, either situational or
developmental
 2. Postpartum depression
(PPD) or Major
•
Depressive Disorders
Depressive symptoms lasting at
more two weeks
• One or more major depressive
episodes as defined above
• No history of manic or psychotic
symptoms
 2. Postpartum depression
(PPD) or Major
Depressive Disorders
- PPD may manifest up through 12 months postpartum, with an increased incidence at weaning and
return of menses.
- Research suggests that the strongest predictor of PPD is antepartum depression.
o history of depression prior to pregnancy
o history of prenatal anxiety
o occurrence of postpartum blues
o low self-esteem
o a stressful life resulting in excessive demands
o lack of social support from family and friends
o a strained marital relationship
o the nature of the infant’s temperament
o childcare stress
- Increased depressive symptoms during the mid-trimester and obstetric complications also may
influence PPD.
 3. Postpartum pyschosis

• One or more major depressive

episodes as defined above
• Delusions and/or
• Hallucinations (typically auditory)
 Supporting Depressed Women

• If you identify a new mother with depression then you should refer her as soon as
possible to the nearest health care facility.
• Support groups can also help. If that is not possible then you may need to support her
through this period yourself.
1. If possible, meet her on a regular basis and use your skills to show empathy, listen to her
and support her.
2. Ask her consent to discuss with a family member or friend who she feels may also be
able to provide her with support.
3. Involve her in social activities and activities that used to make her happy in the past. If
depression is mild, regular physical exercise can help a lot.
 Supporting Depressed Women

• Reassure them that this is usually a temporary condition that happens to some women
who have given birth.
• Some relatives and even sometimes health workers may not take the concerns of women
they see seriously. If women feel their concerns are not taken seriously, this may make
them feel inadequate as mothers, which will contribute to their depression. Some mothers
may not be able to care for themselves or their baby properly. This is particularly true for
women with special needs and adolescents in particular. Under no circumstances should
anyone verbally or physically abuse a mother who is having problems caring for her
baby.
• Try to maintain regular follow-up with women who are suffering from depression and
their families, to ensure they are getting the support they need.
 Health Teachings

• Write a list of things that a woman can do for herself to improve her mental health. For example,
walking, resting and quiet time, spending time with friends, praying or singing songs.
• Write a list of things that other family members can do to support her, such as helping out with the
work load, sitting and listening to her, providing an environment of care and support.
• Now write down things that a group of women could do to help improve their mental health. For
example, giving one another emotional or practical support or discussing problems and sharing
solutions.
• Do any support groups currently exist in the community? How could you help women in your
community to start their own support groups or to better support each other?
• Discuss the lists with colleagues and finalize them together. Distribute copies of the list so you and
your colleagues can use them as a resource with women who are experiencing mental or emotional
health problems.
• In cases where depression is so severe that it does not respond to your interventions, are there more
specialized counsellors available to whom you can refer?
 Discharge Planning
Various methods and tools to deliver postpartum discharge instructions have enhanced the quality of
instructions and been shown to increase patient satisfaction. Since the discharge instructions is
usually the last thing nurses give to their patients before they leave the hospital, it is very
important to ensure the patient satisfaction with this vital area of care by providing a clear and
comprehensible information about discharge planning.
 Care in Preparation for Discharge
Before the woman is discharged, she must be educated properly regarding the care of
the newborn and herself at home.
• Assess first the ability of the mother to absorb new instructions and to listen.
• Conducting group classes regarding newborn care could greatly help mothers learn not only
what the instructors teach but also from the experiences that some mothers could share to the
group.
• It is also recommended for fathers to attend such classes so the mother would have someone
she can rely on with the newborn care.
• Individual instruction is also sought after postpartum, as the family will need to know how to
care for the woman and the newborn after discharge.
• Teaching should not always be formal; it may come in the form of comments during classes or
procedures.
 Care in Preparation for Discharge
Before the woman is discharged, she must be educated properly regarding the care of
the newborn and herself at home.
• Instruct the woman to avoid lifting heavy objects for the first three weeks after birth.
• Advise the woman to allot a rest period every day, or to rest and sleep while her newborn is also
asleep so she can regain her energy.
• Be certain that the woman is aware that she must return to the healthcare facility after 4 to 6
weeks for examination and that she must arrange an appointment for her baby to be examined
by a pediatrician at 2 to 4 weeks of age.
• Make sure that the woman and the family understood the discharge instructions amidst all the
frenzy of the new baby; review instructions with parents before they leave.
• Calling or visiting 24 hours after discharge is the best way to evaluate whether the family has
been able to grasp all instructions and integrate the newborn into the family.
 Postpartum Discharge Instructions
General Instructions for Comfort and Activity
1. Rest for about half your waking hours, alternating
brief periods of activity with rest for a week.
2. Nap when the baby naps.
3. After the first week, take an afternoon rest of 1-2
hours each day.
4. You may shower or bathe freely.
5. Eat three balanced meals a day.
6. For painful stitches, you may soak in the tub (sitz
bath) for 15 minutes, three times a day. Apply
anesthetic spray or ointment as needed.
7. For hemorrhoids, use 15 minute sitz baths several
times a day. Keep your stool soft by drinking
plenty of fluids and eating fruits and vegetables.
You may use stool softeners, mineral oil, Tucks or
suppositories as prescribed by your doctor.
8. For constipation, increase fluid intake, use mineral
oil or Milk of Magnesia. Call your doctor if you
have not had a bowel movement by the 4th day
following delivery.
9. Do not douche, use tampons or vaginal suppositories
for 6 weeks.
10. Do not engage in sexual intercourse for 6 weeks.
11. Climb whatever stairs are necessary.
12. You may drive a car whenever you feel like it. Long
distance travel is not recommended for the first few
weeks unless absolutely necessary.
13. Avoid strenuous physical activity, including exercise
workouts, for 6 weeks following the delivery
14. Call your doctor’s office to make an appointment to
be seen about 6 weeks after delivery.
 Postpartum Discharge Instructions
Medications
1. Continue a daily multivitamin for as long as you breastfeed. If bottle feeding, continue the
multivitamins daily for three months.
2. If needed, your doctor will order additional iron pills
3. You may safely use acetaminophen (“Tylenol”), ibuprofen (“Motrin”), or any other
medication prescribed by your physician. Before taking any other medication, check first
with your doctor.
Bleeding
1. You may experience blood tinged or brownish discharge for 3 to 6 weeks.
2. Your first menstrual period may occur any from four to eight weeks after delivery, longer if
you are breastfeeding.
3. Your first period may be heavier than usual
 Postpartum Discharge Instructions
Danger Signs
1. Continuous abdominal pain
2. Bad smelling vaginal discharge
3. Heavy bleeding (a full sanitary napkin in an hour)
4. Pain or redness in the leg
5. Difficulty urinating
6. Temperature greater than 100.4 degrees
7. Tenderness or localized redness of the breast
Post-Partum Care Health Education for Caesarean
•
Birth Delivery
Instruct the mother to ambulate because this is the • Inform the mother that incisional pain may interfere
most effective method to relieve gas pain.
• Inform the mother that she should not take
acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin because this can
interfere with blood clotting and healing.
• Instruct the mother to place a pillow on her lap as
she feeds the infant to deflect the weight of the
infant from the suture line and lessen the pain.
• Football hold for breast feeding is a way to keep
the infant’s weight off the mother’s incision.
• Teach the mother to eat a diet high in roughage
and fluid and to attempt to move her bowels at
least every other day to avoid constipation.
with the mother’s ability to use her abdominal
muscles effectively, so the physician may prescribe a
stool softener.
• Caution the mother not to strain to pass stools
because this puts pressure on their incision.
• Advice the mother to keep their water pitcher full as
a reminder for her to drink fluids.
• Reassure the mother that it is normal not to have
bowel movements for 3 to 4 days postoperatively,
especially if there is enema administered before
surgery.
 Discharge Instructions for Caesarean
mother's abdomen. It can take 4 to 6Delivery
In a cesarean birth (C-section), the baby is delivered through an incision in the
weeks to recover from a Cesarean delivery (C-
section). Educate the mother of the following:
• Try sleeping when the baby sleeps and ask family or friends for help.
• To help prevent infection: Keep the incision area clean and dry. Ask the doctor about when it is
safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.
• She will have some vaginal bleeding for a few weeks after delivery. It is advisable that she wear
sanitary pads for about 6 weeks after delivery.
• The C-section incision can make everyday movements uncomfortable while it is healing. To
relieve discomfort, she can press a pillow or her hand against her abdomen when shifting
position or with sudden movements such as sneezing or coughing.
 Discharge Instructions for Caesarean
Delivery
Diet
Educate the mother about eating a well-balanced, healthy diet to help you recover from childbirth.
Tell the mother to eat smaller meals than normal and have healthy snacks in between. Some
women experience constipation after childbirth. To avoid this problem:

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Eat food high in fiber such as whole grains, cereal, bread, fruits, vegetables, beans, and lentils.
 Discharge Instructions for Caesarean
Delivery
Physical Activity
Try to move around each day. Light physical activity will help with their recovery. Advise the
mother that during recovery:

• Do not lift anything heavier than your baby. Avoid heavy lifting until the doctor gives permission
to do so.
• Get up slowly. This will help her to avoid feeling lightheaded.
• Ask the doctor when she will be able to go back to work and drive.
• Avoid sexual activity until the doctor says it is safe to do so. Usually six weeks after giving birth,
but is preferable to wait until the vaginal discharge is clear. Remind her to talk to the doctor
about family planning options before resuming sexual activity.
 Discharge Instructions for Caesarean
Delivery
Medications
Inform the mother to strictly follow the doctor’s prescription and instruction in taking medicine. The
Doctor may advise:

• Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

• Prescription pain medication
• Stool softeners

Follow Up

The doctor will need to check on her progress. Remind the mother, husband or any member of the
family that is present with the mother that it is important to go to any recommended
appointments.
 Discharge
Checklist for
Healthy Newborns
Discuss the following checklist to the mother and other caregiver that
accompany her during the discharge of both the mother and the infant.
Ensure that they have fully understand the following:
Discharge Checklist for Healthy Newborns
Properly feeding the infant: Urination Patterns
• Instruction on proper • Six or more wet diapers per day is
breastfeeding position, normal for a breastfed infant after
attachment, and adequacy of the mother’s milk has come in, as
swallowing well as for bottle-fed infants.
• Breastfeeding mothers should
consult their physicians before
taking any new medications.
Bowel movements
• Parents should not give their
• More than three bowel
infant supplemental water or
movements per day is Foo
normal in
honey.
breastfed infants.
• Breastfed and bottle-fed infants
• Bottle-fed infants may have fewer
receiving less than 500 mL of
bowel movements.
formula per day should receive
200 IU of a vitamin D supplement
per day.
 Discharge Checklist for Healthy Newborns
Follow-up
Umbilical cord care Signs of illness appointment made at
discharge
• Instruction on proper cleaning • Rectal temperature of 100.5˚F • Infants younger than 24
(38˚C) or higher hours, follow up within
Skin care • Signs of dehydration, lethargy, 72 hours of age
poor feeding • Infants 24 to 48 hours of
• Review of common rashes
age, follow up within 96
Prevention of sudden infant hours of age
Genital care death syndrome • Infants older than 48
hours, follow up within
• Instruction on proper care of • Instruction on properly Foo
120 hours of age
circumcised or uncircumcised positioning the infant for sleep
penises, as well as care of • Parental smoking cessation
newborn girls’ genitals
 THAN
KS!
Do you have any
questions?

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RESOURCES

https://
www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/publications/WHO-MCA-
PNC-2014-Briefer_A4.pdf

https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/cmroleofmidwifery/chapter/h
ealth-education-promotion
/
https://nurseslabs.com/cesarean-birth/
https://gh.bmj.com/content/5/7/e002660
https://www.slideshare.net/Hishgeeubuns/8-cesarean-section
https://nurseslabs.com/postpartum-care/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4944458/
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org
https://www.uclahealth.org