Postnatal care
Postnatal care (pronunciation: post-nay-tal care, from Latin post meaning "after" and natalis meaning "birth") refers to the care provided to the mother and her newborn baby immediately after the birth and for the first six weeks of life. This period is crucial as most maternal and infant deaths occur during this time.
Definition
Postnatal care is the care given to the mother and her newborn baby immediately after the birth and for the first six weeks of life. This period is crucial as most maternal and infant deaths occur during this time. The care includes health promotion, disease prevention, and medical treatment for the mother and baby.
Importance
The importance of postnatal care lies in its potential to prevent both maternal and newborn deaths. It is during the postnatal period that mothers and babies are most vulnerable and require careful monitoring and care.
Components
The components of postnatal care include:
- Health education: This involves teaching the mother about proper breastfeeding techniques, newborn care, and family planning methods.
- Physical examination: This includes checking the mother's vital signs, examining the uterus, and assessing the newborn's growth and development.
- Immunization: The newborn is given necessary vaccines to protect against various diseases.
- Nutritional support: The mother is provided with advice on proper nutrition to aid in her recovery and to ensure the health of the baby.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Postnatal care
- Wikipedia's article - Postnatal care
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