Postnatal care of the woman and her baby during hospital stay; bridging the gap in reproductive healthcare

Abstract

Postnatal care of the woman and her newborn baby, is the weakest and the most neglected component of reproductive health care. As the first day of the postpartum period carries the highest risk of adverse outcomes for the woman and her baby, it is essential that comprehensive postnatal care is initiated immediately after delivery and continued until the woman is discharged from hospital. The aspects of postnatal care which should be initiated on the first postpartum day itself include: pain management; perineal care; bladder care; care of the new born; postpartum contraception; lactation management; and assessment of psychological wellbeing. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued detailed, evidence-based recommendations for postnatal care. These WHO recommendations, as well as other, evidence-based recommendations, especially for postpartum contraception, are feasible and applicable in Sri Lanka, and therefore should be implemented.