Track 14: Postpartum Care

Postpartum Care Description (Extended Version)

Postpartum care refers to the physical, emotional, and psychological support provided to a mother after childbirth, typically lasting from birth through the first six weeks—though recovery and support may extend beyond this period. This phase, also known as the "fourth trimester," is a critical time for healing, adjustment, and bonding.

Postpartum care includes:

• Physical Recovery: Monitoring healing after vaginal or cesarean delivery, managing pain, and addressing issues like bleeding, infection, or complications.

• Emotional and Mental Health Support: Screening for postpartum depression or anxiety and offering counseling or treatment as needed.

• Infant Care and Bonding: Guidance on breastfeeding, infant feeding, diapering, sleep routines, and skin-to-skin contact to encourage attachment.

• Contraceptive Counseling: Discussing birth spacing, fertility, and family planning options.

• Follow-up Visits: Typically within 3–6 weeks, to assess maternal health, emotional well-being, and provide any necessary treatments or referrals.

Effective postpartum care helps ensure the long-term health of both the mother and the newborn, reducing the risk of complications and supporting a smoother transition into parenthood.