Author: Mariamma KS & Prof. (Dr.) Hemant Singh Rana
Abstract: The post natal period is a critical period in the continuum of maternal, newborn and child health. The first 6 weeks after birth is a time of significant physiological, psychological and social adaptation for mothers and a vulnerable time for newborns. While significant strides have been made in institutional deliveries, maternal and newborn health care services, there remains a need for more quality and continuity in postnatal services as a public health issue. Mothers need adequate knowledge and skills to manage their own recovery, start and continue breastfeeding, provide essential newborn care, know signs and symptoms of danger for mothers and newborns, safeguard their mental health and make informed decisions about family planning and follow-up care. But there is evidence that education is often fragmented and inconsistent, and tends to be directed at parts of post natal care and not being continuous and comprehensive. This review chapter explores the role of comprehensive postnatal care education in enhancing maternal knowledge, care giving behaviours and maternal – newborn health outcomes. It covers the major areas of post-natal education such as: Physical recuperation of the mother, Personal cleanliness, Breastfeeding, Nutrition, Care of the newborn, Danger-sign recognition, Mental health of the mother, Contraception and follow-up. The chapter also addresses the knowledge–practice gap and reviews the success of structured, facility-based, community-based and post-discharge education. Focus is placed on the role of the nurse/midwife, family/social support, culturally sensitive education and the role of socioeconomic and health system factors. The review points to the importance of embedding full education in regular postnatal care and outlines lines of research for sustainable, woman-centred, contextually relevant education models. It is concluded that structured and continuous postnatal education can help to empower mothers and improve self-care and newborn-care practices, which can also have a positive impact on their health as well as the health of their newborns.
