Lakhasly

Some women will give birth in the home with a skilled attendant; others may not have a skilled attendant present.8-Talk to them about when they can resume sexual relations and the importance of condom use to prevent STI and HIV transmission (see Sessions 12 and 14).3-The importance of the new mother eating more and healthier foods - discuss in the context of local practices and taboos to ensure women have access to good nutrition.9-Discuss infant feeding and breast care (see Session13) and the importance of only taking prescribed medicines when breastfeeding.Following childbirth at home, it is important that the mother and baby receive a postnatal examination as early as possible, preferably within 24 hours of birth.

Some women will give birth in the home with a skilled attendant; others may not have a skilled attendant present. Some women who give birth in the facility will spend time there following childbirth. WHO recommends that a women not be discharged before 24 hours after birth. Regardless of the place of birth, it is important that someone accompanies the woman and newborn for the first 24 hours after birth to respond to any changes in her or her baby's condition. Many complications can occur in the first 24 hours. Following childbirth at home, it is important that the mother and baby receive a postnatal examination as early as possible, preferably within 24 hours of birth. If the birth was at a facility, mother and baby should receive a postnatal examination before discharge.

There are a number of important points to discuss with the woman and her family following birth to ensure that the woman has adequate care. See the WHO PCPNC for additional information.

IMPORTANT ISSUES TO DISCUSS WITH WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING BIRTH

1-The importance of having someone nearby for the first 24 hours.
2-The importance and recommended timing of postnatal visits.
3-The importance of the new mother eating more and healthier foods – discuss in the context of local practices and taboos to ensure women have access to good nutrition. The new mother should also drink plenty of clean, safe water.
4-The importance of rest and sleep and the need to avoid hard physical labour.
5-Discussion of normal postpartum bleeding and lochia – discuss with women how much blood loss they can expect, for how long. When bleeding is more than normal, they should seek care urgently.
6-Discuss the danger signs for the woman and baby and the importance of seeking help quickly.
7-Personal hygiene in the context of local practices and the environment. Discuss with women the type of pads they will use and their disposal, and care of episiotomy in the context of home conditions. Hand washing is particularly important to prevent infections. It is also important not to insert anything into the vagina.
8-Talk to them about when they can resume sexual relations and the importance of condom use to prevent STI and HIV transmission (see Sessions 12 and 14). Sexual intercourse should be avoided until the perineal wound heals. Discuss the importance of birth spacing and counsel on the use of a family planning method.
9-Discuss infant feeding and breast care (see Session13) and the importance of only taking prescribed medicines when breastfeeding.
10-Discuss the importance of the home environment for promoting the health of the baby and recovery of the mother. For example, discuss the need for warmth, good ventilation and hygiene for both mother and baby.