Question

Outline a discharge teaching plan for postpartum wome partum women and their families that emphasizes topics essential for the well-being of the new mother and her newborn. Compare recommendations for postpartum teaching with the teaching protocols used in the health care agencies in your community. Describe how the approach should be adjusted based on the timing of discharge, including methodologies that could be used to adapt to a shortened period of time.

Answer 1

Postpartum is the period of the female lives where adequate rest, transition and care is required. The discharge plan for the postpartum women should include following instructions-

1. Active resting is essential, it is important for the postpartum female to rest adequately and not work heavily. Avoid heavy housework and exercises, avoid rigrous sexual activity.

2. Breastfeeding instructions involve- washing the breasts, dry the nipples, if the nipple gets sore seek helps and apply ointment, wash the nipples before feeding and apply warm packs and express milk.

3. Uterine changes may persists- after pain and cramping is normal, cramping means the uterus is healing and contacting, it will take 5 to 6 weeks for uterus to take normal size.

4. The bleeding and vaginal discharge will continue for about 10 to 15 days, and period will resume after that

5. In case of episiotomy, use epson salt bath, and rest.

6. Take care of diet and nutrition and continue taking prenatal iron and vitamin pills.

These are some instructions that should be adequately provided to the family and the women undergoing postpartum changes, it will help in transition of the individual through the postpartum phase and allow them to be prepared.