By Mary Hearty
In an effort to improve quality care for women and newborns in the first critical weeks after childbirth, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the first ever Global Guidelines for Supporting Women and Newborns in the Postnatal Period –the first six weeks after childbirth.
The WHO notes that this is a critical time for ensuring newborn and maternal survival and for supporting healthy development of the baby as well as the mother’s overall mental and physical recovery and wellbeing.
Worldwide, more than 3 in 10 women and babies do not currently receive postnatal care in the first days after birth – the period when most maternal and infant deaths occur.
Meanwhile the physical and emotional consequences of childbirth – from injuries to recurring pain and trauma – can be debilitating if unmanaged, but are often highly treatable when the right care is given at the right time.
Dr Anshu Banerjee, Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing at WHO said: “The need for quality maternity and newborn care does not stop once a baby is born. Indeed, the birth of a baby is a life-changing moment, one that is bound by love, hope and excitement, but it can also cause unprecedented stress and anxiety. Parents need strong health care and support systems, especially women, whose needs are too often neglected when the baby comes.”
In addition to addressing immediate health concerns, these first weeks after birth are crucial for building relationships and establishing behaviours that affect long-term infant development and health.
Dr Mercedes Bonet, Medical Officer with WHO’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and the UN Special Programme, HRP said evidence shows that women and their families want and need a positive postnatal experience that helps them navigate the immense physical and emotional challenges that occur after their babies are born, while building their confidence as parents.
The medical officer added that dedicated postnatal services should provide vital physical and mental health support, while helping caregivers thrive in providing the right care for their newborns.
The guidelines include recommendations for breastfeeding counseling – to aid attachment and positioning as breastfeeding is established – and to support parents in providing responsive care for their newborns.
The recommendations for maternal and newborn assessment have also been incorporated in the guideline to help in early detection of conditions that may adversely affect women’s health immediately after childbirth.
The WHO has also included recommendations on interventions for common maternal physiological, prevention and early identification of maternal mental health conditions; infant growth and development; postpartum contraception; strengthened discharge processes and preparedness, just to mention a few.
In the case of discharge process, the new recommendations detail the minimum length of hospital stay after birth and provide guidance on discharge criteria, but note that the time needed will depend on individual women and babies, social context, birth experience, and any health concerns.
Additional postnatal contacts are recommended for healthy women and newborns between 48 and 72 hours, between seven and 14 days, and during week six after birth. If health risks are identified, more contacts will likely be required, with treatment needed potentially well beyond the first six weeks.
