The World Health Organization (WHO) today launched its first-ever global guidelines to support women and newborns in the postnatal period which is the first six weeks after birth.
In a statement, WHO Director for Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing Dr Anshu Banerjee said
worldwide, more than 3 in 10 women and babies do not currently receive postnatal care in the first days after birth and this is the period when most maternal and infant deaths occur.
"The need for quality maternal and newborn care does not stop once a baby is born, parents need strong health care and support systems, especially women whose needs are too often neglected when the baby comes", said Dr Banerjee.
He said 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.
"The guidelines include recommendations for breastfeeding counselling which includes attachment and positioning as breastfeeding is established and to support parents in providing responsive care for their newborns," he said.
The recommendations detail the minimum length of hospital stay after birth and provide guidance on discharge criteria and 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.
Medical Officer in the WHO Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and the UN Special Programme Dr Mercedes Bonet 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.
“Dedicated postnatal services should provide vital physical and mental health support while helping caregivers thrive in providing the right care for their newborns", said Dr Bonet.
Some of the recommendations include high-quality care in health facilities for all women and babies for at least 24 hours after birth, with a minimum of three additional postnatal checkups in the first six weeks. These additional contacts should include home visits if feasible so that the health worker can support the transition to care in the home.
In the case of home birth, the first postnatal contact should occur as early as possible, and no later than 24 hours after birth. Steps to identify and respond to danger signs needing urgent medical attention in either the woman or the baby.
Treatment, support, and advice to aid recovery and manage common problems that women experience after childbirth, such as perineal pain and breast engorgement are among the recommendations.
Screening of all newborns for eye abnormalities and hearing impairment, as well as vaccination at birth.
Support to help families interact and respond to babies’ signals, providing them with close contact, warmth, and comfort,
exclusive breastfeeding counselling, access to postnatal contraception, and health promotion, including physical activity.
Encouragement of partner involvement, by being part of checkups, for instance, as well as providing support to the woman and attending to the newborns
Screening for postnatal maternal depression and anxiety, with referral and management services where needed
コメント