5. Postpartum

Use this outline to guide your study and reading. You should know the concepts outlined.  Tip: Write down or type up your understanding of everything outlined for your own records.

Objectives:

  • List warning signs of postpartum period
  • Understand postpartum physical and emotional changes
  • Describe how to treat postpartum discomforts

Study

Book – Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn

  • Chapter 10, “What Childbirth Is Really Like”, page 195-198
  • Chapter 16, “What Life Is Like For a New Parent”, page 322
  • Chapter 17, “When Postpartum Becomes Complicated”, page 344

A. Recovery

  1. Vaginal tears
  2. Involution
  3. Afterpains
  4. Lochia
  5. Fundal massage
  6. Hormones of baby
  7. Hormones of mother

B. Physical Changes

  1. Circulatory changes
  2. Abdominal and skin changes
  3. Hemorrhoids
  4. Bowel and bladder function
  5. Perineal care
  6. Warning signs

C. Self Care

  1. Nutrition
  2. Rest
  3. Exercise
  4. Support

D. Sex Life

  1. Lack of interest
  2. Caregiver’s advice
  3. Lubricate
  4. Milk leaking
  5. Partner’s feelings

E. Postpartum Complications

  1. Traumatic birth experience
  2. Episiotomy
  3. Urinary incontinence
  4. Fecal incontinence
  5. Severe anemia
  6. Hemorrhage
  7. Back hip pain
  8. Numbness
  9. Thyroid
  10. Gallbladder
  11. High blood pressure

F. Postpartum Mental Health

  1. Postpartum depression
  2. Anxiety and panic disorder
  3. Obsessive compulsive disorder
  4. Bipolar
  5. Post-traumatic stress disorder
  6. Psychosis

Complete Module Assignment

Next 6. Coping Relaxation Skills for Childbirth

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