The first global guidelines to support women and newborns in the postnatal period have been launched by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The guidelines comprise 63 recommendations, including the need for high-quality 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.
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.”
The guidelines include recommendations for breastfeeding counselling – to aid attachment and positioning as breastfeeding is established – and to support parents in providing responsive care for their newborns, plus screening for postnatal maternal depression and anxiety.
They also recommend how to identify and respond to danger signs needing urgent medical attention in either the woman or the baby; the treatment, support and advice needed to aid recovery and manage common problems that women can experience after childbirth, such as perineal pain and breast engorgement.
The guidelines also encourage partner involvement, by being part of checkups, for instance, as well as providing support to the woman and attending to the newborn.
The 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.
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.
“Dedicated postnatal services should provide vital physical and mental health support, while helping caregivers thrive in providing the right care for their newborns.”
The published guidelines combine relevant existing recommendations with 31 that are new or updated.
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