Postnatal Advice (Puerperium)

Question 1

Breastfeeding - THIS WILL BE DONE BY MIDWIVES:

How long is recommended and type?

How long after birth should feeding be started?

How much should the child be having per day?

How often are they fed?

Answer 1

Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months

Within 1st hour

150ml/kg/day

Every 2-4 hrs

Question 2

Breastfeeding:

Benefits for child

Benefits for mother

Answer 2

Better immunity
May reduce the risk of asthma, diabetes, and SIDS

Reduces risk of T2DM, CVD, and ovarian cancer
Provides 6 months of contraception if amenorrhoeic

Question 3

Breastfeeding:

Problems:

Impaired lactation - what can cause this?

Cracked/sore nipples - how can this be resolved?

Mastitis and abscesses - Rx

Answer 3

Medications (hormones, tamoxifen)

Change baby’s position
Moisturising nipples

Co-amoxiclav
Flucloxacillin
Drainage

Question 4

Breastfeeding:

What vitamin is breast milk deficient in?

Answer 4

Vit D so supplements for both mum and baby

Question 5

Formula feeding:

What sort of formula is used?

At what age is solid food introduced?

Answer 5

Cow’s milk formula

6 months

Question 6

Perineal Care:

How should they wipe when they’ve been to the toiler?

How could they avoid constipation?

Why should they change sanitary towels regularly?

Answer 6

Wipe front to back

High fibre diet

Avoids infection