Postnatal care (The puerperium)

Question 1

BUBBLES-E

Answer 1

Breasts, uterus, bladder, bowel, lochia, sutures, extremities, emotions

Question 2

Uterus

Answer 2

Uterine fundus is found at the level of the umbilicus after birth and should involute by one finger breadth daily until it is no longer palpable at day 10

Question 3

Lochia

Answer 3

Lochia rubra (day 1 -3)

Lochia serosa (day 3 - 10)

Lochia alba (scanty discharge, reduced fluid content, composed of leukocytes and decidual debris)

Question 4

Engorged breasts

Answer 4

Apply cold or warm compression

Put the baby on breast frequently

Hand expression rather than mechanical pump

Mild analgesia

Question 5

Cracked nipple

Answer 5

Education on proper breastfeeding technique

Apply moist head and massage before feeding

Avoid irritating materials such as breast pads

Question 5

Perineal discomfort

Answer 5

Soaks of Epsom salts or sea salts in lukewarm water

Oral analgesia

Side-lying positions for nursing baby

Herbal remedies e.g., comfrey/shepherds purse

Question 6

Constipation

Answer 6

❖ Diet rich in roughage.
❖ Increase fluid intake.
❖ Milk before bedtime.
❖ Exercises.

• After 3 days - a glycerin suppository, or mild laxative, may be administered as ordered.

Question 7

Postpartum
Blues

Answer 7

Postpartum blues is described ‘when the new mother’s expectations may exceed her capabilities, resulting in cyclic feelings of depression’