Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...

Reference Manual
Steps of Postnatal Care at the Facility Level
The following are the key steps of quality postnatal care at the facility level:
Step 1: Carry out all tasks at the appropriate time.
Step 2: Carry out a basic systematic examination of the baby.
Step 3: Provide relevant care.
Step 4: Document findings and care in a baby card/register.
Step 5: Promote continued follow-up and schedule the next appointment.
Step 6: Counsel the mother and family.
These steps are explained in more detail below.
Step 1: Carry out all tasks at the appropriate time
Arrange for proper assessment and care at the following times:
• at birth and during the first six hours
• at least once a day during any stay at the facility
• just before discharge
• during postnatal follow-up visits
Step 2: Carry out a basic systematic examination of the baby
The examination should include the following steps:
• Prepare to maintain the baby’s temperature during the examination.
• Greet the mother and make her feel comfortable.
• Review available records of the mother and baby.
• Ask and asess for danger signs and other problems.
• Check for jaundice.
• Check for minor infections.
• Evaluate infant feeding.
• Weigh the baby.
• Document all findings and care.
Step 3: Provide relevant care
• If a danger sign exists (even just one), administer the first dose of antibiotics and refer
the baby.
• Administer treatment for minor infections.
• Administer immunizations, OPV, BCG, hepatitis B, if not already done.
Step 4: Document findings and care in a baby card/register
Step 5: Promote continued follow-up and schedule the next appointment
• For newborns with minor infection, schedule a visit after two days.
• For low birth weight babies follow up once a week until the baby is at least 2000 grams.
Integrated maternal and newborn care
Basic skills course
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