Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...

Reference Manual
Table 12. Suggested Timings of Postnatal Visits
Ideally should be provided by a skilled attendant who is usually at the facility level, linked with a
community health worker/volunteer (CHW). If access to the facility is extremely difficult, have the
postnatal visit through the CHW.
Scenario 1st postnatal visit 2d postnatal visit 3d postnatal
visit
Facility delivery, normal
baby, discharge within 24
hours
In the first 2-3 days,
ideally 2 days after
birth
5-7 days (may coincide
with special events)
4-6 weeks
Facility delivery, normal
baby discharge day 2 or 3
Delivery by Cesarean
section, normal baby and
discharged after a week, in
some cases earlier
4-7 days Second week 4-6 weeks
2 weeks 4-6 weeks
Home delivery
Ideally on day of birth
and within day 48-72
hours; If not feasible,
at least one visit within
48 hours.
5-7 days (may be adjusted
to accommodate special
family events)
4-6 weeks
LBW should ideally stay at
least 3-7 days at facility.
Refer very small babies and
those with problems to
higher center.
Visit every week until weight gain is adequate, e.g., 2000-2500 grams
and the baby is doing well.
The number and timing of home visits by the CHW can vary based on feasibility and the
recommendations of the program implementing agency/MOH and on existing problems, but advocacy
should be carried out for coverage during the first week, especially during the first 2 – 3 days.
Integrated maternal and newborn care
Basic skills course
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