What Is Postnatal Care? It is the medical attention a mother and her newborn receive after birth. The period after birth, known as the postpartum period, encompasses the first six weeks. It is the most critical time because most maternal and newborn deaths occur within this period.
According to the WHO, 60% of maternal deaths occur in the postnatal period. Postnatal care helps in the recovery of the mother after childbirth, in keeping the newborn healthy, and in the reduction of complications.
What Is Postnatal Care and Why Is It Important?
Postnatal care provides medical support for both mothers and newborns. It includes infection checks and emotional support. Without postnatal care, many mothers will have life-threatening complications such as infections, excessive bleeding, and high blood pressure. Newborns are also in danger of breathing problems, infections, and malnutrition.
Many women in Nigeria do not get postnatal care. According to UNICEF statistics, only 40% of Nigerian women receive checkups within the first two days following childbirth. That places both mothers and babies at risk. Improvement in post-natal care would save thousands of lives annually.
What Is Postnatal Care for Mothers?
Mothers go through many physical and emotional changes after childbirth. Proper postnatal care helps them recover safely. It includes:
- Monitoring for complications – Doctors check for infections, heavy bleeding, and high blood pressure.
- Pain management – Women receive treatment for post-birth pain and discomfort.
- Emotional support – Many mothers experience postpartum depression, which requires medical attention and counseling.
- Family planning advice – Mothers receive guidance on birth control and spacing pregnancies for better health.
What Is Postnatal Care for Newborns?
Newborns need special attention in their first weeks of life. Their bodies are still adjusting to life outside the womb, and they are vulnerable to infections and diseases. Postnatal care for newborns includes:
- Regular checkups – Doctors monitor weight, breathing, and feeding habits.
- Vaccinations – Babies receive vaccines to protect them from deadly diseases.
- Breastfeeding support – Mothers receive help with breastfeeding to ensure babies get proper nutrition.
- Preventing infections – Good hygiene and medical checks help protect newborns from life-threatening infections.
Challenges of Postnatal Care in Nigeria
Many women in Nigeria do not receive postnatal care due to several challenges. These include:
- Limited access to healthcare – Many rural areas do not have enough hospitals or trained health workers.
- High cost of medical care – Some women cannot afford hospital visits after childbirth.
- Cultural beliefs – Some traditions encourage women to stay indoors after birth without medical checkups.
- Lack of awareness – Many women do not know the importance of postnatal care or when to seek help.
How to Improve Postnatal Care in Nigeria
To reduce maternal and newborn deaths, Nigeria must improve postnatal care services. Some key steps include:
1. Expanding Healthcare Access
The country has about 34,000 PHCs, but most lack trained personnel and equipment. Stronger PHCs will enable more women to access postnatal care, especially in rural areas.
2. Reducing the Cost of Postnatal Care
Free or subsidized postnatal care will increase the number of women who receive medical attention after childbirth.
3. Raising Awareness About Postnatal Care
Most women are unaware that they, too, need postnatal checkups. The more communities are informed about the benefits of postnatal care, the more women will be able to make visits to health facilities after childbirth.
4. Training More Skilled Health Workers
Nigeria needs trained midwives and doctors for better postnatal care. Investment in training programs would help bridge the gap in skilled professionals providing mothers and babies with necessary medical support.
Conclusion
Postnatal care is essential for the health of mothers and newborns. It helps prevent life-threatening complications and ensures a safe recovery after childbirth. Nigeria must take urgent steps to improve postnatal care by making it accessible, affordable, and well-staffed.
To learn more about maternal healthcare, visit genderpedia.ng/shop for research and reports on improving women’s health in Nigeria.
References
- Reducing maternal mortality in Nigeria: addressing maternal health services’ perception and experience
- Reducing maternal and newborn mortality in Nigeria—a qualitative study of stakeholders’ perceptions about the performance of community health workers and the introduction of community midwifery at primary healthcare level
