Postnatal Care: A Critical Opportunity to Save Mothers and Newborns

This brief highlights the need for early postnatal visits due to the vulnerability of mother and newborn in the first few hours and days after birth. Despite the fact that two thirds of newborn deaths occur in the first week, there is a significant gap in service during this period. This policy paper highlights key components for postnatal care: immediate and exclusive breastfeeding, warming of the infant, clean care of the umbilical cord, timely identification, referral and treatment of danger signs, extra care for low birth weight babies. Monitoring and referral for complications such as excessive bleeding, pain, and infection; counseling on breast care and breastfeeding; and advice on nutrition during breastfeeding, newborn care practices, and family planning are recommendations for care of the mother. While it is a challenge, postnatal care must occur as early as possible.