Notes - T2 . Postpartum Adaptations
Concepts Of Maternal-Child Nursing And Families (Nova South-eastern
University)
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Postpartum Adaptations
Chapter 15
Postpartum period
- The period of time following the delivery of the child during which the
body tissues, especially the reproductive system reverts back to the
pre-pregnant state, both anatomically and physiologically.
- Critical transition period for woman, newborn, and family
physiologically and psychologically
- Puerperium: period after delivery of placenta, lasting for 6 weeks
- Possible definition: changes in all aspects of mother’s life that occur
during the first year following birth of child
- Maternal physiologic and psychological changes
- Mother and family adjustment to new family member
Pue rperi um
- The puerperium or the postpartum period lasts for 6 weeks.
- It is divided into three phases:
o Immediate Postpartum: the 24-hour period immediately following
delivery.
o Early Postpartum or puerperium: up to 7 days.
o Remote postpartum or puerperium: up to 6 weeks.
- During this period the woman’s body begins to return to its
prepregnant state, and these changes generally resolve by the sixth
week after giving birth
Maternal Psychological Adaptation: Reva Rubin’s Three Phas e s
- Taking-in phase: time immediately after birth when the client needs
others to meet her needs and relives the birth process
- Taking-hold phase: second phase characterized by dependent and
independent maternal behavior
- Letting-go phase: third phase in which woman reestablishes
relationships with others
Physiological changes
- Vulnerability
- Tremendous challenges
- Nurses have a remarkable opportunity to help women learn, gain
confidence, and experience growth as they assume the mother
identity.
- Post partum blues – will last up to 14 days… all hormonal
- Post partum depression is if it lasts more than 14 days