MDWF 2040

MDWF 2040: Postpartum Care

CREDITS 3

COURSE PURPOSE & OVERVIEW

This course provides instruction in understanding, preparing for and meeting the physiological and emotional changes, problems and needs the birthing parent may have during the postpartum period. It includes what to do in the first few hours after birth as well as providing excellent care and record-keeping in the subsequent postpartum care visits.

SPECIFIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the completion of this course, the students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills in

the following areas:

1. An awareness of a birthing parent’s spiritual, physical, and emotional postpartum needs, and how to help them meet those needs.

2. Education of parents in preparing for the postpartum period.

3. Adequate care required the first few hours after birth.

4. An understanding of the physiological and anatomical changes that occur in the postpartum period.

5. Common problems in the postpartum period.

6. Uncommon problems in postpartum parents and when to refer to other care providers.

7. Extra nutritional demands needed by the postpartum parent and how to help the new parent meet them.

8. How to support clients gently tone and condition the body in the six weeks postpartum period.

9. The emotional, psychological, social, cultural, and sexual aspects of the postpartum period including contraceptive education and counseling, and how to connect clients with other health care practitioners and/or support systems in the community as needed.

10. Providing adequate care of the postpartum parent during the 24-hr, 72 hour, one-week, two-week, and six-week postpartum care visits.

Example of practice directive document (practice guideline, informed consent, or client handout):

Client Handout Postpartum Instructions