In preparing the transfer report or “hand-off,” the labor and birth or post-anesthesia care nurse uses information from the records of admission, birth, and recovery.

Information that must be communicated to the postpartum nurse includes:

• Name

• Age

• Identity of the health care provider

• Gravidity and parity

• Anesthetic used

• Medications given

• Duration of labor and time of rupture of membranes

• Whether labor was induced or augmented

• Mode of birth (vaginal or cesarean)

• Perineal repair or type of cesarean incision

• Blood type and Rh status

• Group B streptococcus (GBS) status

• Status of rubella immunity

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

• Hepatitis B

• Syphilis serology test results

• Other infections identified during pregnancy (e.g., gonorrhea, chlamydia) and whether these were treated

• Type and amount of intravenous fluids

• Physiologic status since birth

• Description of fundus

• Lochia

• Bladder and perineum

• Gender and weight of infant

• Time of birth

• Name of pediatric care provider

• Chosen method of feeding

• Any abnormalities noted

• Assessment of initial parent–infant interaction

Specific information should be provided about the newborn regarding:

• Apgar score

• Weight

• Voiding

• Stooling

• Skin-to-skin care

• Feeding since birth

• Eye prophylaxis, vitamin K injection