Rethinking postpartum health care

This report of proceedings, produced by the Population Council, is a summary and synthesis of the papers and discussion from a Population Council invitational seminar entitled “Rethinking postpartum health care”. The seminar participants agreed that postpartum health care should be conceptualised broadly, not simply in terms of family planning concerns, and that programmes would be most effective if their design accounted for the majority of clients and the diversity of their needs. They also agreed that particular attention should be given to timing and content of information and counselling; that hormonal methods should not be used prior to six weeks postpartum; and that sterilisation services were only appropriate immediately postpartum if the service was explained and the choice made during the pregnancy.

The seminar participants reached a consensus on a number of best practices. They concluded that much information and education could be given in groups, with first time mothers as an appropriate priority target; and that providing emotional support led to positive outcomes provided staff were trained adequately. They also agreed that promoting healthy behaviours, such as getting adequate rest in the postpartum period, required programmes to provide support to mothers, and that an integrated approach toward maternal health and infant health was needed. [adapted from author]