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Postpartum Nursing Care BY: DR MEHARUNNISSA KHASKHELI Pathophysiology of Postpartum  Involution - rapid reduction in size of uterus and return to pre-pregnant state  Subinvolution = failure to descent  Uterus is at level of umbilicus within 6 to 12 hours after childbirth - decreases by one finger breadth per day  Exfoliation - allows for healing of placenta site and is important part of involution – may take up to 6 weeks  Enhanced by     uncomplicated labor and birth complete expulsion of placenta or membranes breastfeeding early ambulation FIGURE 23–1 Involution of the uterus. A, Immediately after expulsion of the placenta, the top of the fundus is in the midline and approximately halfway between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus. B, About 6 to 12 hours after birth, the fundus is at the level of the umbilicus. The height of the fundus then decreases about one finger breadth (approximately 1cm) each day. Pathophysiology of Postpartum  Uterus rids itself of debris remaining after birth through discharge called lochia  Lochia changes: Bright red at birth  Rubra - dark red (2 – 3 days after delivery)  Serosa – pink (day 3 to 10 after delivery)  Alba – white  Clear   If blood collects and forms clots within uterus, fundus rises and becomes boggy (uterine atony) Ovulation and Menstruation/Lactation  Return of ovulation and menstruation varies for each postpartal woman Menstruation returns between 6 and 10 weeks after birth in nonlactating mother - Ovulation returns within 6 months  Return of ovulation and menstruation in breastfeeding mother is prolonged related to length of time breastfeeding continues   Breasts begin milk production  a result of interplay of maternal hormones Pathophysiology of Bowel Elimination  Intestines sluggish because of lingering effects of progesterone and decreased muscle tone Spontaneous bowel movement may not occur for 2 to 4 days after childbirth  Mother may anticipate discomfort because of perineal tenderness or fear of episiotomy tearing   Elimination returns to normal within one week  After cesarean section, bowel tone return in few days and flatulence causes abdominal discomfort Pathophysiology of Urinary tract  Increased bladder capacity, decreased bladder tone, swelling and bruising of tissue  Puerperal diuresis leads to rapid filling of bladder urinary stasis increases chance of urinary tract infection  If fundus is higher than expected on palpation and is not in midline, one should suspect bladder distension Laboratory Values  White blood cell count often elevated after delivery  Leukocytosis  Elevated WBC to 30,000/mm3  Physiologic Anemia  Blood loss – 200 – 500 Vaginal delivery  Blood loss 700 – 1000 ml C/S  RBC should return to normal w/in 2 - 6 weeks  Hgb – 12 – 16, Hct – 37% - 47%  Activation of clotting factors (PT, PTT, INR) predispose to thrombus formation - hemostatic system reaches non-pregnant state in 3 to 4 weeks  Risk of thromboembolism lasts 6 weeks Weight Loss  10 –12 pounds with delivery  5 pounds with diuresis  Return to normal weight by 6 – 8 weeks if gained 25 - 30 pounds  Breastfeeding will assist with weight loss even with extra calorie intake Psychosocial Changes  Taking in - 1 to 2 days after delivery  Mother is passive and somewhat dependent as she sorts reality from fantasy in birth experience  Food and sleep are major needs  Taking hold - 2 to 3 days after delivery  Mother ready to resume control over her life  She is focused on baby and may need reassurance Psychosocial Changes  Maternal Role Attachment  Woman learns mothering behaviors and becomes comfortable in her new role  Four stages to maternal role attainment     Anticipatory stage - During pregnancy Formal stage - When baby is born Informal stage - 3 to 10 months after delivery Personal stage - 3 to 10 months after delivery  Father-Infant Interaction    Engrossment Sense of absorption Preoccupation - Interest in infant Postpartum Assessment  Vital signs: Temperature elevations should last for only 24       hours – should not be greater than 100.4°F Bradycardia rates of 50 to 70 beats per minute occur during first 6 to 10 days due to decreased blood volume Assess for BP within normal limits: Notify for tachycardia, hypotension, hypertension Respirations stable Breath sounds should be clear Complete systems assessment Postpartum chills or shivers are common Breasts Assessment  Assess if mother is breast- or bottle-feeding - inspect nipples and palpate for engorgement or tenderness – should not observe redness, blisters, cracking Breasts Assessment  Breasts should be soft, warm, non-tender upon palpation  Secrete colostrum for 1st 2-3 days –yellowish fluid protein and antibody enriched to offer passive immunity and nutrition  Milk comes in around 3 – 4 days – feel firm, full, tingly to client Uterus Assessment  Monitor uterus and vaginal bleeding, every 30 minutes for first PP hour, then hourly for 2 more hours, every 4 hours, then every 8 hours or more frequently if there is bogginess, position out of midline, heavy lochia flow  Determine firmness of fundus and ascertain position  approximate descent of 1 cm or 1 fingerbreadth per day  If boggy (soft), gently massage top of uterus until firm – notify health care provider if does not firm  Displaced to the right or left indicates full bladder – have client void and recheck fundus Uterus Assessment FIGURE 23–6 Measurement of descent of fundus for the woman with vaginal birth. The fundus is located two finger-breadths below the umbilicus. Always support the bottom of the uterus during any assessment of the fundus. Bladder and Bowel Assessment  Anesthesia or edema may interfere with ability to void – palpate for bladder distention - may need to catheterize – measure voided urine  Assess frequency, burning, or urgency  Diuresis will occur 12 – 24 hours after delivery – eliminate 2000 – 3000 ml fluid, may experience night sweats and nocturia  Bowel: Assess bowel sounds, flatus, and distention Lochia – Rubra Assessment  Lochia = blood mucus, tissue vaginal discharge  Assess amount, color, odor, clots  If soaking 1 or > pads /hour, assess uterus, notify health care provider  Total volume – 240 – 270 ml  Resume menstrual cycle within 6 – 8 weeks, breast feeding may be 3 months Episiotomy, Lacerations, C/S Incisions  Inspect the perineum for episiotomy/lacerations with REEDA assessment  Inspect C/S abdominal incisions for REEDA      R = redness (erythema) E = edema E = ecchymosis D = drainage, discharge A = approximation Postpartum Nursing Interventions  Relief of Perineal Discomfort  Ice packs for 24 hours, then warm sitz bath  Topical agents - Epifoam  Perineal care – warm water, gently wipe dry front to back Hemorrhoids, Homan’s Sign  Assess for hemorrhoids  Relief of hemorrhoidal discomfort may include  Sitz baths  Topical anesthetic ointments  Rectal suppositories  Witch hazel pads - Tucks  Extremities  Assess for pedal edema, redness, and warmth  Check Homan's sign – dorsiflex foot with knee slightly bent FIGURE 23–9 Homans’ sign: With the woman’s knee flexed, the nurse dorsiflexes the foot. Pain in the foot or leg is a positive Homans’ sign. Emotional Status/Bonding Assessment  Describe level of attachment to infant  Determine mother's phase of adjustment to parenting  Postpartum Blues    Transient period of depression Occurs first few days after delivery Mother may experience tearfulness, anorexia, difficulty sleeping, feeling of letdown  Usually resolves in 10 to 14 days  Causes:    Changing hormone levels, fatigue, discomfort, overstimulation Psychologic adjustments Unsupportive environment, insecurity Postpartum Nursing Interventions  After pains  Uterine contractions as uterus involutes  Relief of after pains  Positioning (prone position)  Analgesia administered an hour before breastfeeding  Encourage early ambulation - monitor for dizziness and weakness Medications  Bleeding  oxytocin (Pitocin) – watch for fluid overload and hypertension  methylergonovine (Methergine) – causes hypertension  prostaglandin F (Hemabate, carboprost) – n/v, diarrhea  Pain Medications  NSAIDS – GI upset  Oxycodone/acetaminophen (Percocet) – dizziness, sleepiness  PCA – Morphine for C/S – respiratory distress  docusate (Senna) – causes diarrhea  Rubella Vaccine – titer 1:10, do NOT get pregnant for 3 months  Rh Immune Globulin (RhoGAM) – Rh negative mother – do not administer rubella vaccine for 3 months Mother and Family Needs  Nurse can assist in restoration of physical well- being by Assessing elimination patterns  Determining mother's need for sleep and rest  Encourage regular diet as tolerated and increasing fluids   Identify available support persons - involve support person and siblings in teaching as appropriate  Determine family's knowledge of normal postpartum care and newborn care Breastfeeding Pathophysiology  Before delivery, increased estrogen stimulates duct formation, progesterone promotes development of lobules and alveoli  After delivery, estrogen and progesterone decrease, prolactin increases to promote milk production by stimulating alveoli  Newborn suck releases oxytocin to stimulate letdown reflex Composition of Breast Milk  Breast milk is 90% water; 10% solids consisting of     carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins Composition can vary according to gestational age and stage of lactation Helps meet changing needs of baby Foremilk – high water content, vitamins, protein Hindmilk - higher fat content Immunologic and Nutritional Properties  Secretory IgA, immunoglobulin found in colostrum and breast milk, has antiviral, antibacterial, antigenic-inhibiting properties Contains enzymes and leukocytes that protect against pathogens  Composed of lactose, lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, especially taurine  Cholesterol, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, and balance of amino acids in breast milk help with myelination and neurologic development  Advantages of Breastfeeding  Provides immunologic protection  Infants digest and absorb component of breast milk      easier Provides more vitamins to infant if mother's diet is adequate Strengthens mother-infant attachment No additional cost Breast milk requires no preparation AAP= Only food for 6 months, w/ foods for 12 months Breastfeeding Mother  Breastfeeding mother needs to know  How breast milk is produced  How to correctly position infant for feeding  Procedures for feeding infant  Number of times per day breastfed infant should be put to the breast  How to express and store breast milk  How and when to supplement with formula  How to care for breasts  Medications that pass through breast milk  Support groups for breastfeeding  Review signs and symptoms of engorgement, plugged milk ducts, mastitis Breastfeeding Assessment Figure 29–2 Four common breastfeeding positions. A, Football hold. B, Lying down. C, Cradling. D, Across the lap. Cesarean Section Needs  Assess vital signs  Assess breasts  Assess location and firmness of uterine fundus  Assess lochia  Assess incision site – REEDA  Assess breath sounds  Assess indwelling urinary catheter - color and amount of urine noted  Assess bowel sounds: present, hypoactive or hyperactive Cesarean Section Needs  Cesarean birth is major abdominal surgery - if general anesthesia used, abdominal distension may cause discomfort, assess for bowel obstruction  Position client on left side, include exercises, early ambulation, increase po intake, avoid carbonated beverages, avoid straws - may need enemas, stool softeners, antiflatulent meds  Pulmonary infections may occur related to immobility and use of narcotics because of altered immune response Pain and Comfort  Administer analgesics within the first 24 to 72 hours - allows woman to become more mobile and active  Comfort is promoted through proper positioning, back rubs, and oral care - reduce noxious stimuli in environment  Encourage visits by family and newborn, which provides distraction from painful stimuli  Encourage non-pharmacologic methods of pain relief (breathing, relaxation, and distraction) - encourage rest Attachment After a Cesarean Birth  Physical condition of mother and newborn and maternal reactions to stress, anesthesia, and medications may impact mother-infant attachment  By second or third day, cesarean birth mother moves into "taking-hold period" Emphasize home management and encourage mother to allow others to assume housekeeping responsibilities  Stress how fatigue prolongs recovery and may interfere with attachment process  Discharge Instructions  S/S complications  Referral numbers  PP Exercises  Nutrition  Rest  PP appointment  Avoid overexertion  Birth certificate info  Sexual activity  Infant care  Hygiene  Infant complications  Sitz baths  Infant follow-up  Incision care  Family bonding Discharge Teaching  New mother should gradually increase activities and ambulation after birth  Avoid heavy lifting, excessive stair climbing, strenuous activity, vacuuming  Resume light housekeeping by second week at home  Delay returning to work until after 6-week postpartum examination Discharge Teaching  Recommend exercise to provide health benefits to new mother  Encourage patient to begin simple exercises while on nursing unit  Inform her that increased lochia and pain may necessitate a change in her activity Sexual Activity and Contraception  Sleep deprivation, vaginal dryness, and lack of time together may impact resumption of sexual activity  Usually sexual intercourse is resumed once episiotomy has healed and lochia has stopped (about 3 – 6 weeks)  Breastfeeding mother may have leakage of milk from nipples with sexual arousal due to oxytocin release Contraception  Information on contraception should be part of discharge planning  Nursing staff need to identify advantages, disadvantages, risk factors, any contraindications  Breastfeeding mothers concerned that contraceptive method will interfere with ability to breastfeed - they should be given available options – progesterone only Parent-Infant Attachment  Tell parents it is normal to have both positive and negative feelings about parenthood  Stress uniqueness of each infant  Provide time and privacy for the new family  Include parents in nursing intervention Infant Care  New mother and family should know basic infant care      Information about tub baths Cord treatment, When to anticipate cord will fall off Family should be comfortable in feeding and handling infant, as well as safety concerns Immunizations When to call the doctor Discharge Teaching  Nurse should review with new mother any information she has received regarding postpartum exercises, prevent of fatigue, sitz bath and perineal care, etc. - nurse should spend time with parent to determine if they have any lastminute questions before discharge  Printed information about local agencies and support groups should be given to new family Types of Follow-Up Care  Telephone calls - listen carefully and ask open-ended      questions Return visits - Within one week after first visit Telephone follow-up - Within 3 days of discharge Baby care/postpartum classes New mother support groups Need to have a caring attitude in these activities