Geneva. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday issued its first global guideline for the care of women in the postpartum period and the first six weeks after birth.
Worldwide, more than three out of ten women and infants currently do not receive postpartum care in the first days after birth. The physical and emotional consequences of childbirth – from injuries to recurrent pain and trauma – can be debilitating when unmanaged, but are often highly treatable when given the right care at the right time.
Dr Anshu Banerjee, Director of Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health and Aging at WHO, said in a statement that the need for quality maternity and newborn care does not end after a child is born.
“The birth of a child is a life-changing moment, one that is bound up with love, hope and enthusiasm, but it can also create unprecedented stress and anxiety. Parents need strong health care and support systems , especially women, who are often neglected after the birth of a child.
In addition to addressing immediate health concerns, these first weeks after birth are important for bonding and establishing behaviors that affect long-term infant development and health.
The guidelines include recommendations for breastfeeding counseling and to support parents in providing responsive care for their newborns.
This includes high quality care in health facilities for all women and infants for at least 24 hours after birth. For example, encouraging partner participation by being part of checkups, as well as providing support to the woman and nursing the newborn and screening for postpartum maternal depression and anxiety.
—AnyTV News
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