The postpartum period, also known as the puerperium, is a crucial phase that begins immediately after childbirth and typically extends for six to eight weeks. This period marks a time of significant physiological and psychological adjustments as the mother’s body returns to its pre-pregnancy state. The recovery process is highly individual, influenced by the type of delivery, any complications encountered, and the mother’s overall health. During this transformative time, parents also navigate the emotional landscape of bonding with their newborn and adapting to the multifaceted responsibilities of parenthood.
The Role of Nursing in Postpartum Care
Nurses specializing in labor and delivery, postpartum care, neonatal intensive care (NICU), and obstetrics are essential in providing comprehensive care for mothers and families throughout the entire pregnancy journey and beyond. Postpartum nurses play a vital role in offering education, support, and skilled care to patients as they recover from childbirth, establish a strong bond with their infants, and prioritize their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Identifying appropriate nursing diagnoses is the cornerstone of effective postpartum care.
Postpartum Nursing Care Plans: Addressing Key Diagnoses
Nursing care plans are indispensable tools that guide postpartum nurses in prioritizing assessments and interventions. These plans are structured around identified nursing diagnoses and facilitate both short-term and long-term goals for patient care. Below are examples of common postpartum nursing diagnoses and corresponding care considerations.
Acute Pain Management in Postpartum
Pain is a prevalent experience for postpartum individuals, manifesting in various areas such as the urogenital region, breasts, and back. Perineal pain is frequently reported after vaginal deliveries due to bruising, swelling, or episiotomy. Mothers who have undergone Cesarean births may experience pain at the surgical incision site, often exacerbated by movement, coughing, or breastfeeding.
Nursing Diagnosis: Acute Pain
Related Factors:
- Tissue trauma from vaginal delivery or Cesarean section
- Surgical incision (Cesarean delivery)
- Episiotomy or perineal lacerations and repair
- Impaired skin integrity
- Perineal hematoma
- Breast engorgement
- Mastitis
- Uterine contractions (afterpains)
Evidenced By:
- Patient reports of pain intensity and location
- Expressive behaviors (e.g., crying, grimacing)
- Guarding behavior
- Protective positioning to minimize pain
- Distraction behaviors
- Diaphoresis (sweating)
- Hot, swollen breasts indicative of engorgement or mastitis
Desired Outcomes:
- Patient will verbalize a reduction in pain intensity.
- Patient will demonstrate and utilize effective comfort measures to manage pain.
Nursing Assessments:
1. Comprehensive Pain Assessment:
- Rationale: A thorough pain assessment is paramount for developing an individualized pain management strategy. This assessment should pinpoint the location, nature, and intensity of the pain, helping to differentiate between various sources of postpartum discomfort and guide appropriate interventions. Utilize pain scales (e.g., numerical rating scale, visual analog scale) to quantify pain levels and track changes over time.
2. Uterine Assessment and Afterpain Evaluation:
- Rationale: Postpartum uterine contractions, known as afterpains, are a normal physiological process that helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size. However, these contractions can be a significant source of pain, especially for multiparous women and during breastfeeding due to oxytocin release. Assess the fundus for firmness and location, and inquire about the characteristics of afterpain, differentiating it from other pain sources like incisional or perineal pain. Monitor for signs of uterine atony, a serious complication where the uterus fails to contract adequately, potentially leading to postpartum hemorrhage.
3. Perineal Assessment for Lacerations and Hematomas:
- Rationale: Perineal trauma, including spontaneous lacerations and episiotomies, is common during vaginal delivery. Even in the absence of visible tears, perineal pain can arise from tissue trauma and hematoma formation. A careful visual inspection of the perineum is necessary to assess for the degree of laceration, edema, bruising, and signs of hematoma. Palpate for tenderness and swelling. Document the extent of any lacerations and repairs.
4. Breast Assessment for Engorgement and Mastitis:
- Rationale: Breast pain is a frequent complaint in the postpartum period, often stemming from breast engorgement as milk supply increases, or mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue. Differentiate between the discomfort of normal engorgement and the more severe pain associated with mastitis. Assess breasts for firmness, warmth, redness, and tenderness. Inquire about flu-like symptoms, which may indicate mastitis. Evaluate breastfeeding technique and frequency to identify potential contributing factors and guide interventions.
Nursing Interventions:
1. Pharmacological Pain Management:
- Rationale: Administer pain medications as prescribed, considering the type and severity of pain. Non-opioid analgesics like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are often effective for mild to moderate postpartum pain. For more severe pain, especially post-Cesarean, opioid analgesics may be necessary, but should be used judiciously due to potential side effects and risks. Consider patient preferences and contraindications when selecting pain medication. For mastitis, antibiotics are crucial for treating the infection.
2. Non-Pharmacological Pain Relief Techniques:
- Rationale: Encourage and teach non-pharmacological methods to complement medication and empower patients in managing their pain. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, massage, and meditation can help reduce pain perception and promote relaxation. Positioning for comfort, such as side-lying or using pillows for support, can also be beneficial.
3. Promote Early Ambulation:
- Rationale: Early ambulation, as soon as medically stable, offers multiple benefits in postpartum recovery. It improves circulation, facilitating tissue healing and reducing the risk of thromboembolism. Ambulation also helps alleviate gas pain and constipation, common postpartum discomforts. Encourage gradual increases in activity levels, starting with short walks.
4. Hot and Cold Therapies Education:
- Rationale: Educate patients on the appropriate use of hot and cold therapies to target specific pain areas. Cold compresses are effective for reducing perineal pain and swelling, especially in the first 24 hours after delivery. Warm compresses or sitz baths promote vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the perineal area, which aids in healing and provides soothing comfort. Heating pads can be used for back pain relief. Instruct on safe application and duration to prevent skin injury.
5. Support Breastfeeding for Pain Relief and Prevention:
- Rationale: Encourage breastfeeding, unless contraindicated, as it can help prevent breast engorgement by ensuring regular emptying of the breasts and promoting continuous milk production. Proper latch and feeding techniques are crucial to prevent nipple pain and soreness. If breastfeeding is not possible or insufficient, instruct on the correct use of breast pumps to maintain milk supply and prevent engorgement. Emphasize complete emptying of both breasts at each feeding or pumping session to prevent milk stasis, a risk factor for breast abscess formation.
6. Dietary Modifications to Prevent Constipation:
- Rationale: Perineal pain can make postpartum individuals hesitant to defecate, leading to constipation. Advise on a diet rich in high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to promote bowel regularity. Adequate fluid intake is also essential. Stool softeners or mild laxatives may be recommended if constipation persists, to prevent straining and further perineal discomfort.
Image alt text: Illustration depicting different degrees of perineal lacerations during childbirth, ranging from first to fourth degree, showing the extent of tissue involvement.
Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements in Postpartum
Optimal nutrition is paramount in the postpartum period to facilitate the mother’s recovery, restore energy levels, regulate hormones, and support breast milk production for those who are breastfeeding.
Nursing Diagnosis: Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements
Related Factors:
- Altered taste perception
- Postpartum depression impacting appetite
- Food aversions or cravings
- Decreased interest in eating
- Sleep deprivation affecting appetite and food choices
- Insufficient knowledge about postpartum nutritional needs
- Inadequate access to food or food preparation resources
- Insufficient caloric and nutrient intake to meet metabolic demands of recovery and lactation
Evidenced By:
- Weight loss or failure to gain weight appropriately
- Body weight below ideal range for age and height
- Reports of inadequate food intake
- Pale mucous membranes indicative of potential anemia
- Lethargy and fatigue
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Excessive hair loss
- Poor wound healing
- Inadequate breast milk production (if breastfeeding)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Desired Outcomes:
- Patient will achieve adequate nutritional intake to support postpartum recovery and energy levels.
- Patient will demonstrate successful breastfeeding with sufficient milk production, if applicable.
- Patient will exhibit timely wound healing and overall physical recovery.
Nursing Assessments:
1. Laboratory Data Review:
- Rationale: Laboratory tests provide objective data on nutritional status and can identify deficiencies. Assess albumin and pre-albumin levels, which can be indicators of protein status and malnutrition. Check hemoglobin and hematocrit levels to screen for anemia, a common postpartum concern. Evaluate micronutrient levels, such as iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins, as deficiencies can impact energy levels and overall health.
2. Dietary Intake Assessment:
- Rationale: A detailed assessment of the patient’s daily food intake is crucial to pinpoint nutritional gaps and determine if they are consuming a balanced diet. Use dietary recall methods or food diaries to gather information about food choices, portion sizes, and meal frequency. For breastfeeding mothers, assess intake of calories, protein, calcium, and fluids, as their needs are elevated to support milk production. Inquire about dietary restrictions, allergies, and cultural or religious food preferences.
3. Psychosocial and Emotional Influences on Nutrition:
- Rationale: The postpartum period is a time of significant emotional and lifestyle adjustments. Screen for symptoms of postpartum depression, anxiety, or stress, as these can profoundly affect appetite and eating habits. Explore factors such as sleep disturbances, changes in routine, and relationship dynamics that may impact food intake. Assess for food insecurity or lack of support in meal preparation, which can also contribute to nutritional deficits.
Nursing Interventions:
1. Personalized Dietary Counseling:
- Rationale: Engage in open discussions about the patient’s eating habits, food preferences, cultural background, and any food intolerances or allergies. Provide individualized dietary recommendations tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Emphasize the importance of protein for wound healing, especially after Cesarean birth, and for overall tissue repair. For vegetarian or vegan patients, ensure adequate intake of protein and micronutrients often found in animal products, such as vitamin B12 and iron.
2. Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Recommendations:
- Rationale: Recommend continuation of prenatal or postnatal vitamins, as they typically contain essential nutrients like iron, folic acid, iodine, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for postpartum recovery and breastfeeding. Address any specific deficiencies identified through lab work with targeted supplementation as prescribed.
3. Rest and Recovery Promotion:
- Rationale: Postpartum individuals often experience sleep deprivation and fatigue, which can negatively impact appetite and energy for food preparation. Encourage prioritizing rest and sleep whenever possible. Explain that rest periods help reduce metabolic demands, allowing the body to utilize nutrients more effectively for healing and energy restoration. Advise on strategies to maximize rest, such as napping when the baby naps and accepting help from partners or family members.
4. Fluid Intake Education:
- Rationale: Adequate hydration is essential for overall health, preventing dehydration, and supporting breast milk production. Recommend drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water, unsweetened beverages, and milk (if tolerated). Explain that breastfeeding mothers have increased fluid needs. Monitor for signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, dry mouth, and fatigue.
5. Referral to Registered Dietitian:
- Rationale: For patients with complex nutritional needs, pre-existing conditions, or significant nutritional deficits, a referral to a registered dietitian is highly beneficial. A dietitian can provide in-depth nutritional assessments, develop personalized meal plans, and offer ongoing support and education to ensure optimal postpartum nutrition and long-term health.
Image alt text: Infographic illustrating the benefits of good nutrition for postpartum mothers, including faster recovery, increased energy, hormone balance, and improved breast milk production.
Ineffective Breastfeeding Management
Challenges with infant latch, breastfeeding-related pain, or previous negative breastfeeding experiences can contribute to ineffective breastfeeding.
Nursing Diagnosis: Ineffective Breastfeeding
Related Factors:
- Infant prematurity or illness
- Infant anatomical anomalies (e.g., cleft palate, tongue-tie)
- Weak or uncoordinated infant suck reflex
- Maternal anxiety, stress, or lack of confidence
- Maternal disinterest in breastfeeding
- Insufficient knowledge about breastfeeding techniques and cues
- Interruptions in breastfeeding routines (e.g., scheduled feedings)
- History of unsuccessful breastfeeding attempts
- Maternal nipple pain or abnormalities (e.g., inverted nipples)
Evidenced By:
- Patient reports of difficulty breastfeeding or dissatisfaction with breastfeeding
- Observed difficulties with latch, suck, or milk transfer during breastfeeding
- Complaints of nipple pain, soreness, or damage
- Insufficient breast milk supply or perceived inadequate milk intake by infant
- Infant exhibiting signs of inadequate intake (e.g., poor weight gain, insufficient wet diapers, persistent hunger cues)
- Infant inability to latch onto the breast effectively
Desired Outcomes:
- Mother will demonstrate improved breastfeeding techniques and strategies to enhance breastfeeding effectiveness.
- Mother will express increased confidence in her ability to breastfeed.
- Infant will exhibit signs of effective breastfeeding, including appropriate weight gain and adequate hydration.
Nursing Assessments:
1. Breastfeeding Knowledge Assessment:
- Rationale: Assess the mother’s understanding of breastfeeding principles, techniques, and infant feeding cues. Identify any misinformation, cultural beliefs, or myths that may hinder successful breastfeeding. Explore her previous breastfeeding experiences and identify any factors that contributed to challenges in the past.
2. Physical Breast and Infant Assessment:
- Rationale: Perform a thorough physical assessment of the mother’s breasts, noting any engorgement, nipple abnormalities (inverted, flat), signs of mastitis, or previous breast surgeries. Assess the infant’s oral anatomy, including palate, tongue, and frenulum, to identify potential anatomical factors affecting latch. Evaluate the infant’s suck reflex, coordination, and overall muscle tone. Observe a breastfeeding session to assess latch, positioning, milk transfer, and infant cues.
3. Support System Evaluation:
- Rationale: A supportive partner, family members, and healthcare team are crucial for breastfeeding success. Assess the level of support the mother has at home and within her social network. Identify potential barriers to support, such as lack of partner involvement or unsupportive family members. Ensure the mother is connected with resources like lactation consultants and breastfeeding support groups.
Nursing Interventions:
1. Individualized Breastfeeding Support and Education:
- Rationale: Provide one-on-one support and education tailored to the mother’s and infant’s specific needs. Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both mother and baby, and requires time, patience, and practice. Offer emotional encouragement and reassurance. Sessions may need to be extended (30 minutes or longer) initially to address latch difficulties, positioning, and milk supply concerns.
2. Infant Feeding Cue Recognition Education:
- Rationale: Educate mothers on recognizing early infant hunger cues, such as rooting, lip-smacking, sucking on fingers or hands, and increased alertness or activity. Timely feeding in response to these cues promotes a more positive breastfeeding experience for both mother and infant, improves milk supply regulation, and fosters infant satisfaction. Discourage scheduled feedings and encourage feeding on demand.
3. Management of Breastfeeding Complications:
- Rationale: Address common breastfeeding challenges promptly and effectively. For nipple pain, assess latch and positioning, recommend lanolin application or hydrogel dressings, and advise against harsh soaps on nipples. For engorgement, suggest frequent breastfeeding or pumping, warm compresses before feeding, and cool compresses after feeding. For mastitis, ensure prompt medical evaluation and antibiotic treatment, and encourage continued breastfeeding or pumping to empty the affected breast.
4. Lactation Consultant Referral and Collaboration:
- Rationale: Lactation consultants are specialized healthcare professionals with expertise in breastfeeding management. Referrals to lactation consultants provide mothers with advanced support, troubleshooting, and individualized care plans. Lactation consultants can assist with optimizing breastfeeding positions, improving latch techniques, addressing milk supply concerns, teaching breast pump use, and developing feeding schedules tailored to the infant’s needs. Collaborate with lactation consultants to ensure consistent and coordinated care.
Risk for Impaired Parenting: Promoting Positive Parent-Infant Attachment
Impaired parenting refers to the inability to create or maintain a nurturing environment that supports the healthy growth and development of the child and fosters a secure parent-child attachment.
Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Impaired Parenting
Related Factors:
- Premature birth or infant health complications requiring NICU admission
- Multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.) increasing parental demands
- Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
- Infant physical or developmental challenges
- Prolonged separation of parent and infant (e.g., maternal hospitalization, NICU stay)
- Parental lack of maturity, knowledge, or skills related to parenting
- Low educational level or socioeconomic status
- Young maternal age or advanced maternal age with health concerns
- Closely spaced pregnancies leading to parental stress and resource depletion
- Difficult or traumatic birthing experience
- Sleep deprivation and chronic fatigue
- History of maternal depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
- Substance abuse or dependence in parents
- History of familial or intimate partner violence or abuse
- Lack of social support, family support, or partner support
Evidenced By:
A risk diagnosis is identified by the presence of risk factors, not by existing signs and symptoms. Nursing interventions are focused on preventing the problem from developing.
Desired Outcomes:
- Parent will verbalize understanding of individual risk factors that increase the potential for impaired parenting.
- Parent will identify and utilize personal strengths and available resources to overcome parenting challenges.
- Parent will actively participate in educational classes or support programs aimed at promoting effective parenting skills.
- Parent will demonstrate positive parenting behaviors and parent-infant interactions that foster attachment.
Nursing Assessments:
1. Family Support and Dynamics Assessment:
- Rationale: Evaluate the family structure, including the involvement of the infant’s father or partner in parenting. Assess the availability of support from extended family members, such as grandparents, siblings, or other relatives. Determine the presence of other children in the household and the overall family dynamics. Identify potential stressors or conflicts within the family system that may impact parenting capacity.
2. Parent-Infant Attachment Observation:
- Rationale: Observe the interactions between the parent and infant, paying attention to parental affect, responsiveness to infant cues, and overall attitude towards the infant. Monitor interactions during feeding, diaper changes, and holding/comforting the infant. Note any signs of reluctance, indifference, negativity, or avoidance in parenting behaviors, which may indicate potential attachment difficulties or impaired parenting.
3. Parental Capabilities and Challenges Assessment:
- Rationale: Assess the parent’s developmental level, intellectual abilities, and emotional maturity to determine their readiness for parenting responsibilities. Consider the parent’s knowledge and skills related to infant care, child development, and positive parenting strategies. Identify any physical or mental health limitations that may impact their ability to provide consistent and nurturing care. For young parents or those with unplanned pregnancies, assess their understanding of parenting roles and responsibilities and their access to resources and support.
Nursing Interventions:
1. Positive Modeling and Bonding Promotion:
- Rationale: Nurses should model positive and nurturing interactions with the infant and parents to demonstrate appropriate parenting behaviors. Create opportunities for parent-infant bonding by keeping the infant in the room with the parents as much as possible. Educate parents on infant cues, responsive caregiving, and the importance of skin-to-skin contact. Provide guidance on how to feed, hold, swaddle, bathe, and soothe the infant.
2. Self-Care and Stress Management Education:
- Rationale: Parental stress is a significant risk factor for postpartum depression and impaired parenting. Emphasize the importance of self-care for parents and encourage them to identify healthy coping mechanisms for stress management. Remind parents to prioritize their own well-being, including getting adequate rest, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in activities they enjoy. Encourage seeking support from partners, family, or friends to reduce parental burden and prevent burnout.
3. Postpartum Depression Screening and Referral:
- Rationale: Postpartum depression is a serious condition that can significantly impair parenting capacity. Routine depression screening is essential for all postpartum mothers. Utilize standardized screening tools, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), to identify mothers at risk. Provide education about the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. For mothers screening positive or exhibiting symptoms, facilitate prompt referral to mental health professionals for evaluation and treatment.
4. Community Resource and Support System Referrals:
- Rationale: Connect parents, especially young, single, or unprepared parents, with community resources and support programs. Provide information on parenting classes, home visiting programs, childcare assistance, financial aid programs, and support groups for new parents. Refer to social services or community agencies as needed to address identified needs and enhance parental capacity and infant well-being.
Image alt text: Collage of images representing risk factors for impaired parenting, including a premature baby in an incubator, twins, a pregnancy test, and a support group.
Risk for Infection Prevention in Postpartum
Childbirth inherently carries an increased risk of infection due to tissue trauma, potential for sepsis, and in some cases, surgical interventions.
Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Infection
Related Factors:
- Surgical incision from Cesarean section
- Trauma to the uterus, perineum, genitals, or urinary tract during delivery
- Episiotomy or perineal lacerations
- Advanced maternal age
- Elevated Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Pre-existing chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypertension, immunosuppression)
- History of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Preterm or post-term labor
- Prolonged rupture of amniotic membranes (PROM)
- Frequent or excessive vaginal examinations during labor
- Endometritis (infection of the uterine lining)
- Postpartum hemorrhage
Evidenced By:
A risk diagnosis is identified by the presence of risk factors, not by existing signs and symptoms. Nursing interventions are aimed at preventing infection.
Desired Outcomes:
- Patient will remain free from infection throughout the postpartum period.
- Patient will demonstrate appropriate wound healing of surgical sites (Cesarean incision, episiotomy) without signs of infection (redness, warmth, drainage).
- Patient will verbalize understanding of infection prevention measures and signs/symptoms of infection requiring medical attention.
Nursing Assessments:
1. Infection Risk Factor Identification:
- Rationale: Proactively identify patients at increased risk for postpartum infection based on their medical history, pregnancy course, and delivery experience. Assess for risk factors such as gestational diabetes, intrapartum infections (e.g., chorioamnionitis), PROM, preeclampsia/eclampsia, prolonged labor, operative vaginal delivery, Cesarean birth, and compromised immune status. Document identified risk factors to guide preventive interventions and enhance vigilance for infection.
2. Infection Signs and Symptoms Monitoring:
- Rationale: Closely monitor for early signs and symptoms of postpartum infection. Assess vital signs regularly, paying attention to temperature elevations (fever). Evaluate uterine tenderness, abdominal pain, and characteristics of lochia (color, odor, amount). Foul-smelling lochia, uterine tenderness, and fever are indicative of potential endometritis. Inspect surgical incisions (Cesarean, episiotomy) for localized signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, pain, purulent drainage, and lack of wound approximation.
3. Laboratory Data Monitoring for Infection:
- Rationale: Monitor relevant laboratory values to support clinical assessment and guide infection management. Elevated white blood cell count (leukocytosis) with neutrophilia and increased levels of inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) may indicate infection. Lactic acid levels may be elevated in cases of sepsis. Obtain blood cultures and wound cultures as indicated to identify specific pathogens before initiating antibiotic therapy, particularly in cases of suspected sepsis or wound infections.
Nursing Interventions:
1. Antibiotic Administration as Prescribed:
- Rationale: Administer antibiotics as ordered by the physician for confirmed or suspected postpartum infections. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are often initiated empirically to cover a range of potential pathogens until culture results are available. Patients with severe infections or sepsis may require intravenous antibiotics. Less severe infections, such as endometritis or wound infections without systemic involvement, may be treated with oral antibiotics on an outpatient basis. Ensure timely administration and monitor for therapeutic response and potential adverse effects.
2. Infection Risk Reduction Strategies Prior to and During Delivery:
- Rationale: Implement evidence-based practices to minimize infection risk throughout the peripartum period. Emphasize meticulous hand hygiene for all healthcare providers and visitors. Avoid routine perineal shaving before delivery, as it can create microabrasions and increase infection risk. Promote preoperative showering with antiseptic soap for patients undergoing Cesarean birth. Maintain strict aseptic technique during invasive procedures, such as catheter insertion and intravenous line placement. For patients with diabetes, maintain strict glycemic control to reduce infection susceptibility.
3. Patient Education on Infection Prevention and Recognition:
- Rationale: Provide comprehensive discharge education to patients on infection prevention measures and recognition of infection signs and symptoms. Instruct on proper perineal hygiene, including frequent postpartum pad changes, wiping front to back after toileting, and using a peri-bottle for gentle cleansing. Educate on proper wound care for episiotomy or Cesarean incisions, emphasizing keeping the area clean and dry. Advise patients to report any signs of infection promptly, such as fever, persistent pain, changes in lochia (foul odor, increased bleeding), or wound drainage, redness, or warmth.
4. Wound Care Education and Demonstration:
- Rationale: Provide detailed instructions and demonstrations on proper wound care for episiotomy and Cesarean incisions. For episiotomy care, advise against straining during bowel movements and recommend stool softeners if needed. Suggest using ice packs to reduce perineal swelling in the initial 24 hours, followed by warm sitz baths after 24 hours to promote healing. Instruct on changing postpartum pads every 2-4 hours and cleansing the perineal area with warm water after each void or bowel movement, patting dry gently. For Cesarean incision care, advise keeping the dressing clean and dry until removal instructions are given. Once dressings are removed, instruct on gentle washing with soap and water, avoiding scrubbing, and patting dry.
References
- NurseTogether – Labor and Delivery Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Labor and Delivery Nurse
- NurseTogether – Pregnancy Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Nursing Diagnoses
- NurseTogether – Nursing Care Plans
- NurseTogether – C-Section Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Acute Pain Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Impaired Skin Integrity Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Imbalanced Nutrition Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Insomnia Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Abdominal Pain Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Constipation Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Hypoglycemia Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Anemia Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Breastfeeding Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Anxiety Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Knowledge Deficit Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Major Depression Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Substance Abuse Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Risk For Infection Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Sepsis Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Diabetes Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Hypertension Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Preeclampsia Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Risk For Bleeding Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Persistent Pain Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Wound Care Infection Nursing Diagnosis Care Plan
- NurseTogether – Nursing Interventions
