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After birth: A perspective of postnatal care and early discharge

Abstract:

Within the sphere of midwifery practice, postnatal care seems to almost hold an aura of the 'poor relation', when compared with ante or intrapartum care. Yet, when women are asked what the most significant aspect of the whole experience of childbearing has been, the most frequently mentioned time is the postpartum period, with the second most common being the actual birth (Prince and Adams, 1987 p. 104). Within hospitals, these three aspects of midwifery care in general, continue to be fragmented, with continuity of midwifery care being the exception rather than the rule, despite the generally accdepted knowledge this is what women and their families want. It is my intention in this article to reflect on my experiences of postnatal care and of the challenges that couples sometimes face, especially with their first child. I will discuss why I have found early discharge to be beneficial for women and their families, and consider the barriers to planned early discharge.

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bonding, early discharge, postnatal care