Postnatal Care

This book gives clear and evidence-based guidelines on the identification and management of postnatal health problems (rather than on routine observations and examinations of blood pressure, temperature, uterine involution, lochia and perinuem). This approach allows carefully individualised care within a framework which covers both physical and psychological problems experienced by the women. Guidelines are offered for the primary management of symptoms identified, covering general and specific advice in order to reduce the impact of the symptoms and incorporating criteria for GP referral. The importance of advice to allay maternal anxiety is emphasised. A symptom checklist is offered to document systematically the physical symptoms on the 10th and 28th postnatal days. Leaflets which summarise the guidelines are held in a pocket inside the back cover.