The purpose of this essay is to discuss aspects of care that was witnessed being given to a client. This essay will draw on evidence researched from journals. It aims to discuss and evaluate the postnatal period and the care that is provided during that period. The main aspects of care that will be discussed with in the postnatal period is the length of the postnatal visit and how long should a midwife attend a client and it will also discuss the support and advice that can be given to a client who is having problems breast feeding.
The first aspect of care that is going to be discussed is the postnatal period and the care that is provided during that period.
The postnatal period is the period after the end of labour and until all reproductive organs have returned to their pre gravid condition. This period is estimated to be about 6 to 8 weeks (Bick, D.2004). Although evidence suggests that recovery from child birth can take longer than this (Bick, D. and MacArthur, C. 1995). The post natal period, until recently, has been defined as not less than 10 days, or more than 28 days after the end of labour (UKCC, 1998). However, it has been acknowledged by the Government that the public health role of the midwife should be further developed (DoH, 1999) and so the NMC defined the post natal period as the period after the end of labour, on which a midwife must attend a women for no less than 10 days and for as long as the midwife deems as necessary (NMC, 2004).
Mrs Smith, this is an alias due to the NMC guidelines 2004, was seen for 28 days post natal due to problems she was having. Her baby was jaundice, she was having problems breast feeding her baby and generally she was feeling inadequate as a mother. She was also overcome with tiredness. Most midwives’ visit for only 10 days and their capacity to extend visiting beyond 10 days depends on staffing levels, the