Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Maybelle B. Animas
Postpartal Period
• Puerperium- “puer”- child, “parere” –to bring
forth
• 6-weeks period after childbirth
• Retrogressive- involution of the uterus
and vagina
• Progressive- production of milk for lactation,
restoration of the normal menstrual cycle,
and beginning of a parenting role
Psychological Changes of the
Postpartal Period
PHASES OF PUERPERIUM
Taking-In Phase
• 2- to 3-day period, a woman is largely
passive
• woman usually wants to talk about her
pregnancy, especially about her labor
and birth
• Tone
• Lochia
Nursing Care of Uterine Changes
• Assessment of the
Uterus
– Placement and size -- should
be level with the umbilicus
after delivery. The uterus
then should decrease 1 FB /
day. Should also be midline
and the size of a grapefruit
Nursing Care of Uterine Changes
• Vagina
• Hypothalamus sends
messages to the pituitary
gland
Process of Lactation
– Anterior pituitary -- stimulates
Prolactin to be released which is
the ultimate stimulation for milk
production
– Posterior pituitary -- releases
Oxytocin which stimulates the
contraction of the cells around
the alveoli in the mammary
glands. This causes milk to be
propelled through the duct
system to the infant. This is the
“LET-DOWN” reflex. Felt as a
tingling sensation
Breastfeeding Care
• No soap on the nipples, wash in water wear
supportive bra
• Breastfeeding tips:
– Most important is the “latch-on” Teach measures to
assist with the infant getting the nipple and areola in
the mouth
– Teach different positions to hold the baby
– No timing
– Relax to allow for “let-down”
Suppression of Lactation
• Key: teach measures to decrease
stimulation of the breasts
– Tight-fitting bra or binder
– Do not express milk from the breasts
– Take shower with back to the warm water
– Ice packs
Elimination Changes
Urinary System
• Patient Teaching:
– increase fluids, fiber, and activity
– stool softeners, anesthetic sprays, Tucks
– **Do NOT give an enema or suppository to
a person who has a 3rd or 4th degree
laceration.
Regulatory Changes
• Most common problem is Sleep
deprivation -- the excitement and
exhilaration following the birth may make
it difficult to sleep.