Any woman who is in the postnatal period, whether the period is normal or abnormal, she has to get enough information and counselling service on how to take care of self-depending on her health condition. The information and counselling service should focus on the mother as well as her baby. Now you will separately learn what issues should be included during counselling.

Information and counselling for the mother about herself

Soon after birth and later in the postpartum period, you should promote the general well-being of the woman by providing information and advice about: -

• Consumption of adequate food and fluids, light exercise, and ambulation.
  
• Emptying the bladder frequently, and perennial exercise.
  
• Following hygienic/clean practices.
  
• Proper techniques of breastfeeding
  
• Getting the required supplements (iron and folate, vitamin A).
  
• Sleeping with her baby under an insecticide-treated bed net in malaria-prone areas.
  
• The most suitable method for birth spacing/family planning to delay the next birth for about three years.
  
• Receiving any missed doses of tetanus toxoid vaccine.
  
• The results of tests for STDs and HIV/AIDS and takes the necessary steps if any test is positive (if missed in the antenatal period).
  
• The danger signs for which she has to go to the facility as soon as possible such as:
  
• Excessive vaginal bleeding (e.g., more than 2 or 3 pads soaked in 20-30minutes after delivery or bleeding increases rather than decreases after giving birth).
• Convulsions.
• Fast or difficult breathing.
• Fever and being too weak to get out of bed.
• Severe abdominal pain.
• Foul smelling vaginal discharge (lochia).
• A severe headache and swelling of the hands and face.
• Red patches or streaks and or pain in the legs.
• Severe painful, engorged breasts and/or sore, cracked, bleeding nipples.

Counselling and advice for the baby

The mother should be advised about the baby on:

• Exclusive breastfeeding.
  
• Umbilical care.
  
• Bathing after 24hrs.
  
• Appropriate clothing of the baby for ambient temperature is recommended. This means one to two layers of clothes more than adults and use of hats/caps.
  
• Following hygienic practices.
  
• Immunizations.
  
• Winning diets after six months.
  
• Following the recommended guidelines on the treatment and follow-up for the HIV positive mother and baby. (You will learn this in detail in study session 8 of this module).