Maternal self-care what topic areas and instructions are you going to include?

 

When teaching your patient about maternal self-care the topics to include are :

• personal hygiene
• breasts.

Step-by-step explanation

Personal hygiene

• Change perineal pads frequently, removing them from the front to the back and disposing of them in a plastic bag.
• Perform perineal care each time you urinate or move your bowels.
• Monitor your vaginal discharge; it should change from red to pinkish-brown to clear or white before stopping altogether. Notify your practitioner if the discharge returns to a previous color, becomes bright red or yellowish-green, suddenly increases in amount, or develops an offensive odor.
• Follow your practitioner's instructions about using sitz baths or applying heat to your perineum.
• Shower daily.

Breasts

• Wear a firm, supportive bra.
• If nipple leakage occurs, use clean gauze pads or nursing pads inside your bra to absorb the moisture.

The other key things to include are women's perceptions regarding the role of maternal self care , specific applications of self care in new motherhood and barriers to practicing effective self care .