Maternal recovery
Assess recovery after pregnancy and birth, identify complications and support physical wellbeing.
Maternal & newborn care
Postnatal Care for Mother, Newborn & Family
A practical, evidence-informed guide to care after birth — covering the first 24 hours, follow-up contacts, maternal recovery, newborn wellbeing, breastfeeding, emotional health, family planning and danger-sign recognition.
WHO guideline foundation:
WHO's postnatal-care guidance focuses on a positive postnatal experience
and integrates physical health, emotional wellbeing, newborn care,
breastfeeding, family support, prevention and timely identification of
complications.
First 24 hours
48–72 hours
7–14 days
6 weeks
Mother + newborn
WHO aligned
WHO approach
A positive postnatal experience is more than a routine check-up
WHO describes postnatal care as a holistic service for women and newborns. Care should be respectful, individualized, culturally appropriate and responsive to physical, emotional and social needs.
Newborn wellbeing
Support feeding, warmth, hygiene, preventive care, early recognition of illness and healthy development.
Emotional health
Listen to emotional concerns, support adjustment and identify women who may need further mental-health assessment or referral.
Breastfeeding
Provide practical support for positioning, attachment, feeding frequency and difficulties.
Family support
Include partners, parents and caregivers where appropriate and support confidence in newborn care.
Prevention & early action
Recognize maternal or newborn danger signs early and connect families to appropriate care without unnecessary delay.
Postnatal contact schedule
Minimum postnatal contacts recommended by WHO
Current WHO maternal-health recommendations describe a minimum of four postnatal contacts for healthy women and newborns, with timing and content tailored to individual needs.
First contact
For a facility birth, healthy women and newborns should receive postnatal care in the facility for at least 24 hours. A home birth should be followed by contact as early as possible and no later than 24 hours.
Early follow-up
Reassess maternal and newborn wellbeing, feeding, recovery, danger signs and any concerns identified after the first contact.
Second-week review
Continue assessment, breastfeeding and newborn-care support, maternal recovery, emotional wellbeing and family-planning counselling as needed.
Six-week transition
Review maternal and newborn wellbeing and support transition to routine well-woman and well-child care, including relevant preventive services.
More care may be needed.
The minimum schedule is not a maximum. Additional contacts should be arranged
when maternal or newborn health needs, social circumstances or clinical
findings require closer follow-up.
01 · First 24 hours
Essential care during the first 24 hours after birth
The first 24 hours are a critical period for both mother and newborn. WHO recommends regular assessment and supportive care beginning immediately after birth and continuing through the first day.
Maternal assessment
During the first 24 hours, WHO recommends regular assessment of vaginal bleeding, uterine tone, fundal height, temperature and pulse.
Blood pressure
Blood pressure should be measured shortly after birth. If normal, WHO recommends a second measurement within 6 hours.
Urine void
Document urine void within 6 hours after birth and assess urinary symptoms as part of ongoing postnatal care.
Newborn transition
Assess breathing, temperature, feeding and general condition and provide essential newborn care and preventive measures.
Facility stay: WHO recommends that healthy women and newborns who give birth in a health facility receive postnatal care in the facility for at least 24 hours. The actual stay may need to be longer when clinical or social needs require it.
02 · Maternal postnatal care
Care for the mother after birth
Postnatal assessment should address both physical recovery and the woman's emotional and social wellbeing.
Bleeding & uterine recovery
Assess vaginal bleeding, uterine tone and fundal height during the first 24 hours. At later contacts, continue to assess lochia and uterine recovery as clinically appropriate.
Vital signs
Monitor pulse, temperature and blood pressure according to WHO guidance, clinical condition and local protocol. Abnormal findings require clinical assessment.
Infection prevention & recognition
Assess symptoms and findings that could indicate infection, including fever, wound problems, uterine tenderness or other concerning changes.
Perineal & wound recovery
Ask about perineal pain, healing and hygiene after vaginal birth or perineal procedures. After caesarean birth, assess the surgical wound and related symptoms according to clinical need.
Breast health
Ask about breast pain, engorgement, nipple problems and feeding concerns, and provide practical breastfeeding support or referral when required.
Emotional wellbeing
Ask about mood, anxiety, sleep, distress and adjustment. Concerns about depression, anxiety or safety should prompt appropriate assessment and referral.
Nutrition
Provide counselling on adequate nutrition and hydration during recovery and breastfeeding, taking individual needs and local dietary practices into account.
Fatigue & pain
Ask about fatigue, headache, back pain and perineal or other pain. Manage or refer according to the cause, severity and applicable protocol.
Social wellbeing
Consider the woman's support system, home environment, ability to care for herself and baby, and any safety or social concerns affecting care.
Maternal assessment
Key areas to assess and document
| Area | What to assess | When / principle |
|---|---|---|
| Vaginal bleeding | Amount and pattern of bleeding; associated symptoms. | Regularly during first 24 hours and assess at subsequent contacts as appropriate. |
| Uterine involution | Uterine tone and fundal height. | Routine assessment during first 24 hours; continue clinically appropriate follow-up. |
| Pulse & temperature | Vital signs and symptoms of deterioration or infection. | Regularly during first 24 hours; subsequent assessment according to clinical need. |
| Blood pressure | Blood pressure and symptoms suggesting hypertensive disease. | Shortly after birth; if normal, repeat within 6 hours; continue as clinically indicated. |
| Urinary function | Urine void, difficulty voiding and urinary incontinence. | Document urine void within 6 hours; ask about urinary function at later contacts. |
| Bowel function | Constipation, bowel function and related discomfort. | Ask at subsequent postnatal contacts and provide appropriate support. |
| Perineum / wound | Pain, healing, discharge, swelling and signs of infection where relevant. | Assess according to birth mode, symptoms and clinical need. |
| Breasts | Pain, engorgement, nipple problems and feeding difficulties. | Ask during contacts and provide breastfeeding support. |
| Emotional health | Mood, anxiety, distress, adjustment and safety concerns. | Address at postnatal contacts; refer when clinically indicated. |
03 · Newborn postnatal care
Essential care for the newborn
Newborn postnatal care supports adaptation after birth, feeding, warmth, hygiene, prevention, early recognition of illness and healthy growth.
Breathing & temperature
Assess breathing and temperature and maintain warmth. Any newborn with concerning signs requires prompt clinical assessment.
Feeding
Support early and exclusive breastfeeding when appropriate, assess attachment and feeding effectiveness, and address feeding difficulties.
Cord & hygiene
Support clean, hygienic cord care and hand hygiene. Counsel caregivers about signs of infection and when to seek care.
Growth & development
Follow growth, feeding and developmental wellbeing through appropriate child-health services and national programmes.
Immunization
Ensure newborn and infant immunizations are provided according to the applicable national immunization schedule.
Screening & examination
Complete appropriate newborn examination and screening, including relevant eye, hearing and other newborn-health assessments according to national and facility protocols.
Newborn follow-up
Newborn care across the postnatal period
| Period | Key areas | Family education |
|---|---|---|
| Within 24 hours | Temperature, breathing, feeding, general condition, warmth, skin-to-skin care and essential newborn care. | Feeding, warmth, hygiene, cord care and danger signs. |
| 48–72 hours | Feeding, weight/clinical condition as appropriate, jaundice assessment and other newborn concerns. | Feeding difficulties, jaundice concerns, temperature and urgent-care pathways. |
| Days 7–14 | Feeding, growth and general wellbeing; assess concerns identified earlier. | Responsive caregiving, breastfeeding and hygiene; reinforce danger signs. |
| Week 6 | Full age-appropriate physical and developmental assessment and growth monitoring. | Immunization, breastfeeding, responsive care and transition to routine child health services. |
04 · Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding support is part of postnatal care
The first days after birth are important for establishing effective feeding. WHO postnatal guidance includes counselling and practical support for breastfeeding, including attachment and positioning.
Observe a feed
Where support is needed, observe positioning, attachment, sucking and the mother's comfort and provide practical assistance.
Build confidence
Use supportive, non-judgemental communication and help parents understand normal feeding behaviour.
Recognize feeding problems
Poor feeding, inadequate intake, persistent pain or other concerns require assessment and, where needed, referral.
Support the family
Teach partners and caregivers how they can support breastfeeding and responsive newborn care.
Feeding is individualized: Babies who are preterm, low birth weight, unwell or unable to breastfeed effectively may require specialized feeding assessment and care.
05 · Mental health & emotional wellbeing
Support the mother's emotional wellbeing
Postnatal care should include attention to emotional wellbeing, adjustment, anxiety and depression. WHO recommends that women with symptoms or concerns receive appropriate assessment, support and referral.
Ask sensitively
Create a private, respectful opportunity to ask about mood, anxiety, distress, sleep, support and adjustment.
Listen without judgement
Validate concerns and avoid dismissing emotional symptoms as simply part of becoming a parent.
Assess support
Consider the woman's home environment, practical support, social circumstances and any barriers to accessing care.
Escalate safety concerns
Severe distress, thoughts of self-harm or harm to the baby, psychotic symptoms or immediate safety concerns require urgent specialist assessment.
Urgent mental-health concern:
if a woman has thoughts of suicide or harming herself or the baby, severe
confusion, hallucinations or other acute safety concerns, seek urgent
emergency mental-health/medical assessment.
06 · Nutrition & physical recovery
Nutrition, hydration, rest and recovery
Postnatal counselling should support recovery and breastfeeding while considering individual nutritional status, cultural food practices and medical conditions.
Adequate nutrition
Encourage a varied, adequate diet appropriate to the woman's nutritional needs and local dietary context.
Hydration
Encourage adequate fluids and respond to symptoms of dehydration or difficulty eating and drinking.
Rest and sleep
Discuss practical support and opportunities for rest, especially when the newborn's feeding pattern makes sleep difficult.
Physical activity
Encourage gradual, appropriate physical activity and mobility according to recovery, birth mode, symptoms and clinical advice.
Supplements & medicines
Continue or prescribe supplements and medicines according to the woman's clinical needs and applicable national or facility guidance.
Individualize care
Anaemia, diabetes, hypertension, infection, operative birth and other conditions may require additional follow-up.
07 · Sexual & reproductive health
Postpartum family planning and reproductive health
Postnatal care is an important opportunity to discuss sexual and reproductive health, including postpartum contraception. Counselling should be voluntary, informed and respectful of the woman's preferences.
Informed counselling
Explain available options, effectiveness, timing, benefits, risks, side effects and suitability using understandable language.
Respect autonomy
The woman's informed preference should guide contraceptive choice within clinical eligibility and available services.
Sexual health
Address questions about recovery, discomfort, contraception and resumption of sexual activity in a private and respectful setting.
Safety and referral
Persistent pain, heavy bleeding, infection symptoms, wound concerns or other problems require appropriate assessment and management.
08 · Safety
Postnatal danger signs: when to seek urgent care
Families should receive clear information about danger signs and where to obtain urgent care. The following examples are not exhaustive.
Mother — urgent warning signs
- Heavy or suddenly increasing vaginal bleeding
- Fainting, collapse or severe weakness
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
- Fever or symptoms suggesting infection
- Severe headache, visual disturbance or other concerning symptoms
- Chest pain, severe breathlessness or new neurological symptoms
- Severe wound/perineal pain, swelling or discharge
- Any sudden deterioration or concern about safety
Newborn — urgent warning signs
- Difficulty breathing, fast breathing or pauses in breathing
- Not feeding well or inability to feed
- Abnormally low or high temperature
- Convulsions or unusual movements
- Marked lethargy, unconsciousness or severe weakness
- Jaundice with concerning features or jaundice appearing very early
- Signs of infection or worsening illness
- Any condition that makes the caregiver concerned about the baby's safety
Emergency principle:
danger signs should trigger prompt assessment at an appropriate health facility
or emergency service. Do not rely on online information for an acute emergency.
09 · Family-centred care
Support parents, partners and caregivers
A positive postnatal experience includes information, reassurance and practical support for the woman and family.
Involve the family
With the woman's consent and preferences, involve partners and caregivers in newborn-care education and practical support.
Responsive caregiving
Help caregivers recognize newborn cues and respond with warmth, comfort, communication and appropriate feeding.
Prepare for home
Ensure the family understands routine care, danger signs, follow-up dates and how to access services.
Use clear communication
Encourage questions and provide information in a language and format the family can understand.
Address safety
Ask privately about violence, coercion, threats or other circumstances that could affect the safety of the woman or newborn.
Plan follow-up
Give the family clear information about the next postnatal contact and where to go if a concern develops before that date.
10 · Discharge preparation
Before going home after birth
Discharge planning should ensure that the woman and newborn are clinically appropriate for discharge and that the family understands routine care, follow-up and emergency pathways.
Maternal condition reviewed
Review maternal observations, bleeding, pain, wound/perineum and other relevant findings.
Newborn condition reviewed
Confirm feeding, temperature, breathing, general condition and appropriate newborn preventive care.
Feeding support provided
Confirm that the mother/caregiver knows how to feed the baby and where to obtain breastfeeding help.
Danger signs explained
Explain maternal and newborn warning signs and the facility or emergency service to contact.
Follow-up date arranged
Provide the next postnatal contact date and instructions for earlier review if concerns arise.
Records provided
Ensure the mother and family have appropriate maternal/newborn records and understand their importance for future visits.
11 · Documentation
Postnatal documentation checklist
Good documentation supports continuity between hospital, community and outpatient services.
| Record area | Document | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Birth information | Date/time of birth, mode of birth and relevant complications. | Provides context for postnatal assessment and follow-up. |
| Maternal assessment | Vital signs, bleeding, uterine findings, wound/perineum and symptoms. | Supports recognition of changes and continuity of care. |
| Newborn assessment | Condition, feeding, temperature, breathing and relevant preventive care. | Provides a baseline and identifies follow-up needs. |
| Breastfeeding | Feeding method, difficulties, counselling and support provided. | Helps maintain continuity and prevent avoidable feeding problems. |
| Mental health | Emotional concerns, screening/assessment where used and referral. | Supports appropriate follow-up and safety planning. |
| Family planning | Counselling, chosen method where applicable and referral/provision. | Supports informed reproductive-health decisions. |
| Follow-up | Next appointment/contact and instructions for earlier review. | Reduces missed follow-up and supports timely care. |
12 · Additional needs
When additional postnatal care is needed
The standard schedule should not be treated as sufficient for every woman and newborn. Additional contacts and specialist care may be needed.
Maternal medical conditions
Hypertension, diabetes, anaemia, infection, significant bleeding and other medical conditions may require closer follow-up.
Preterm or low-birth-weight newborn
Additional newborn assessment and specialized care may be required, including appropriate feeding and thermal support.
Complicated birth
Operative birth, significant perineal trauma, postpartum haemorrhage, infection or other complications may require individualized follow-up.
Mental-health concerns
Depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms or safety concerns should prompt appropriate assessment and referral.
Social vulnerability
Limited support, violence, housing or food insecurity and other social factors may require coordinated support and additional contact.
Newborn illness
Feeding problems, jaundice, infection signs, respiratory concerns or other illness require timely clinical evaluation.
13 · Continuity of care
Postnatal care can continue at home or in outpatient services
WHO recommendations allow postnatal contacts, particularly during the first week, to occur through home or outpatient services by skilled personnel or trained community health workers according to health-system arrangements, needs and preferences.
Home follow-up
Where available and appropriate, home visits can support assessment, breastfeeding, newborn care and transition to home.
Outpatient follow-up
Facility or health-worker visits can provide clinical assessment, counselling, preventive services and referral.
Telephone / digital follow-up
WHO notes that routine contacts may be complemented by telephone or targeted digital communication, without replacing necessary clinical assessment.
Continuity of care
Continuity can help establish supportive relationships and improve the postnatal experience, including in functioning midwifery continuity models.
Context matters
Care arrangements should reflect local health-system capacity, referral pathways, cultural context and the woman's and family's needs.
Do not lose follow-up
Every contact should end with a clear plan for the next contact and instructions for seeking care sooner when needed.
For midwifery students & educators
Key postnatal-care learning points
Postnatal care should be learned as a mother-and-newborn continuum rather than as two separate checklists.
Assess the mother
Know the expected recovery and identify signs that require further assessment.
Assess the newborn
Understand normal transition, feeding and common newborn warning signs.
Support feeding
Develop practical breastfeeding observation and counselling skills.
Include mental health
Recognize emotional wellbeing as a core component of postnatal health.
Communicate
Use respectful, culturally appropriate communication and shared decision-making.
Document and refer
Record findings, explain the plan and know the referral pathway for complications.
Frequently asked questions
Postnatal care FAQs
What is postnatal care?
Postnatal care is the care provided to the woman and newborn after birth. WHO describes the first six weeks after birth as an important period for maternal recovery, newborn survival and wellbeing, breastfeeding, emotional health, family support and prevention or early identification of complications.
When should the first postnatal contact happen?
WHO recommends that women and newborns receive postnatal care within 24 hours after birth. For a facility birth, healthy women and newborns should receive care in the facility for at least 24 hours. If birth occurs at home, the first postnatal contact should occur as early as possible and no later than 24 hours.
How many postnatal contacts are recommended?
Current WHO maternal-health recommendations describe a minimum of four postnatal care contacts: within 24 hours, between 48 and 72 hours, between days 7 and 14, and during week 6 after birth. The timing and content should be adapted to the health and needs of the woman and newborn.
What should be checked in the mother after birth?
Postnatal assessment includes maternal wellbeing and appropriate physical assessment. During the first 24 hours WHO recommends regular assessment of vaginal bleeding, uterine tone, fundal height, temperature and pulse, with blood pressure measured shortly after birth and urine void documented within 6 hours. Subsequent contacts include assessment of wellbeing and symptoms such as urinary or bowel problems, wound healing, headache, fatigue, pain, breast symptoms, uterine tenderness and lochia as appropriate.
What should be checked in the newborn?
Postnatal newborn care includes assessment of breathing and temperature, feeding and breastfeeding, general condition and danger signs. Newborn preventive care includes appropriate thermal care, hygienic cord care, breastfeeding support, immunization according to the national schedule and screening or examination according to applicable guidance.
Is breastfeeding support part of postnatal care?
Yes. WHO postnatal guidance includes support for breastfeeding, including help with attachment and positioning and support for exclusive breastfeeding when appropriate. Families should receive practical help when feeding difficulties occur.
Does postnatal care include mental health?
Yes. WHO guidance emphasizes emotional wellbeing and recommends support for women who may experience postnatal depression or anxiety, with assessment, referral and management according to available services and clinical need.
When should postpartum contraception be discussed?
Sexual and reproductive health and postpartum family planning should be part of postnatal counselling. The woman should receive accurate information about available methods, timing, effectiveness, benefits, risks and suitability so that she can make an informed choice.
Guideline references
Primary sources used for this page
The page is based primarily on WHO postnatal-care guidance. National recommendations, facility protocols and the woman's/newborn's clinical condition should also be considered before clinical implementation.
WHO recommendations on maternal and newborn care for a positive postnatal experience · 2022
WHO consolidated guideline for routine postnatal care of women and newborns during the first six weeks after birth.
View source
WHO recommendations on maternal health · Current WHO recommendations
Current WHO maternal-health recommendations include a minimum of four postnatal contacts and emphasize tailoring care to maternal and newborn needs.
View source
WHO postnatal care resources · WHO
WHO technical resources for skilled health personnel and community health workers supporting women and newborns after birth.
View source
WHO Essential Newborn Care Course · WHO
WHO learning resource covering essential newborn care and related maternal-newborn topics.
View source
Clinical education & safety disclaimer:
This page is intended for health education, professional learning and general
clinical-reference purposes. It is not a substitute for direct assessment,
individualized medical advice, emergency protocols, national guidance, or
professional scope-of-practice requirements. Postnatal care must be adapted to
the woman's and newborn's clinical condition, birth circumstances, risk factors,
medicines, local resources and referral pathways. Seek urgent qualified clinical
care for maternal or newborn danger signs.