Mother's Personal Care during Post Partum Period

Abstract

A descriptive study design was used to evaluate primiparas' mothers’ self-care practices during postpartum period. Setting: The study was conducted at the postnatal departments at Ain Shams Maternity University Hospital. Sample size: The study was conducted on 665 primipara mothers during postnatal period. Sample type: Simple random sample technique was used to select the sample for the study. Tools: Three tools of data collections were used; a structured interview questionnaire, Likert scale and observational checklist. Results: Concerning post-natal self-care practices the study revealed that 90.6% from mothers were performing breast care correctly, 86.1% from mothers were performing perineal care correctly, 58.9% from them had healthy nutrition and 70.3% weren't implementing follow up visits. Conclusion: The study revealed that, the majority of mothers were performing breast care correctly, majority of mothers were performing perineal care correctly, more than one third of mothers had unhealthy nutrition during post natal period, and nearly three fourth from mothers weren't implementing follow up visits. The study revealed majority of mothers had positive attitudes toward post natal self-care. Recommendation: Conducting an educational program for mothers in Maternal and Child Health Centers and must be started during late pregnancy to inform mothers about routine self-care during postnatal period. Providing pamphlets and posters for primipara mothers to increase their awareness about post-partum self-care practice.