New global WHO postnatal guidance is welcome but misses the long-term perspective

Abstract

Despite high rates of maternal mortality, widespread and persistently severe maternal morbidity, and suboptimum breastfeeding rates,1–3 postnatal care attracts little attention from policy makers. The WHO Recommendations on Maternal and Newborn Care for a Positive Postnatal Experience,4 issued on March 30, 2022, are therefore important. Recommendations intended for healthy women and newborn babies reflect a human rights-based approach to support a positive postnatal experience that accords with the WHO vision for better-quality maternity care5 and complements existing WHO pregnancy and birth guidance.