Guideline
WHO recommendations on postnatal care of the mother and newborn
- Allied health
- Breast milk and breastfeeding
- Communicating with families
- Cord management
- Infection
- Infection prevention
- Medical
- Newborn examination
- Nursing
- Nutrition and gastrointestinal
- Postnatal and transitional care
- Transitional care
This guideline is from 2014, more than five years ago. Check whether a newer version exists and which version your unit follows.
Summary
This WHO guideline gives evidence-based recommendations on postnatal care for mothers and newborns during the first six weeks after birth, with particular focus on resource-limited settings. It covers the timing, number and location of postnatal contacts, alongside essential care components such as newborn assessment, breastfeeding support, cord care, infection prevention, counselling and home visits. Recommendations were developed using GRADE and systematic reviews, and the document also addresses research gaps and implementation. It is aimed at health professionals, policy-makers, programme managers and training institutions.
Summary written for NICUlearn. Always read the original.
- Licence:
- Summary and link only
Guidelines are shown for education. Follow your unit's own guidance and senior advice.