Postpartum Care Guidelines

Core Discharge Education Components

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that every mother receive education on breastfeeding benefits and technique, including proper latch, positioning, and signs of adequate milk transfer, before discharge 3, 4
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that mothers be educated on normal urination and stooling patterns, umbilical cord care, skin care, and genital hygiene, as well as temperature assessment and jaundice recognition 3
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that infant safety protocols, including appropriate car seat use, supine sleep positioning, and avoiding co-sleeping, be taught to all mothers before discharge 3, 4

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women who had cesarean delivery receive specific instructions on wound care and infection signs, such as fever, foul-smelling discharge, increasing redness, or wound separation 1, 2
The American College of Sports Medicine suggests that previously active women can continue their pre-pregnancy activity levels gradually, while previously inactive women should start slowly with a few minutes daily and progress to 150 minutes/week of moderate activity 5, 6

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that mothers seek care immediately for heavy vaginal bleeding, fever, severe abdominal pain, chest pain or shortness of breath, and severe headache with visual changes 1, 2, 3

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants discharged before 48 hours after delivery have an appointment scheduled for examination within 48 hours of discharge, to assess infant weight, hydration, jaundice, and general health 3, 4
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests that mothers establish a medical home with clear instructions on how to reach providers and schedule appointments, and schedule a postpartum visit typically at 6-8 weeks 3, 6

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that NSAIDs and paracetamol be used for postpartum pain management while breastfeeding, as they are safe and effective 7
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that Tdap vaccination be administered to the mother immediately postpartum if not previously received, and that influenza vaccination be given if delivering during flu season and not previously immunized 9

The American College of Sports Medicine suggests that mothers minimize prolonged sitting and take breaks every 20-30 minutes to walk or perform light activity, and that early mobilization is recommended after both vaginal and cesarean delivery 5, 7