World Health Organisation WHO has launched first ever global guidelines to support women and newborns in the postnatal period, the first six weeks after birth.
The launch was made on Wednesday, while the first six weeks is a critical time for ensuring newborn and maternal survival and for supporting healthy development of the baby as well as the mother’s overall mental and physical recovery and wellbeing.
WHO estimated that worldwide, more than three in ten women and babies do not currently receive postnatal care in the first days after birth, the period when most maternal and infant deaths occur.
The Agency further said the physical and emotional consequences of childbirth from injuries to recurring pain and trauma can be debilitating if unmanaged, but are often highly treatable when the right care is given at the right time.
WHO Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, Dr Anshu Banerjee said, "the need for quality maternity and newborn care does not stop once a baby is born.
"Indeed, the birth of a baby is a life-changing moment, one that is bound by love, hope and excitement, but it can also cause unprecedented stress and anxiety.
"Parent need strong health care and support systems, especially women, whose needs are too often neglected when the baby comes", she said.
WHO added that addressing immediate health concerns, these first weeks after birth are crucial for building relationships and establishing behaviours that affect long-term infant development and health.
The guidelines include recommendations for breastfeeding counselling to aid attachment and positioning as breastfeeding is established and to support parents in providing responsive care for their newborns.
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