Lesson 1Physiologic changes after vaginal birth: normal ranges and timelineThis part explains the usual body changes after vaginal birth in the first 24 hours, covering heart, breathing, body temperature, urine, and muscle adjustments, with normal ranges and times to tell normal healing from issues that need attention.
Heart changes and blood volume shiftsBreathing and body temperature changesFluid balance and urine patternsMuscle and movement changesExpected healing timeline first 24 hoursLesson 2Postpartum urinary and bowel function: retention, bladder care, and constipation preventionThis part looks at urine and bowel changes after birth, stressing checks for holding urine, safe bladder care, stopping constipation, and nurse actions that protect the pelvic area, lower infection risks, and prevent blood clots.
Risks for urine holdingChecking bladder fullnessTimed urine passing and catheter careChecking and stopping constipationTeaching patients about elimination patternsLesson 3Perineal assessment and wound care: episiotomy/tear inspection, signs of infectionThis part covers checks of the perineal area after vaginal birth, including looking at cuts or tears, checking for swelling, bruises, blood clots, and infection signs, plus proven wound care, comfort tips, and teaching on cleanliness and healing.
Looking at episiotomy and perineal tearsChecking swelling, bruising, and blood clotsSigns of perineal wound infectionPerineal cleanliness and topical treatmentsComfort tips and positioningLesson 4Uterine assessment: fundal height, uterine tone, involution, and palpation techniqueThis part describes step-by-step womb checks, including height, firmness, position, and shrinking, with feeling techniques, understanding odd findings, and nurse steps to stop heavy bleeding and weak womb after birth.
Normal womb height by postpartum hourChecking womb firmnessFeeling steps and hand placementSpotting weak womb and soft uterusSteps for poor womb firmnessLesson 5Documentation standards and escalation triggers for urgent maternal deteriorationThis part sets out record-keeping rules for early postpartum care, including organised notes, early warning scores, and clear triggers for action, to ensure quick talks, fast responses, and following legal and safety rules.
Key parts of postpartum recordsUsing maternal early warning scoresWarning signs needing actionSBAR talks with doctorsFast response and emergency callsLesson 6Vital signs monitoring: BP, pulse, respiratory rate, temperature, and shock recognitionThis part stresses regular vital signs checks in the first 24 hours, including how often, methods, understanding blood pressure, pulse, breathing, temperature, and spotting shock, infection, and high blood pressure emergencies early.
Suggested vital sign check frequencyCorrect BP, pulse, and breathing methodsTemperature patterns and infection hintsEarly signs of low blood volume shockHigh blood pressure crisis and preeclampsia signsLesson 7Postpartum anemia: identification, implications for recovery, and monitoring hemoglobin trendsThis part deals with anemia after birth, covering risks, signs, blood trends, effects on healing, and nurse ways to check, give supplements, support transfusions, and teach on reporting symptoms.
Risks for postpartum anemiaClinical signs and symptom checksUnderstanding hemoglobin and blood cell countsOral and IV iron treatment thoughtsTransfusion levels and nurse careLesson 8Pain assessment and multimodal management: pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic optionsThis part covers full postpartum pain checks and mixed management, combining drug options with non-drug ways, personal care plans, safety for breastfeeding, and checking if treatments work.
Using proven postpartum pain scalesPainkiller choices and dose timesOpioid safety and breastfeedingNon-drug comfort waysRe-checking and recording painLesson 9Lochia assessment: quantity, color, odor, and abnormal bleeding patternsThis part details step-by-step checks of postpartum flow, including expected amount, colour, smell, pad check methods, spotting odd bleeding, and nurse responses to possible heavy bleeding or infection early after birth.
Normal red lochia featuresMeasuring lochia amount and pad soakingChecking smell and infection signsSpotting clots and heavy bleedingQuick steps for suspected heavy bleeding
