Guia Nice Postnatal Care PDF 66142082148037
Guia Nice Postnatal Care PDF 66142082148037
Guia Nice Postnatal Care PDF 66142082148037
NICE guideline
Published: 20 April 2021
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng194
Your responsibility
The recommendations in this guideline represent the view of NICE, arrived at after careful
consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, professionals
and practitioners are expected to take this guideline fully into account, alongside the
individual needs, preferences and values of their patients or the people using their service.
It is not mandatory to apply the recommendations, and the guideline does not override the
responsibility to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual, in
consultation with them and their families and carers or guardian.
All problems (adverse events) related to a medicine or medical device used for treatment
or in a procedure should be reported to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory
Agency using the Yellow Card Scheme.
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Contents
Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Recommendations ...................................................................................................................... 6
1 Length of postpartum stay and first midwife visit after transfer of care ...................................... 38
First midwife visit after transfer of care from the place of birth or after a home birth .................. 43
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Lactation suppression........................................................................................................................... 60
Context ........................................................................................................................................ 62
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Overview
This guideline covers the routine postnatal care that women and their babies should
receive in the first 8 weeks after the birth. It includes the organisation and delivery of
postnatal care, identifying and managing common and serious health problems in women
and their babies, how to help parents form strong relationships with their babies, and baby
feeding. The recommendations on emotional attachment and baby feeding also cover the
antenatal period.
The guideline uses the terms 'woman' or 'mother' throughout. These should be taken to
include people who do not identify as women but are pregnant or have given birth.
Similarly, where the term 'parents' is used, this should be taken to include anyone who has
main responsibility for caring for a baby.
Who is it for?
• Healthcare professionals
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Recommendations
People have the right to be involved in discussions and make informed decisions
about their care, as described in NICE's information on making decisions about your
care. Parents and carers have the right to be involved in planning and making
decisions about their baby's health and care, and to be given information and support
to enable them to do this, as set out in the NHS Constitution and summarised in
NICE's information on making decisions about your care.
Making decisions using NICE guidelines explains how we use words to show the
strength (or certainty) of our recommendations, and has information about
prescribing medicines (including off-label use), professional guidelines, standards
and laws (including on consent and mental capacity), and safeguarding.
Please note that the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has produced
guidance on COVID-19 infection and pregnancy for all midwifery and obstetric
services.
This guideline uses the term 'woman' or 'mother' and includes all people who have
given birth, even if they may not identify as women or mothers. 'Woman' is generally
used but in some instances, 'mother' is used when referring to her in relation to her
baby.
This guideline uses the term 'partner' to refer to the woman's chosen supporter. This
could be the baby's father, the woman's partner, a family member or friend, or anyone
who the woman feels supported by or wishes to involve. The term 'parents' refers to
those with the main responsibility for the care of a baby. This will often be the mother
and the father, but many other family arrangements exist, including single parents.
Principles of care
1.1.1 When caring for a woman who has recently given birth, listen to her and
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be responsive to her needs and preferences. Also see the NICE guideline
on patient experience in adult NHS services.
1.1.2 Be aware that the 2020 MBRRACE-UK reports on maternal and perinatal
mortality showed that women and babies from some minority ethnic
backgrounds and those who live in deprived areas have an increased risk
of death and may need closer monitoring. The reports showed that:
• compared with white women (8 per 100,000), the risk of maternal death during
pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth is:
- 2 times higher in Asian women (15 per 100,000; does not include Chinese
women)
• the neonatal mortality rate is around 50% higher in black and Asian babies
compared with white babies (17 compared with 25 per 10,000)
• women living in the most deprived areas are more than 2.5 times more likely to
die compared with women living in the least deprived areas (6 compared with
15 per 100,000)
1.1.4 When caring for a baby, remember that those with parental responsibility
have the right be involved in the baby's care, if they choose.
1.1.5 When giving information about postnatal care, use clear language and
tailor the timing, content and delivery of information to the woman's
needs and preferences. Information should support shared decision
making and be:
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1.1.6 Check that the woman understands the information she has been given,
and how it relates to her. Provide regular opportunities for her to ask
questions, and set aside enough time to discuss any concerns.
1.1.7 Follow the principles in the NICE guideline on pregnancy and complex
social factors for women who may need additional support, for example:
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendations and how
they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on principles of care.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review G:
provision of information about the postnatal health of women.
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• the plan of ongoing care, including any condition that needs long-term
management
• safeguarding issues (also see the NICE guideline on domestic violence and
abuse and the NICE guideline on child abuse and neglect)
• concerns about the woman's health and care, raised by her, her partner or a
healthcare professional
• concerns about the baby's health and care, raised by the parents or a
healthcare professional
• the woman or the parents are informed about the transfer of care from midwife
to health visitor.
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For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendations and how
they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on communication
between healthcare professionals at transfer of care.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review B:
information transfer.
• assess the woman's bladder function by measuring the volume of the first void
after giving birth
• if the baby has not passed meconium, advise the parents that if the baby does
not do so within 24 hours of birth, they should seek advice from a healthcare
professional (also see recommendation 1.3.12)
• make sure there is a plan for feeding the baby, which should include observing
at least 1 effective feed.
1.1.11 Before transfer from the maternity unit to community care, discuss the
timing of transfer to community care with the woman, and ask her about
her needs, preferences and support available.
1.1.12 When deciding on the timing of the transfer to community care, take into
account the woman's preferences, the factors in recommendations 1.1.10
and 1.1.11 and any concerns, including any safeguarding issues (also see
the NICE guideline on domestic violence and abuse).
1.1.13 Before transfer from the maternity unit to community care, or before the
midwife leaves after a home birth, give women information about:
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• the importance of pelvic floor exercises (see the NICE guideline on pelvic floor
dysfunction)
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendations and how
they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on transfer to
community care.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review A:
length of postpartum stay.
First midwife visit after transfer of care from the place of birth or
after a home birth
1.1.14 Ensure that the first postnatal visit by a midwife takes place within
36 hours after transfer of care from the place of birth or after a home
birth. The visit should be face-to-face and usually at the woman's home,
depending on her circumstances and preferences.
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation and how it
might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on first midwife visit after
transfer of care from the place of birth or after a home birth.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review C:
timing of first postnatal contact by midwife.
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1.1.16 If a woman did not receive an antenatal health visitor visit, consider
arranging an additional early postnatal health visitor visit.
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendations and how
they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on first health visitor
visit.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review D:
timing of first postnatal contact by health visitor.
• symptoms and signs of potential postnatal mental health problems and how to
seek help
• symptoms and signs of potential postnatal physical problems and how to seek
help
• the importance of pelvic floor exercises, how to do them and when to seek
help (see the NICE guideline on pelvic floor dysfunction)
• fatigue
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• sexual intercourse
- pain
- bladder function
- bowel function
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• for women who have had a caesarean section (also see the NICE guideline on
caesarean birth):
- wound healing
1.2.4 At the first postnatal midwife contact, inform the woman that the
following are symptoms or signs of potentially serious conditions, and
she should seek medical advice without delay if any of these occur:
• worsening reddening and swelling of breasts persisting for more than 24 hours
despite self-management, which could indicate mastitis
1.2.5 At each postnatal contact, give the woman the opportunity to talk about
her birth experience, and provide information about relevant support and
birth reflection services, if appropriate. See the section on traumatic
birth, stillbirth and miscarriage in the NICE guideline on antenatal and
postnatal mental health and the NICE guideline on post-traumatic stress
disorder.
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1.2.8 For guidance on care for women with symptoms or signs of sepsis, see
the NICE guideline on sepsis. If the woman has confirmed or suspected
puerperal sepsis, assess the baby for symptoms or signs of infection.
1.2.10 For postnatal care of women with pre-existing diabetes or who had
gestational diabetes, see the recommendations on postnatal care in the
NICE guideline on diabetes in pregnancy.
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1.2.12 For guidance on assessing and managing urinary incontinence and pelvic
organ prolapse in women who have given birth, see:
• the NICE guideline on urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendations and how
they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on assessment and
care of the woman.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in:
Postpartum bleeding
1.2.13 Discuss with women what vaginal bleeding to expect after the birth
(lochia), and advise women to seek medical advice if:
1.2.14 If a women seeks medical advice about vaginal bleeding after the birth,
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assess the severity, and be aware of the risk factors for postpartum
haemorrhage in the NICE guideline on intrapartum care. Also be aware of
the following factors, which may worsen the consequences of secondary
postpartum haemorrhage:
• anaemia
• weight of less than 50 kg at the first appointment with the midwife during
pregnancy (booking appointment).
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendations and how
they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on postpartum
bleeding.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review I:
assessment of secondary postpartum haemorrhage.
Perineal health
1.2.15 At each postnatal contact, as part of assessing perineal wound healing,
ask the woman if she has any concerns and ask about:
• swelling
• wound breakdown.
1.2.16 Advise the woman about the importance of good perineal hygiene,
including daily showering of the perineum, frequent changing of sanitary
pads, and hand washing before and after doing this.
1.2.18 If the woman or the healthcare professional has concerns about perineal
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1.2.19 If needed, discuss available pain relief options, taking into account if the
woman is breastfeeding.
1.2.20 If the perineal wound breaks down or there are ongoing healing
concerns, refer the woman urgently to specialist maternity services (to
be seen the same day in the case of a perineal wound breakdown).
1.2.21 Be aware that perineal pain that persists or gets worse within the first
few weeks after the birth may be associated with symptoms of
depression, long-term perineal pain, problems with daily functioning and
psychosexual difficulties.
1.2.22 Be aware of the following risk factors for persistent postnatal perineal
pain:
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendations and how
they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on perineal health.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review J:
perineal pain and evidence review H: tools for the clinical review of women.
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1.3.2 Be aware that if the baby has not passed meconium within 24 hours of
birth, this may indicate a serious disorder and requires medical advice.
1.3.3 Carry out a complete examination of the baby within 72 hours of the
birth and at 6 to 8 weeks after the birth (see the Public Health England
newborn and infant physical examination [NIPE] screening programme).
This should include checking the baby's:
• head (including fontanelles), face, nose, mouth (including palate), ears, neck
and general symmetry of head and facial features
• neck and clavicles, limbs, hands, feet and digits; assess proportions and
symmetry
• heart: position, heart rate, rhythm and sounds, murmurs and femoral pulse
volume
• genitalia and anus: completeness and patency and undescended testes in boys
• spine: inspect and palpate bony structures and check integrity of the skin
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1.3.4 At 6 to 8 weeks, assess the baby's social smiling and visual fixing and
following.
1.3.5 Measure weight and head circumference of babies in the first week and
around 8 weeks, and at other times only if there are concerns. Plot the
results on the growth chart.
1.3.6 For advice on identifying and managing jaundice, see the NICE guideline
on jaundice in newborn babies under 28 days.
1.3.7 If there are concerns about the baby's growth, see the NICE guideline on
faltering growth.
1.3.8 Carry out newborn blood spot screening in line with the NHS newborn
blood spot screening programme.
1.3.9 Carry out newborn hearing screening in line with the NHS newborn
hearing screening programme.
• how to recognise if the baby is unwell, and how to seek help (see
recommendations on symptoms and signs of illness in babies)
• maintaining a smoke-free environment for the baby (see also the NICE
guideline on tobacco)
• vitamin D supplements for babies in line with the NICE guideline on vitamin D
supplement use
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• immunising the baby in line with Public Health England's routine childhood
immunisations schedule.
1.3.11 Consider giving parents information about the Baby Check scoring
system and how it may help them to decide whether to seek advice from
a healthcare professional if they think their baby might be unwell.
1.3.12 Advise parents to seek advice from a healthcare professional if they think
their baby is unwell, and to contact emergency services (call 999) if they
think their baby is seriously ill.
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendations and how
they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on assessment and
care of the baby.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review F:
content of postnatal care contacts and evidence review L2: scoring systems for illness
in babies.
Bed sharing
1.3.13 Discuss with parents safer practices for bed sharing, including:
• making sure the baby sleeps on a firm, flat mattress, lying face up (rather than
face down or on their side)
• not having other children or pets in the bed when sharing a bed with a baby.
1.3.14 Strongly advise parents not to share a bed with their baby if their baby
was low birth weight or if either parent:
• smokes
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For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendations and how
they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on bed sharing.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review M:
benefits and harms of bed sharing and evidence review N: co-sleeping risk factors.
1.3.16 Encourage parents to value the time they spend with their baby as a way
of promoting emotional attachment, including:
• face-to-face interaction
• skin-to-skin contact
1.3.17 Discuss with parents the potentially challenging aspects of the postnatal
period that may affect bonding and emotional attachment, including:
• feeding concerns
• demands of parenthood.
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For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendations and how
they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on promoting
emotional attachment.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review O:
emotional attachment.
1.4.2 Healthcare professionals should consider using the Baby Check scoring
system:
• assessing and managing the risk of early-onset neonatal infection after birth
(within 72 hours of the birth)
• risk factors for and clinical indicators of possible late-onset neonatal infection
(more than 72 hours after the birth).
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1.4.4 Be aware that fever may not be present in young babies with a serious
infection.
1.4.5 If the baby has a fever, follow the recommendations in the NICE guideline
on fever in under 5s.
1.4.6 If there are concerns about the baby's growth, follow the
recommendations in the NICE guideline on faltering growth.
1.4.9 Recognise the following as 'red flags' for serious illness in young babies:
• unresponsive or unrousable
- grunting respirations
- chest indrawing
• non-blanching rash
• bulging fontanelle
• neck stiffness
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• seizures
See the following sections in other NICE guidelines for more information:
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For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendations and how
they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on symptoms and
signs of illness in babies.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review L1:
signs and symptoms of serious illness in babies and evidence review L2: scoring
systems for illness in babies.
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation and how it
might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on general principles about
babies' feeding.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review T:
formula feeding information and support.
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• how it can have benefits even if only done for a short time
1.5.3 Give information about how the partner can support the woman to
breastfeed, including:
1.5.4 Inform women that vitamin D supplements are recommended for all
breastfeeding women (see the NICE guideline on vitamin D).
1.5.5 Inform women and their partners that under the Equality Act 2010,
women have the right to breastfeed in 'any public space'.
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendations and how
they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on giving information
about breastfeeding.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in:
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• appropriate resources for safe medicine use and prescribing for breastfeeding
women.
1.5.7 Encourage the woman to have early skin-to-skin contact with her baby
so that breastfeeding can start when the baby and mother are ready.
• balance the woman's preference for privacy to breastfeed and express milk in
hospital with the need to carry out routine observations
• give women the time, reassurance and encouragement they need to gain
confidence in breastfeeding.
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendations and how
they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on the role of the
healthcare professional supporting breastfeeding.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review Q:
breastfeeding facilitators and barriers and evidence review S: breastfeeding
information and support.
• face-to-face support
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• continuity of carer
1.5.11 Be aware that younger women and women from a low income or
disadvantaged background may need more support and encouragement
to start and continue breastfeeding, and that continuity of carer is
particularly important for these women.
• how milk is produced, how much is produced in the early stages, and the
supply-and-demand nature of breastfeeding
• responsive breastfeeding
• how often babies typically need to feed and for how long, taking into account
individual variation
• feeding positions and how to help the baby attach to the breast
• signs of effective feeding so the woman knows her baby is getting enough milk
(it is not possible to overfeed a breastfed baby; see also recommendation
1.5.14)
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• supplementary feeding with formula milk that is sometimes, but not commonly,
clinically indicated (also see the NICE guideline on faltering growth)
• how breastfeeding can affect the woman's body image and identity
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendations and how
they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on supporting women
to breastfeed.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in:
Assessing breastfeeding
1.5.13 A practitioner with skills and competencies in breastfeeding support
should assess breastfeeding to identify and address any concerns.
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• ask about:
• observe a feed within the first 24 hours after the birth, and at least 1 other feed
within the first week.
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For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendations and how
they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on assessing
breastfeeding.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review R:
tools for predicting breastfeeding difficulties.
Formula feeding
1.5.16 Before and after the birth, discuss formula feeding with parents who are
considering or who need to formula feed, taking into account that babies
may be partially formula fed alongside breastfeeding or expressed breast
milk.
• that first infant formula is the only formula milk that babies need in the first
year of life, unless there are specific medical needs
• how to sterilise feeding equipment and prepare formula feeds safely, including
a practical demonstration if needed
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• advice about responsive bottle feeding and help to recognise feeding cues
• positions for holding a baby for bottle feeding and the dangers of 'prop' feeding
• advice about how to pace bottle feeding and how to recognise signs that a
baby has had enough milk (because it is possible to overfeed a formula-fed
baby), and advice about ways other than feeding that can comfort and soothe
the baby
• how to bond with the baby when bottle feeding, through skin-to-skin contact,
eye contact and the potential benefit of minimising the number of people
regularly feeding the baby.
1.5.20 For parents who are thinking about supplementing breastfeeding with
formula or changing from breastfeeding to formula feeding, support them
to make an informed decision.
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendations and how
they might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on formula feeding.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review T:
formula feeding information and support.
Lactation suppression
1.5.21 Discuss lactation suppression with women if breastfeeding is not started
or is stopped, breastfeeding is contraindicated for the baby or the
woman, or in the event of the death of a baby. Follow the
recommendations in the section on principles of care. Topics to discuss
include:
• how the body produces milk, what happens when milk production stops, and
how long it takes for milk production to stop
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• the possibility of becoming a breast milk donor (also see the section on
screening and selecting donors in the NICE guideline on donor milk banks).
For a short explanation of why the committee made the recommendation and how it
might affect practice, see the rationale and impact section on lactation suppression.
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review K:
information for lactation suppression.
Emotional attachment refers to the relationship between the baby and parent, driven by
innate behaviour and which ensures the baby's proximity to the parent and safety. Its
development is a complex and dynamic process dependent on sensitive and emotionally
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Continuity of carer
Better Births, a report by the National Maternity Review, defines continuity of carer as
consistency in the midwifery team (between 4 and 8 individuals) that provides care for the
woman and her baby throughout pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period. A named
midwife coordinates the care and takes responsibility for ensuring the needs of the woman
and her baby are met throughout the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal periods.
For the purpose of this guideline, the definition of continuity of carer in the Better Births
report has been adapted to include not just the midwifery team but any healthcare team
involved in the care of the woman and her baby, including the health visitor team. It
emphasises the importance of effective information transfer between the individuals
within the team. Having continuity of carer means that a trusting relationship can be
developed between the woman and the healthcare professional(s) who cares for her. For
more information, see the NHS Implementing Better Births: continuity of carer.
Effective feed
In general, effective feeding includes the baby showing readiness to feed, rhythmic
sucking, calmness during the feed and satisfactory weight gain. For a first feed at the
breast or with a bottle, effective feeding is shown by the baby latching to the breast or
drawing the teat into mouth when offered and showing some rhythmic sucking.
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Parental responsibility
See the government definition of parental responsibility.
Parents
Parents are those with the main responsibility for the care of a baby. This will often be the
mother and the father, but many other family arrangements exist, including single parents.
Partner
Partner refers to the woman's chosen supporter. This could be the baby's father, the
woman's partner, a family member or friend, or anyone who the woman feels supported by
or wishes to involve.
Prop feeding
When a baby's feeding bottle is propped against a pillow or other support, rather than the
baby and the bottle being held when feeding.
Responsive feeding
Responsive feeding means feeding in response to the baby's cues. It recognises that feeds
are not just for nutrition, but also for love, comfort and reassurance between the baby and
mother (or parent in case of bottle feeding). Responsive breastfeeding also involves a
mother responding to her own desire to feed for her comfort or convenience. Responsive
bottle feeding involves holding the baby close, pacing the feeds and avoiding forcing the
baby to finish the feed by recognising signs that the baby has had enough milk, and to
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reduce the risk of overfeeding. For more information, see the UNICEF Baby Friendly
Initiative (BFI) information sheet on responsive feeding.
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For a short explanation of why the committee made this recommendation for
research, see the rationale section on timing of transfer to community care.
Full details of the recommendation for research are in evidence review A: length of
postpartum stay.
See also the rationale section on first midwife visit after transfer of care from the
place of birth or after a home birth.
Full details of the recommendation for research are in evidence review C: timing of
first postnatal contact by midwife.
For a short explanation of why the committee made this recommendation for
research, see the rationale section on first health visitor visit.
Full details of the recommendation for research are in evidence review D: timing of
first postnatal contact by health visitor.
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For a short explanation of why the committee made this recommendation for
research, see the rationale section on assessment and care of the woman.
Full details of the recommendation for research are in evidence review H: tools for the
clinical review of women.
4 Perineal pain
What characteristics of perineal pain suggest the need for further evaluation?
For a short explanation of why the committee made this recommendation for
research, see the rationale section on perineal health.
Full details of the recommendation for research are in evidence review J: perineal
pain.
For a short explanation of why the committee made this recommendation for
research, see the rationale section on supporting women to breastfeed.
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Principles of care
Recommendations 1.1.1 to 1.1.7
The committee also agreed that healthcare professionals should be aware of the
disproportionate maternal and neonatal mortality rates among women and babies from
black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and those living in deprived areas, as
highlighted by the 2020 MBRRACE-UK reports on maternal and perinatal mortality. This
increased risk of death indicates that closer monitoring and lower thresholds for further
care or admission might be needed. Future research could help understand these
disparities and what interventions could improve the outcomes.
The committee recognised that the home and family circumstances for women vary, and it
is up to the woman who she may want to involve in her postnatal care. The committee also
recognised the role of the baby's father or other parents (or whoever has parental
responsibility) in the care of the baby.
There was evidence that information given in the postnatal period is often inconsistent,
and this was supported by the committee's experience. There was some evidence that
information may need to be repeated at different times by different healthcare
professionals. The committee agreed that this is good practice given the number of
healthcare professionals that new parents are likely to come into contact with. They
discussed concerns about the wide range and varied quality of information available from
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The evidence showed that healthcare professionals are a trusted source of information, so
the committee agreed that it is important for healthcare professionals to provide evidence-
based and consistent information throughout the woman's care. It should also take into
consideration the individual needs and preferences of the woman. The evidence
suggested that it is helpful to deliver information in different formats, for example, face-to-
face discussions and printed or digital materials. The NICE guideline on patient experience
in adult NHS services gives more information. The committee discussed the importance of
allowing sufficient time for discussions.
The NICE guideline on pregnancy and complex social factors provides guidance for the
antenatal period for specific groups. The committee agreed that the principles of care that
are not specific to the antenatal period can also be applied to the postnatal period for
potentially vulnerable groups of women.
Return to recommendations
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and birth experience, and any mental health problems or safeguarding issues. Based on
this evidence and their knowledge and experience, the committee agreed the information
that should be passed on when women transfer between services, so that healthcare
professionals do not miss relevant information and the woman does not always have to
repeat the same information to different healthcare professionals. What is relevant and the
level of detail needed may vary depending on whether the healthcare professional is a GP,
midwife or a health visitor.
The committee also emphasised the importance of seamless transfer of care from
midwifery to health visitor care so that there is continuous care provision.
Return to recommendations
Assessing the woman's bladder function to rule out urinary retention is important because
undetected or unmanaged urinary retention can lead to serious long-term consequences
such as urinary incontinence.
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Not passing meconium (the baby's first bowel movement) within the first 24 hours can be
a sign of bowel obstruction, so it is important that parents know to seek advice from a
healthcare professional. This might be for example a midwife, a doctor or, if the baby is
thought to be seriously unwell, the emergency services.
The committee also agreed that in order to reassure women that they and their babies are
being taken care of, they should be given information about what happens next, what
support is available and who to contact in case of concerns. It is also important to
highlight the importance of pelvic floor exercises soon after birth to prevent potentially
long-term and serious conditions such as incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
No evidence on timing of transfer to home care was identified for twins or triplets, but the
committee agreed that the same principles apply for multiple births as for singleton births.
Because of the lack of clear evidence, the committee made a recommendation for
research on length of postpartum stay to assess how the length of the hospital stay after
giving birth affects unplanned or emergency contacts with primary or secondary care.
Return to recommendations
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The committee agreed that the first postnatal visit by the midwifery team should be by a
midwife (and not, for example, by a maternity support worker), face-to-face and,
depending on the woman's circumstances and preferences, in the home. This should
enable a comprehensive assessment of the health and support needs of the woman and
her baby.
Because of the lack of evidence, the committee made a recommendation for research on
the first midwife visit after discharge to assess how the timing of the first midwife visit
after the transfer of care affects unplanned or emergency contacts with primary or
secondary care.
Return to recommendations
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According to the Department of Health and Social Care's Healthy Child Programme, there
should be 2 health visitor visits in the postnatal period. The first visit is often very soon
after transfer of care from midwifery care (which usually takes places 10 to 14 days after
birth). This creates a gap of several weeks before the second health visitor visit at around
6 to 8 weeks. The first 2 weeks after birth may be overwhelming for some families, with
several visits from both the midwifery team and health visitors. Having the first postnatal
health visitor visit 1 to 2 weeks after transfer of care from midwifery care will mean that
the visits are more evenly spread out.
Although the Healthy Child Programme includes an antenatal visit by the health visitor, the
committee agreed that this does not always happen. If this is the case, an additional early
postnatal visit by the health visitor to replace the missed antenatal visit could be
considered to enable the health visitor to get to know the family and their circumstances
early on.
Because of the lack of evidence, the committee made a recommendation for research on
the most effective timing of the first postnatal visit by a health visitor.
Return to recommendations
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The committee agreed that at each postnatal contact, women's general health and
wellbeing, including psychological and emotional health, should be assessed and women
should be asked if they have any concerns. The committee also agreed the physical health
areas that midwives should assess. In order to prevent serious outcomes, women should
also be made aware of the signs and symptoms of potentially serious conditions so they
can seek help. Women's physical health assessment is not in the remit of the health visitor
but when there are concerns, either observed by the healthcare professional or expressed
by the woman, all healthcare professionals, including health visitors, should refer or advise
self-referral so that the woman can get appropriate assessment and care.
The committee acknowledged that some women may want to talk about their birth
experience. In some cases, women might need additional support in coping with their
experience.
No evidence was identified on the timing of the comprehensive routine postnatal check.
Based on their knowledge and experience, the committee agreed this should ideally
happen between 6 and 8 weeks after birth, as is current practice, to coincide with the
Public Health England newborn and infant physical examination.
No evidence was identified about which tools are effective in the clinical postnatal review
of women. A tool that has been tested and validated in an independent sample assessing
postnatal physical and mental health problems could help identify those women who need
additional care and support, so the committee made a recommendation for research on
clinical tools to assess women's health.
References were made to NICE guidelines on different conditions that may affect women
postnatally. A bacterial infection could be transmitted to the baby, so it is important to
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assess the baby if the mother has suspected or confirmed puerperal sepsis.
Return to recommendations
Postpartum bleeding
Recommendations 1.2.13 and 1.2.14
The committee agreed that although all women are at risk of secondary postpartum
haemorrhage, some factors increase this risk and these should be taken into account
when assessing the severity of blood loss. The risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage
are listed in the NICE guideline on intrapartum care. The committee used their knowledge
and experience to list other factors that might worsen the consequences of postpartum
bleeding so that appropriate action can be taken.
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Return to recommendations
Perineal health
Recommendations 1.2.15 to 1.2.22
Practical advice about how to maintain good perineal hygiene can prevent infection or
complications. In order to assess changes in the severity of perineal pain over time, a
validated pain score might help to give a clearer view. Physical examination of the
perineum could help determine the severity or cause of the pain, or whether further action
is needed. In some cases, medication might be needed to alleviate the pain.
The committee emphasised that women with perineal wound breakdown should be
urgently referred to appropriate maternity services for further management to prevent
further complications and potential long-term adverse outcomes.
There was evidence that prolonged perineal pain and severity of pain is associated with
depressive symptoms. There was no other relevant evidence about perineal pain, but the
committee agreed, based on their knowledge and experience, that it can have negative
long-term implications. To help healthcare professionals identify women with persistent or
worsening perineal pain and to prompt appropriate care, they should be aware of the
factors that can increase the risk of persistent postnatal perineal pain.
Because of the lack of evidence about what characteristics of perineal pain suggest the
need for further evaluation, a recommendation for research on perineal pain was made.
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Return to recommendations
The general wellbeing, feeding and development of the baby should be assessed at every
postnatal contact so that any concerns can be identified early. Not passing meconium (the
baby's first bowel movement) within the first 24 hours can be a sign of bowel obstruction,
so it is important that healthcare professionals engaging with the family in the immediate
postnatal period are aware of the need for advice from a doctor.
There was no reason for the committee to change the current recommended assessment
criteria that healthcare professionals should use within 72 hours after the birth. The
committee agreed that the same criteria could be used in the 6- to 8-week assessment.
The recommendation about weight and head circumference measurement is based on
guidance from the UK-WHO (World Health Organization) growth charts.
The recommendations refer to other NICE guidelines for guidance on specific clinical
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To help parents, healthcare professionals should also discuss and provide information
about how to care for their baby. Established guidance exists on safer sleeping practices,
and resources for these are available from, for example, UNICEF, Baby Sleep Information
Source (Basis), and the Lullaby Trust.
The Lullaby Trust has produced parent-friendly modified versions of the Baby Check
scoring system, in the form of a mobile app and a downloadable booklet. Although the
modifications are mostly related to the language used, the committee had some concerns
because the modified versions have not been validated, and neither has the use of Baby
Check by parents, as opposed to healthcare professionals. Finally, the committee noted
that the Lullaby Trust's modified versions have adopted current practices regarding
temperature measurement (armpit or ear), and this differs from the original Baby Check
evaluations, which use rectal temperature.
Although Baby Check cannot therefore provide complete reassurance, the committee
agreed that the Baby Check scoring system could be helpful to parents as a 'checklist' of
symptoms and signs of possible illness when they are uncertain whether their baby might
be unwell and deciding whether to seek advice from a healthcare professional. The
committee agreed it would be best for parents to be given information about Baby Check
in advance rather than when they are concerned about their baby's wellbeing.
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Return to recommendations
Bed sharing
Recommendations 1.3.13 and 1.3.14
Return to recommendations
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recommendations for parents, not just the mother, because discussing and recognising
the issues related to developing emotional attachment are relevant for other parental
caregivers as well.
The committee agreed that discussions about emotional attachment should begin
antenatally and continue into the postnatal period. The committee highlighted that
emotional attachment will usually happen naturally if the primary carer is able to spend
quality time with their baby. The value of such quality time is not always recognised as
important by the parent(s) when there are so many other demands on parents' time in the
postnatal period.
The committee recognised that attachment can also be affected by the woman's
wellbeing, recovery from birth and other demands that parenthood brings. Therefore, it is
important to discuss these issues with the parents to support them in building a
relationship with their baby. It was considered important for the woman's partner (if there
is one) to understand the various challenging aspects that the mother might be
experiencing in the postnatal period, which might affect bonding and emotional
attachment.
Based on their knowledge and experience, the committee highlighted particular groups of
parents who may be more vulnerable to difficulties in attachment and may need more
support.
Return to recommendations
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The Lullaby Trust has produced parent-friendly modified versions of the Baby Check
scoring system, in the form of a mobile app and a downloadable booklet. Although the
modifications are mostly related to the language used, the committee had some concerns
because the modified versions have not been validated, and neither has the use of Baby
Check by parents, as opposed to healthcare professionals. Finally, the committee noted
that the Lullaby Trust's modified versions have adopted current practices regarding
temperature measurement (armpit or ear), and this differs from the original Baby Check
evaluations, which use rectal temperature.
For these reasons, the committee agreed that Baby Check should not be used in isolation
to determine the need for further assessment or care but that it could be a helpful tool
when used in addition to clinical judgement. Also, by focusing attention on important
symptoms and signs, it could help during a remote assessment as a communication aid
between healthcare professionals and parents.
The committee also noted that sometimes the presence of fever in young babies is not
recognised as a serious concern. It is particularly important to note changes in the baby's
wellbeing and behaviour.
There was evidence that single signs and symptoms are not necessarily useful predictors
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of serious illness on their own. However, based on various other NICE guidelines, there are
some 'red flag' symptoms and signs that indicate a serious illness that needs immediate
action.
Return to recommendations
Return to recommendations
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There was good evidence about women being motivated by the many benefits of
breastfeeding, so it is important to share these with the women. It is established
knowledge that breastfeeding has nutritional and health benefits for the baby (such as
lower rates of infection) and some health benefits for the woman (such as lower risk of
breast cancer). There was evidence that women felt they were able to soothe and comfort
the baby by breastfeeding.
The committee agreed that it is important to explain that breastfeeding can have benefits
even if done for a short period of time. For example, colostrum (the breast milk that is
produced in the first few days) is known to have various nutritional and health benefits for
the baby.
The committee also agreed that parents should receive information about partners'
involvement in supporting breastfeeding. The evidence showed that some women and
their families believed that bottle feeding was a way for the baby to bond with their
partner or other family members. The committee agreed that partners and family members
should be given information about alternative ways to comfort and bond with the baby.
There was evidence that some women thought that other people felt that breastfeeding in
public is inappropriate or insensitive to other people's feelings, which can be a barrier for
breastfeeding in public places. The committee agreed the importance of reassuring
women and their partners that under the 2010 Equality Act, women have the right to
breastfeed in 'any public space'.
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Return to recommendations
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that breastfeeding is started early in
order to facilitate establishment of breastfeeding, and the committee agreed that
healthcare professionals caring for women and babies in the immediate postnatal period
should encourage early skin-to-skin contact to help start breastfeeding when the baby
and the mother feel ready.
The committee agreed that healthcare professionals should be sensitive to the individual
preferences, experiences and values of the woman when supporting her with
breastfeeding. There was evidence that after birth, women value having privacy in
hospital, and a lack of privacy can be a barrier to breastfeeding and expressing breast
milk. However, the committee noted that healthcare professionals also need to be able to
carry out clinical observations of women easily, so recommended that these needs be
balanced against each other.
The evidence also showed that varying experiences with breastfeeding can have an
impact on the woman's emotional wellbeing, and women often need reassurance and
encouragement to gain confidence.
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Return to recommendations
The evidence also showed that partners often feel that they lack knowledge and
understanding of breastfeeding, and want to know how they can best support
breastfeeding mothers.
There was evidence that women find peer support valuable. Through peer support,
women can share their experiences and gain information and social contacts, which can
provide ongoing support.
There was no evidence that extra interventions increase breastfeeding rates so the
committee agreed that breastfeeding support should be an integral part of standard
postnatal care contacts.
There was some evidence that younger women may have additional barriers to
breastfeeding, such as feeling alone in the maternity unit, the feeling of needing to 'carry
on with life' and therefore choosing to formula feed, and lack of peer support. Evidence
also suggested that additional support may be beneficial for improving the rate of
breastfeeding among women from low income or socially disadvantaged backgrounds.
The evidence showed that women value support and practical information about
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There was no evidence about breastfeeding support for parents of twins or triplets, so the
committee made a recommendation for research.
Return to recommendations
Assessing breastfeeding
Recommendations 1.5.13 to 1.5.15
In addition, observing a feed twice in the first week can help establish good breastfeeding
practice. Additional observations or interventions may be needed if there are ongoing
concerns.
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Return to recommendations
Formula feeding
Recommendations 1.5.16 to 1.5.20
The evidence showed that women value face-to-face feeding support but also feel that
additional information to support feeding can be helpful. The evidence showed that
women who are formula feeding feel that they are not given the information or support
they need, for example, about how to interpret and respond to the baby's behaviours and
cues, and how to formula feed safely. Based on the committee's experience, it is important
to give information about how to hold the baby and how feeding can be used as an
opportunity to bond with the baby, and also advise parents against using a 'propped up'
bottle during a feed because it can be harmful for the baby.
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The evidence also showed that women were unaware of the impact introducing formula
feeding could have on breastfeeding and felt unsupported by healthcare professionals
when considering this. Therefore, the committee agreed it was important that women
were supported to make an informed, guilt-free decision by providing balanced and
evidence-based information.
Return to recommendations
Lactation suppression
Recommendation 1.5.21
Donating breast milk to a local breast milk bank, depending on the local services, could be
valuable to some women who cannot breastfeed their own baby.
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Return to recommendations
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Context
Approximately 700,000 women give birth in England and Wales each year. For women,
their partners and their babies, this is a major life event that means considerable emotional
and physical adjustment. It applies to all births but is perhaps most marked for those
having their first child. Healthcare professionals have the responsibility to help families
adjust to their new life, but at the same time they have to be able to spot and care for the
families where complications arise.
Postnatal care has for long been regarded as a 'Cinderella service' where in comparison
with some other European countries, provision is scanty and inadequate. This approach
risks missing an opportunity to have a profoundly beneficial effect on the lives of the
babies and their families, now and in the future. In a National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
survey: left to your own devices – the postnatal care experiences of 1,260 first-time
mothers, 1 in 8 women were highly critical of their postnatal care. Their feedback reflects
fragmentation of care, poor planning and communication between healthcare
professionals, and insufficient advice about emotional recovery. Furthermore, women
continue to report receiving insufficient or inconsistent information on baby's feeding,
particularly after giving birth to their first baby.
This guideline addresses the organisation and delivery of postnatal care, including the
relationship between the different agencies that share the responsibility for postnatal care;
assessment and health of women; assessment and health of babies; how to help parents
form strong relationships with their babies; and babies' feeding. It specifically does not
cover issues covered by other NICE guidelines, in particular problems of mental health,
preterm birth or specialist care (care beyond routine postnatal care), but refers to other
NICE guidelines, where appropriate.
This guideline covers the postnatal period up to 8 weeks after birth. However, the sections
on babies' feeding and emotional attachment also address the antenatal period because
discussion around these is essential already during pregnancy. The postnatal period of
course does not end at 8 weeks. A time point of 8 weeks was agreed in order to focus the
guideline on the most critical early weeks after birth. The remit for some of the topics in
this guideline was to address the needs of families giving birth to twins and triplets in
addition to single babies. The evidence specific to twins and triplets was lacking and the
consensus was that healthcare professionals and families dealing with twins or triplet
births should use the recommendations of the guideline within the constraints of the
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The committee were aware of the higher postnatal mortality rates among women of black,
Asian and minority ethnic origin and women living in deprived areas reported in the
MBRRACE-UK report: saving lives, improving mothers' care (2020). Black women in
particular had an over four-fold increase in maternal mortality rates compared with white
women. The MBRRACE-UK report: perinatal mortality surveillance report (2020) also
highlights the higher neonatal mortality rates for babies of black and Asian ethnicity and
babies born to mothers living in deprived areas. It is important that clinicians are aware of
these inequalities in clinical practice.
This guideline was written with the hope that healthcare professionals can use it to
provide consistent and high-quality care, while taking into consideration each family's
individual situation and needs, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality and to support
families in this new phase.
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For full details of the evidence and the guideline committee's discussions, see the
evidence reviews. You can also find information about how the guideline was developed,
including details of the committee.
NICE has produced tools and resources to help you put this guideline into practice. For
general help and advice on putting our guidelines into practice, see resources to help you
put NICE guidance into practice.
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Update information
April 2021: This guideline updates and replaces NICE guideline CG37 (published July
2006).
October 2023: We updated links to the NICE guideline on intrapartum care, which has
been updated.
August 2023: We added a link to the Department of Health and Social Care's Healthy
Child Programme to recommendation 1.1.15.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-4078-3
Accreditation
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