Postnatal Care Guide for Mothers

Attend Postnatal Checkups

After delivery, both mother and baby should receive postnatal care at a health facility.

Recommended visits:

Within 24 hours after birth
Day 3
Day 7–14
Week 6

Health workers monitor:

Mother's recovery
Baby's growth
Breastfeeding
Signs of infection

These services are provided through the national health system led by the Rwanda Ministry of Health.

Care for the Mother After Delivery

Rest and Recovery

The mother needs time to heal.

Important actions:

Rest as much as possible
Avoid heavy work for several weeks
Drink plenty of clean water
Eat nutritious meals

Family members should help with household work.

Maintain Good Hygiene

To prevent infections:

Wash hands frequently
Keep the genital area clean
Change sanitary pads regularly
Bathe daily if possible

Monitor Danger Signs

Seek immediate medical care if the mother experiences:

Heavy bleeding
Fever
Severe abdominal pain
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Severe headache
Swelling of legs or face
Difficulty breathing

These symptoms can indicate serious complications.

Nutrition for the Mother

After birth, mothers need nutritious food to regain strength and support breastfeeding.

Recommended foods:

Beans
Eggs
Fish or meat
Milk and yogurt
Green vegetables
Fruits
Whole grains

Continue taking iron and vitamin supplements if prescribed.

Breastfeeding the Baby

Start Immediately

Breastfeeding should begin within the first hour after birth.

Exclusive Breastfeeding

For the first 6 months, babies should receive:

Only breast milk
No water
No other foods

Benefits:

Protects against infections
Strengthens immunity
Supports healthy growth

Breastfeeding support programs are promoted globally by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the UNICEF.

Newborn Care

Keep the Baby Warm

Newborns can easily become cold.

Recommended practices:

Skin-to-skin contact with the mother
Wrap baby in clean, warm clothes
Cover the baby's head

Cord Care

The umbilical cord stump should:

Be kept clean and dry
Not be covered with substances
Be left to fall off naturally

Hygiene

Caregivers should:

Wash hands before touching the baby
Use clean clothing and bedding
Keep the environment clean

Recognize Danger Signs in the Baby

Seek medical help immediately if the baby shows:

Fever or very low temperature
Difficulty breathing
Refusal to breastfeed
Yellow skin or eyes
Convulsions
Persistent vomiting
Weak or no movement

Early treatment can save the baby's life.

Emotional and Mental Health

Some mothers may feel sad, overwhelmed, or anxious after childbirth.

Family members should:

Offer emotional support
Help with baby care
Encourage rest

If sadness becomes severe or lasts many weeks, the mother should seek help from a health worker.

Support from Community Health Workers

Rwanda has a strong community health system where trained workers help mothers with:

Home visits
Health education
Monitoring newborn health
Encouraging clinic visits

They play a key role in improving maternal and newborn survival.

Famora Care advice