1. Home Care Chapter 31

2. Length of Stay • Early discharge okay with home visits • Federal law mandated 48 hr stay. • Assess level of knowledge • Difficult to meet all needs in hospital • Follow up home care • Reinforce information taught in hospital

3. Home Visit • 24 -48 hrs after discharge • Evaluate adjustment • Safety • Be genuine, empathetic, develop trust, be non-judgmental, establish rapport

4. Home Care • Model different holds • Place back or side- reposition frequently • Assess I&O’s • Bathing-sponge bath- head to toe • Tub bath okay after cord falls off • Trim nails while asleep

5. Home care • Dress newborn warmly- head and ears • Taking temperature- Give acetaminophen • Stool-BF 6-10, bottle one-two • Void 5-8 • Sleep and activity • Crying- distinguish types of cry

6. Breastfeeding After Discharge • Nipple soreness-reposition, feed more frequently, ice, exposure, blow dryer • Take Tylenol • Eat healthy, increase protein, Vit. C, zinc • Do not use petroleum based products • Use own milk • Thrush infection

7. Nipple Care • Feed on unaffected side first • Reposition for cracked nipple • Breast engorgement- can use warm or cool compress • Plugged ducts massage for in to out, warm shower • Can pump when resume working

8. Weaning • If wean before 12 months need iron supplements • Gradual approach the most healthy • Usually mutually agreed upon

9. Sexual Activity and Contraception • Resume when episiotomy healed and lochia stops • May need to use lubricant • May experience letdown • Familial adjustment • Help to make informed decision regarding contraception