The postpartum period begins after the delivery of the infant and generally ends 6-8 weeks later, though can extend in certain cases. The mother’s body continues to go through changes as it returns to a prepregnancy baseline. Recovery depends on the delivery process and any complications endured. Psychological and emotional changes are expected as the parents form an attachment to their child and begin the parenting process with its many challenges. Show
The Nursing ProcessLabor and delivery, postpartum, NICU, and obstetric nurses are skilled in caring for mothers and parents through all stages of pregnancy. Patients in the postpartum period will receive education and support from these nurses as they navigate recovery from birth, bonding with their infant, and maintaining their own physical, emotional, and psychological health. Nursing Care Plans Related to Postpartum CareIneffective Breastfeeding Care PlanDifficulty with infant latching, pain with breastfeeding, or poor breastfeeding experiences can lead to ineffective breastfeeding. Nursing Diagnosis: Ineffective Breastfeeding Related to:
As evidenced by:
Expected Outcomes:
Ineffective Breastfeeding Assessment1. Assess knowledge. 2. Perform physical assessment. 3. Assess support system. Ineffective Breastfeeding Interventions1. Provide 1:1 support. 2. Teach to recognize cues. 3. Prevent and treat breastfeeding complications. 4. Coordinate with a lactation consultant. Risk For Impaired Parenting Care PlanAn inability to create or maintain an environment to promote growth and attachment of the parent and child. Nursing Diagnosis: Risk For Impaired Parenting Related to:
Note: A risk diagnosis is not evidenced by signs and symptoms as the problem has not yet occurred. Interventions are aimed at prevention. Clogged milk ducts can cause mastitis, a breast infection. Breastfeeding women are most likely to get mastitis, although it can affect men and women who aren’t nursing. You may have a red, swollen, painful breast and flu-like symptoms. Antibiotics can treat the infection. Nursing moms should continue to breastfeed.
OverviewWhat is mastitis?Mastitis is an infection that develops in breast tissue. The painful condition causes one breast to become swollen, red and inflamed. In rare cases, it affects both breasts. Mastitis is a type of benign (noncancerous) breast disease. Who might get mastitis?Mastitis most commonly occurs during the first six to 12 weeks of breastfeeding. But men, as well as women who aren’t breastfeeding, also get mastitis. You’re more likely to get mastitis if you have:
What are the types of mastitis?The different types of mastitis include:
Does mastitis increase your risk of breast cancer?Mastitis doesn’t increase your risk of breast cancer. However, mastitis symptoms are similar to inflammatory breast cancer symptoms. This rare type of breast cancer causes breast skin changes. Signs may include dimples and a breast rash that has an orange-peel texture. Like mastitis, one or both breasts may become red and swollen. Inflammatory breast cancer doesn’t usually cause breast lumps. Inflammatory breast cancer is an aggressive cancer. It requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Contact your healthcare provider right away any time you notice breast changes. Is it safe to continue breastfeeding when you have mastitis?Yes, you should continue to nurse your baby. You can’t pass a breast infection to your baby through breast milk. In fact, breast milk has antibacterial properties that help babies fight infections. Antibiotics that your provider prescribes for mastitis are also safe for your baby. It may be uncomfortable to nurse when you have mastitis. But breastfeeding helps move milk through milk ducts, opening them up. When nursing, start your baby on the affected breast first. That way, you’ll ensure milk doesn’t stay in the milk ducts and allow bacteria to grow. Symptoms and CausesWhat causes mastitis?Mastitis occurs when bacteria found on skin or saliva enter breast tissue through a milk duct or crack in the skin. Milk ducts are a part of breast anatomy that carry milk to the nipples. All genders have milk ducts and can get mastitis. Infection also happens when milk backs up due to a blocked milk duct or problematic breastfeeding technique. Bacteria grow in the stagnant milk. These factors increase the risk of a nursing mom developing mastitis:
What are the symptoms of mastitis?Many people with mastitis develop a wedge-shaped red mark on one breast. (Rarely, mastitis affects both breasts.) The breast may be swollen and feel hot or tender to touch. You may also experience:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is mastitis diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will do a physical exam and check your symptoms to make a diagnosis. If you aren’t breastfeeding, you may get a mammogram or other tests to rule out breast cancer or a different breast condition. Management and TreatmentHow is mastitis managed or treated?Your healthcare provider may prescribe an oral antibiotic to treat mastitis. The infection should clear up within 10 days but may last as long as three weeks. Mastitis sometimes goes away without medical treatment. To reduce pain and inflammation, you can:
Can I get mastitis more than once?Yes, it’s possible to get mastitis multiple times. If you’re breastfeeding and frequently get mastitis, your healthcare provider may recommend seeing a lactation consultant (breastfeeding specialist). There may be a problem with how the baby is positioned or latches on during nursing. What are the complications of mastitis?If left untreated, a breast infection like mastitis can lead to a breast abscess. This type of abscess typically needs to be surgically drained. If you have an abscess that needs to be drained, your healthcare provider will perform minor surgery or use a small needle to drain the pus. Often, you may need to be admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics. A breast abscess will not go away with warm compresses. PreventionHow can I prevent mastitis?Breastfeeding moms can take these steps to lower their chances of getting mastitis:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat is the prognosis (outlook) for people with mastitis?Mastitis is painful and uncomfortable, but it doesn’t cause long-term problems. If you’re nursing, you may make less milk as your body fights off the infection. Milk production should increase as you start to feel better. A breast infection like mastitis in someone who isn’t breastfeeding may be cause for concern. See your healthcare provider. Living WithWhen should I call the doctor?You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
What questions should I ask my doctor?You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Any type of breast change is a reason to call your healthcare provider. While mastitis isn’t cancerous, your healthcare provider should evaluate your symptoms. Rarely, breast infection symptoms are a sign of inflammatory breast cancer. Breastfeeding moms who develop mastitis may benefit from a consultation with a lactation consultant. This expert can ensure proper latching and breastfeeding technique so you don’t develop mastitis again. Share Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/10/2020. References
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What instruction should the nurse teach the postpartum woman about perineal self care?What instruction should the nurse teach the postpartum woman about perineal self-care? Cleanse with warm water in a squeeze bottle from front to back.
What are nursing responsibilities in postpartum?Primary responsibilities of nurses in postpartum settings are to assess postpartum patients, provide care and teaching, and if necessary, report any significant findings.
Which of the following instructions should be included in the discharge teaching plan to assist the postpartal woman in recognizing early signs of complications?Which of the following instructions should be included in the discharge teaching plan to assist the postpartal woman in recognizing early signs of complications?? Notify your health-care provider of a return to bright red vaginal bleeding.
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