ABSTRACT

Reports show that most maternal deaths occur during the post natal period, yet this is when coverage and programmes of maternal and child health are at their lowest along the continuum of care in the local government, state, country and African region at large. Therefore it is important to investigate postnatal care practices carried out by mothers to reduce the trend. The aim of this is study was to assess postnatal care practices with respect to, perineal wound care, breast-feeding, nutrition, the management of vaginal loss and Personal hygiene practices of mothers. The study was descriptive non-experimental cross sectional design. Purposive sampling technique was used to select two hundred and seven nursing mothers who met the inclusion criteria and gave their consent to participate in the study. A self-developed structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using Chi-square tested at 0.05 level of significance. Result was presented using descriptive statistics, averages and percentages. The result revealed that majority (82.1%) of the respondents delivered out of health facility and 61.8% sustained tear. 52.8% of the respondents accepted that they were taught how to take care of the wound daily using sitz bath and 38.7% of them were taught that wounds should be kept clean. Majority of the respondents (74.5%) cared for the wound at home by cleaning the area with hot water only while 11.3% respondents cared for the wound daily using sitz bath, 10.4% respondents applied ointments and 2.8% respondents applied herbs. Most of the respondents (70.0%) started breastfeeding immediately after delivery and gave the first yellowish fluid to their baby after birth while (30%) gave the yellowish fluid six hours after birth. When breast milk was not enough 73.9% respondents gave water to their babies and 60.9% respondents drank palm wine to stimulate breast milk. Majority of the respondents (70.0%) had particular food they ate after delivery such as hot pepper soup with rice or yam, tea with milk and pounded yam/garri with vegetable soup. Most of the respondents (71.0%) took fruits and vegetables after delivery, but some of the respondents (56.4%) took them from the fourth day after delivery and (29.0%) did not take fruits and vegetables for reasons that it was not presented to them and (16.7%) said it purges them. 31.4% of the total respondents had heavy bleeding; to stop the bleeding, (15.4%) respondents drank palm oil, 24.6% took herbs, while 26.2% were given injection. Majority of the respondents (60.4%) took their bath twice a day and 58.0% changed their pads twice a day. A total of 46.6% of the respondents met the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of best practices. Place of delivery was a significant factor (p < 0.05) influencing perineal wound care practices. Respondents’ occupation influenced their feeding practices (p < 0.05). There was a significant variation (p < 0.05) in the management of vaginal loss among the various communities. Personal hygiene practices and socioeconomic status was only significant (p < 0.05) based on respondent’s occupation. It was discovered that bestpractices exist that must be emphasized and harmful practices capable of increasing morbidity and mortality also exist and need to be stopped. The study has helped in emphasizing postnatal care practices as a point of concern to health care professionals. It is recommended that Post natal care should be integrated as a routine health care activity and build partnership with communities, families and individuals. The post natal period should be utilized maximally at community and health care facilities where health providers have contact with nursing mothers and their babies to educate them on healthy post natal care practices.