Postpartum vocab and Supplement packets

Oxytocin

hormone that stimulates uterus to contract

Orthostatic

Type of hypotension causing the feeling of dizziness or faintness immediately on standing.

Also called postural hypotension

Taking Hold

Period of PP maternal adjustment characterized by deciding between a need for nurturing and a desire to take charge

Begins around day 2-3 and lasts from 10 days to several weeks

Mom is more independent. May be feelings of inadequacy and reassurance. Improves on caregiving and competency

Involution

Reduction in size of the uterus after birth and its return to a nonpregnant state

Diastasis Recti Abdominis

separation of the 2 abdominal wall muscles along the midline of the abdominal wall

Mutuality

Process where infants behaviors and characteristics elicit a corresponding set of maternal behaviors and characteristics

Birhythmicity

Persons own pattern of activity or natural rhythms

Disphoresis

Profuse sweating that occurs after birth especially at night to rid the body of fluid retained during pregnancy

Letting Go

Interdependent phase of maternal adjustment where the resumption of the couple relationship is the major focus. Looks at partner as their partner instead of a “survival buddy”

happens around the 5th week

Mom is independent at this time and has established relationships outside by this time. May be comfortable going places and more confident.

Diuresis

Increased production of urine that occurs in the PP period to rid the body of fluid retained during pregnancy

Lochia

Vaginal discharge originating from the uterus after birth consisting of blood, tissue, and mucus

Engorgement

Distended, firm, tender, and warm breasts during the PP period

Entrainment

Capacity of the newborn to move or dance in tune to the rhythm of adult speech such as the voice of parents

Hemorrhoid

anal varicosity

Episiotomy

surgical incision of the perineum to facilitate birth

Habituation

Ability of the infant to turn away from or shut out stimuli thereby allowing household routines to continue even when infant is sleeping

Alba

Yellowish-white lochia that begins about 10 days after birth and continues for 2-6 weeks

Serosa

Pink to brownish colored lochia that begins about 3-4 days after birth

Engrossment

fathers absorption, preoccupation, and interest in his infant

Afterpains

uncomfortable uterine cramping that occurs during the early PP period

Attachment

Feeling of enduring affection and loyalty that binds one person to another (parent to newborn)

Claiming

Process of identification of the new baby as a member of the family

Rubra

bloody lochial flow that occurs for the first few days following birth

Subinvolution

Failure of the uterus to fully heal and return to a nonpregnant state

Most common causes are retained placental fragments and infection

Prolactin

Lactogenic hormone produced in large quantities by pituitary gland of lactating women

Enface

Positioning of the infant in a face to face, eye contact position with parent or caregiver

Depression

PP feeling more severe than “baby blues”

Symptoms range from mild to severe

Autolysis

self destruction process that reduces the size of the uterus after birth by shrinking excess hypertrophied uterine tissue

Taking In

Period of PP maternal adjustment characterized by maternal dependency and need to be nurtured. Mom is very dependent, somewhat passive and very hesitant to make decisions

Relies heavily on others and also excited

Within the first 24-48 hours

Colostrum

Yellowish fluid produced in the breasts prior to lactation

BUBBLE EEE

Breasts

Uterus

Bowels

Bladder

Lochia

Episiotomy/Laceration/ C-Section Incision

Extremities, Emotions, Education