Postpartum Care and Lactation Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the postpartum period, including uterine involution, lochia classifications, breast care, and the phases of maternal psychological adjustment.

Involution

The process by which the uterus is reduced to its prepregnant size.

Fundus Position (First $12\,h$)

Located at the level of the umbilicus for the first $12\,h$ after delivery.

Fundal Descent rate

Descends by one finger breadth each succeeding day after the first $12\,h$, becoming a pelvic organ usually by day $10$.

Lochia

The process of endometrial sloughing after childbirth.

Lochia rubra

Bloody discharge with a fleshy odor that may contain clots, occurring on days $1$–$3$ postpartum.

Lochia serosa

Pink or brown discharge with a fleshy odor, occurring on days $4$–$9$ postpartum.

Lochia alba

Yellow or white discharge occurring from day $10$ postpartum and beyond; a foul odor at any time indicates infection.

Postpartum Hemorrhage (Vaginal vs. Cesarean)

Blood loss greater than $500\,mL$ after a vaginal birth or greater than $1,000\,mL$ after a cesarean birth.

Moderate Lochia Amount

Blood flow on a peri-pad within $1\,hour$ that is greater than $4\,inches$ but less than $6\,inches$, approximately $25$–$50\,mL$.

Large Lochia Amount

Blood flow on a peri-pad within $1\,hour$ that is greater than $6\,inches$ up to a saturated pad, approximately $50$–$80\,mL$.

Engorgement

Vascular congestion related to increased blood and lymph supply causing the breasts to become larger, firmer, and painful.

Letdown reflex

Also known as the milk ejection reflex; the maternal production and delivery of milk dependent on infant sucking.

Breast Milk Storage (Refrigerated)

Milk may be refrigerated for up to $4\,days$.

Breast Milk Storage (Frozen)

Milk may be frozen in a refrigerator freezer for $6\,months$ ideally, though up to $12\,months$ is acceptable; it should never be refrozen.

Afterpains

Cramps due to uterine contractions lasting $2$–$3\,d$; more common in multipara and during nursing.

En face

A positioning for direct eye contact between mother and infant, used as evidence of attachment and bonding.

Taking In Phase

The dependency phase occurring day $1$–$2$ after delivery; the mother is talkative, passive, preoccupied with self-needs (food/sleep), and retells her birth experience.

Taking Hold Phase

The dependency-independency phase occurring by day $3$; the mother performs self-care, expresses concern for herself and the baby, and is open to instructions.

Letting Go Phase

The independence phase evident by weeks $5$–$6$; the mother assumes her new role and responsibilities and adjusts the family to accommodate the infant.

Postpartum Blues

A normal occurrence of "roller-coaster" emotions and weeping occurring between day $3$–$7$ postpartum, usually relieved by rest and emotional support.

Postpartum Sexual Activity Guidelines

Abstain from intercourse until the episiotomy is healed and lochia has ceased, which is usually $3$–$4\,wk$.