Shawnee Cuthbert

NUR 320
Post Partum Teaching Plan
Maternal: Nutrition & Elimination
Recommended caloric intake for the non-lactating pp woman is 1800-2200 kcal/day.
Stay away from empty calories whenever possible.
Drink 2 Qts. of fluid per day.
Note: you do not need to drink milk to make milk, but you should have adequate calcium
to avoid osteoporosis later in life.
Avoid drugs, alcohol, and tobacco bc of their ability to pass through breast milk and
affect the baby.
OTC drugs and prescription medications should be taken only with your doctors
approval. If your doctor prescribes medications, ask if it is compatible with breastfeeding.
Most doctors recommend continuing prenatal vitamins while nursing.
There are no specific food restrictions unless the baby complains.
Moderate intake of caffeine causes no problems for most breastfeeding mothers and
babies. However, excessive consumption may make your baby fussy and more awake.
Check with your physician regarding the use of artificial sweeteners while you are
breastfeeding.
C-section:
Your diet will first consist of ice chips or clear liquids, as you can tolerate more, your diet
will be advanced according to your physicians orders. You will continue to receive IV
fluids until youre able to tolerate drinking fluids.
Avoid foods that are difficult to digest or produce gas.
GVH recommends that you do not drink from a straw, as this may contribute to gas
formation.
If you experience discomfort due to gas, you may feel more comfortable lying on your
left side, ambulating, or drinking warm fluids. Medication is available to relieve gas.

Breastfeeding:
First 6 months is 2700 kcal/day, 2768 kcal/day for the next 6 months.
Extra 400-500 calories per day
A well-balanced diet should include all food groups:
o 3 servings of protein, dairy and fruit.
o 4 servings of vegetables
o 9 servings of grains.

You may take the remainder of your prenatal vitamins, regardless if you are nursing.
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Although most women desire to return to their pre-pregnancy weight as soon as possible, gradual
weight loss is recommended.

Elimination:
Void spontaneously within 6-8 hrs after giving birth (@ least 150ml each void)
Avoid constipation by drinking adequate fluids and eating plenty of fruits & vegetables.
If necessary, your doctor may recommend the appropriate OTC stool softener or
laxative for constipation.
Do not give yourself an enema or use a suppository, especially with perineal
lacerations.
Advise your doctor of difficulty or pain while urinating or blood present in the
urine.
Newborn: Skin care/cord care/nail care/appropriate dress for baby
Skin Care:
Bathe your baby every 2-3 days. Avoiding use of perfumed soaps or bubble bath.
Sponge-bath your baby until the umbilical cord falls off (usually 1-3 weeks).
Cord Care:
Cord care with every diaper change
Apply rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball or Q-tip to the base of the cord where it
attaches to the skin.
Keep the diaper folded below the cord & keep onsies loosely fitted. (Prevent the
cord from becoming irritated & falling off prematurely).
Note: There may be slight bleeding when the cord falls off. Drizzle a little alcohol
on the stump.
If the cord becomes moist or emits an odor, notify your babys doctor.
Your baby may cry when youre doing cord care bc the alcohol is cold, not
because the baby is in pain.
Note: The cord has no nerve endings that can be felt.
Nail Care:
Do not cut your babys fingernails for two weeks bc the skin of the finger is
attached to them.
Keep your babys hands covered to prevent scratching their face.
The best time to cut nails is after the bath bc nails are soft or if the baby is
sleeping.
Cut the nails straight across with a pair of blunt baby scissors or clippers.
Appropriate Dress:
Dress your baby as you would dress yourself, adding a hat in cool or cold
weather.
Protect babys skin from sun and wind.
Use sunscreen, but not before 3 months of age.
Note: some babies may be sensitive to detergent or fabric softeners.