Getting the health services you need: after childbirth
Updated: 30 September 2022

Manuela Leporesi
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Credits
Tips and information
- Receive care during the first 24 hours after childbirth from a health worker, no matter where the birth takes place (e.g. facility or home)
- See a trained health worker for at least three additional contacts in the first six weeks after childbirth
- Know that you have the right to be treated with respect and dignity after childbirth
- Know that a health worker should provide information on sexual health and family planning
- Know about danger signs for the mother (such as pain in the stomach region or belly (abdomen), vaginal discharge) and where to seek care
- Know about danger signs for the baby (such as the baby is not feeding well, has fast breathing or a high temperature) and where to seek care
- Seek help if someone is hurting or threatening you or your baby, such as violence from a partner or ex-partner
- Keep a record in the home of the mother and baby’s health and vaccines after childbirth
- Know that these records should be provided by a health worker and taken to all health care visits
- Ask a health worker how to avoid infectious diseases, such as HIV, malaria and tuberculosis
Related tips and information
Related rights
Videos & infographics
All →Question and Answers
All →Factsheets
Publications
All →Compendium on respectful maternal and newborn care
In vitro diagnostic tests for serious bacterial infection, including neonatal sepsis, among infants aged 0–59 days: target product profile
Digital adaptation kit for postnatal care: Operational requirements for implementing WHO recommendations in digital systems
Guidance on planning, implementing and scaling up task sharing for contraceptive services
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