Bibliographic information
GuidelineWHO recommendations on maternal and newborn care for a positive postnatal experience.
Year of Publication2022
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
New
Information provision, educational interventions and counselling are recommended to prepare women, parents and caregivers for discharge from the health facility after birth to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes, and to facilitate the transition to the home. Educational materials, such as written/ digital education booklets, pictorials for semi-literate populations and job aids should be available.
Recommended
Certainty of evidence
Moderate
Notes and Remarks
Remarks
- The Guideline Development Group (GDG) agreed there was insufficient evidence to determine if any particular approach to strengthen preparation for discharge was more effective than others. Direct and indirect evidence identified approaches with the following components: counselling, education and information provision; the availability of educational resources including job aids; activities to strengthen the skills of the care providers; and ensuring linkages are made for follow-up care after discharge.
- The GDG highlighted that linkages to ensure the continuity of care after discharge should be established, including with the community health workforce, other social services or additional support as available and needed.