Learning Outcomes

When you have studied this session, you should be able to:

• Explain why the home visit is a critical opportunity to provide postnatal care and describe the current barriers to universal facility-based postnatal care.
• Describe the recommended schedule for postnatal home visits in uncomplicated cases and in cases that need specialised care.
• Describe the preparations, equipment and drugs you should take before you leave for a postnatal home visit.
• Describe the key steps to follow while conducting a postnatal home visit, including ways to increase confidence among family members in your professionalism and ability.
• Explain the importance of using effective counselling skills to deliver health messages on postnatal care and know how to check that mothers have understood.