While some women give birth at home, others have to be assisted by a skilled person. Women who give birth at the confinement center in Malaysia may spend some time after childbirth; WHO recommends that women should not be discharged within 24 hours of giving birth.

It doesn’t matter where the baby was born; someone must accompany the mother and her newborn during the first 24 hours to monitor any changes in the baby’s health. Many complications can arise in the first 24 hours. Mother and baby must have a postnatal exam as soon as possible after childbirth at home. This should be done within 24 hours. Mother and baby should have a postnatal exam if the birth occurred at a hospital.

Timing of postnatal visits

A health worker should examine the mother and her newborn within 24 hours after childbirth. Discuss with the family the time and immunization schedule of the baby and discuss the timing with them. WHO recommends the mother and baby to be seen at home by a trained health worker from the confinement center in KL within the first week of birth. Talk to your provider about how the mother will travel to the clinic or facility for scheduled visits. This is important for both mother and baby. This is an excellent opportunity to establish breastfeeding and address any issues with attachment or positioning.

How to give information and support after the birth of the baby?

The PCPNC lists practical tasks that must be done after birth. If you don’t have the PCPNC, you can follow the standards and norms established at your facility. Discuss with the woman the reasons for the tasks and any recommendations or advice you may have for her to provide appropriate care during postnatal periods. Refer to the points above. Encourage her to ask questions and use her active listening skills. Check out our services here!

Encourage her to consider how she can apply your suggestions. Women sometimes express their concerns indirectly rather than raising a problem directly when uncertain or hesitant. Pay attention to her body language and any non-verbal signals she may be sending you. To see if she understands, repeat to her what you think she is saying in different words. Remind her at the end of the postnatal exam that she can visit the confinement center in Puchong anytime if she has any questions. Be supportive and reassure her. Booking here now!

Sexuality issues

Confinement care visits can be a great time to talk about sexuality. The woman may come to you or be at home alone with the baby. This will allow you to have more privacy and discuss sensitive topics. Local sexual practices often dictate when a couple can resume sexual relations after childbirth. Different religious and community groups may have different periods of abstinence following delivery. This information should be made clear and respected.

A woman may be embarrassed to ask her husband when she can have intercourse again. She may also feel pressured by her partner. Sometimes, the partner may have had sex outside the relationship during abstinence after childbirth. This could put the woman at risk of contracting STIs or HIV. See more here!

Home care

Lessons from the confinement center Petaling Jaya states that women need extra support in the first weeks after childbirth, including from their partner and family. Both delivery and labor are physically demanding. Breastfeeding and caring for a newborn baby is also a challenge. As they begin adjusting to their new baby, women must regain their strength and health. Learn more here!

Postnatal care states that women must eat a balanced diet, like during pregnancy. Supplementation with folic acid should be continued for three months after birth. Breastfeeding mothers need additional food. They should also drink enough water.

Skinny women or adolescents needing extra nutrition information should be referred to the Bukit Jalil confinement center. Sometimes, you might need to refer women for nutrition counseling. Noting that women may be unable to access certain foods due to poverty is essential. Counseling sessions can also be helpful if you are open to exploring cheaper options.