Postpartum home care and its effects on mothers’ health, A clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: Postpartum home care plays an important role in prevention of postpartum complications. Regular visits of mothers during this period are  imperative. This study aimed to provide postpartum home care for  mothers to assess its effects on mothers’ health in Iran. Methods: This study was carried out in two phases. First, a comprehensive postpartum  home care program was complied by performing a comparative study,  using the available guidelines in this regard in different countries and  based on the opinions of the experts. Next, a clinical trial was carried out on 276 women who gave birth in the university hospitals affiliated to  Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. There were 92 mothers in the intervention and 184 in the control group. The intervention group mothers were provided with postpartum home care service while the control group did not receive such a service. Results: Outcome assessment at 60 days postpartum revealed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of use of supplements, birth control methods, postpartum  depression, breast problems, constipation and fatigue (P<0.05). No significant differences were noted between the two groups with regard to hospitalization, hemorrhoids, backache and lumbar pain (P>0.05).  Conclusion: The postpartum home care program had a positive effect on the health status of mothers and their satisfaction. Thus, provision of this service is recommended.