ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines some of the key elements of postnatal care and consider the midwife's role in supporting them. The International Confederation of Midwives essential competencies for midwifery practice categorises care into: These global competencies will be used throughout the chapter to provide a framework to describe the role of the midwife in postnatal care. In the UK, women have their postnatal care provided on the NHS. Other vaccinations are given by the practice nurse in primary care, under the advice and guidance of the health visitor. The chapter focuses on infant feeding and the importance of keeping the baby close. The midwife assesses the woman's physical and emotional well-being at every postnatal contact to ensure that she is returning to pre-pregnancy health and adapting well to motherhood.
