Postpartum care: What new mothers should know
By Cynthia Lodite, June 23, 2026Postpartum care is a key strategy to enhance maternal and newborn health and reduce maternal and newborn deaths.
According to health guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health (MOH), utilisation of postnatal care services in Kenya has remained low.
The 2014 Kenya Demographic Health Survey reports that only 52% of women and 36% of newborns receive postnatal care.
After delivery, the body begins a process of healing that can take several weeks or even months. Whether a mother has had a vaginal birth or a Caesarean section, maintaining good hygiene is essential.
Postnatal care
“Postnatal care is the care given to both the mother and the newborn from birth to reduce the incidence of complications and deaths as well as to promote the health of the mother and baby,” read the guideline by MOH.
Postnatal care should be woman-centred to enable women to participate in informed decision-making regarding their own care and their baby’s care.
Providing information and education relating to the normal physiological changes associated with childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting is a key component of postnatal care that is aimed at giving women and their families the confidence to manage the care of their baby.
World Health Organization recommends at least four postnatal contacts for all mothers and newborns within at 24 hours, 10-14 days, 4-6 weeks and 4-6 months after birth.
Hospital visits
In Kenya, the visits are scheduled; within 48 hours after birth, 1-2 weeks, 4-6 weeks, and 4-6 months. Following a home delivery, mother and newborn should be referred to the nearest health facility as soon as possible and preferably within 24-48 hours.
Postnatal care aims to support the mother and her baby, including the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of complications of mother and infant.
At the same time, it helps with the referral of mother and infant for specialised care when necessary, counselling on baby care and support of exclusive breastfeeding.
In addition, postnatal care aims to support new mothers with maternal nutrition, assessment, counselling and support .
Likewise, the visits seek to help mothers with counselling and service provision for contraception and the resumption of sexual activity, as well as the immunization of the infants.
Give yourself grace
Recovery after childbirth looks different for every woman. The postpartum period is not just about caring for a newborn it is also about allowing your body time to heal.
Practicing good hygiene, paying attention to your body’s signals, and seeking help when needed can support a smoother recovery.
A healthy mother is better equipped to care for her baby, making postpartum self-care an important part of the journey into motherhood.