Postpartum learning needs

Abstract

Objective: To describe the methodological differences of postpartum learning needs studies and organize them for comparison with similar studies.

Data sources: Computerized literature searches of CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Health Star databases.

Study selection: Reports published in English before 2003 and relevant to the keywords concerns, needs, interests, worries, priorities, postpartum, teaching, and learning.

Data extraction: Data were extracted and information organized according to subject parity, maternal self-care content, infant care content, length of data collection, and week of the postpartum period.

Data synthesis: Stitches, episiotomy, and postpartum complications were the most important maternal care learning needs during the first 3 postpartum days, and feeding and illness were the most important infant care learning needs during the first 7 postpartum days.

Conclusions: More studies are needed to fill the postpartum learning needs research gaps, build on the findings of previous studies, and produce clinically useful information for practicing nurses.