Key Terms

couplet

newborn and postpartum person considered as one unit or patient

diaphoresis

process of excessive sweating stimulated by a physiologic event or drug reaction

engorgement

painful sensation of filling of the breasts, described as a feeling of hard breasts that ache and are hot to the touch

foremilk

milk low in fat content, released at the beginning of a breast-feeding session

hindmilk

milk high in fat and calories, released later in the breast-feeding session

lactogenesis

physiologic process of developing the means to secrete milk

lochia alba

final postpartum discharge that is yellow-white and consists of white blood cells, epithelial cells, and mucus; occurs from approximately day 10 to 28.

lochia rubra

bright to dark red discharge during the first few postpartum days that originates at the placental site and consists of blood, cervical discharge, and uterine lining

lochia serosa

pinkish-brown discharge that lasts approximately 4 to 10 days

Maternal Role Attainment Theory

theory suggesting that early skin-to-skin contact, breast-feeding, and minimizing time apart promote bonding, decrease maternal anxiety, and allow for maternal role attainment

postpartum blues

(also: baby blues) low moods that are common during the first 2 weeks of the postpartum period that resolve by themselves without treatment or medication

postpartum depression

mood disorder whose symptoms are feelings of extreme stress, detachment from the newborn, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed that last longer than 2 weeks and are more severe than postpartum blues

sitz bath

warm bath for soaking the perineum, which can be used for 15 to 20 minutes multiple times during the facility stay and after returning home

taking-hold phase

phase starting 2 to 4 days after delivery, in which the postpartum person begins to initiate actions without relying on the nurse or partner

taking-in phase

phase starting 1 or 2 days after birth, in which the postpartum person is concerned with physical recovery, adapting to body changes, and caring for the newborn