Abstract

Globally, postpartum care is a neglected part of maternal health, even though 50% of maternal deaths occur in the first weeks after childbirth. Literature is sparse on the quality and content of postnatal care provided in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the quality of Postnatal Care (PNC) for mothers using the World Health Organization (WHO) practice guideline of postnatal care. An exploratory cross-sectional design was employed among 57 purposively selected mothers in postnatal clinic and wards. Data were collected in two phases using three checklists to examine facility resources and quality of postnatal care provided; and one questionnaire to evaluate mothers’ satisfaction in both the clinic and the wards. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The facility assessment showed an inadequate infrastructure and human resources. Only 47.9% of the recommended routine postnatal care was provided on the postnatal wards and 42.3% in the postnatal clinic. Level of satisfaction was found to be poor among 63.2% of the women on the wards, and good among 82.5% of the women in the clinic. Findings suggest that inadequate resources for PNC. Organizations need to strengthen PNC services by providing recommended resources and a standard guideline that will serve as a framework for provision of quality postnatal care services.

Key words: Postnatal care, postnatal care guideline, quality care, maternal satisfaction.