FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/February 7, 1996 CONTACT: Sara Foer [202/651-7023] ANA Calls for Provision of Postpartum Home CareThe American Nurses Association (ANA) has issued a position statement, calling for a standard of care that includes length of hospitalization based on the mother's and infant's needs and a provision for postpartum home nursing care. The statement resulted from nurses' mounting concerns about the impact of short lengths of stay in hospitals following childbirth for both mothers and infants. Nurses also expressed concern that while home follow-up programs had been proving effective for the patient population, such programs were rarely used. Home Care for Mother, Infant and Family Following Birth calls for home nursing care for mothers and newborns who are discharged shortly after birth. "Postpartum nursing care includes a range of family focused care," notes Pat Rowell, PhD, RN, senior policy fellow in ANA's Department of Nursing Practice. "Through a comprehensive plan of care, which includes home visits, nurses can provide the nursing care and educational support needed by families following birth." ANA asserts that postpartum programs should include stabilization in the hospital or birth center, home visits, and case management by a registered nurse (RN). The association further maintains that, at a minimum, such programs should address the following:
In addition, ANA calls for home visits by RNs to at-risk infants and families as an effective health promotion strategy. "Numerous studies demonstrate that home nursing visits to pregnant and postpartum women and their infants reduce risk factors that result in preterm births, abuse and neglect or maternal health problems," Rowell points out. To receive a copy of the ANA position statement, please call Dawn Johnson at (202) 651-7046.
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