Discharge teaching after birth should include which topics?

• A. Only pain management and sleep
• B. Only infant feeding
• C. Only follow-up
• D. Wound and perineal care, lochia patterns, signs of infection, pain control, activity restrictions, contraception, infant feeding and safety, follow-up

Answer: (D)

Discharge teaching after birth should prepare the new mother to manage both her recovery and the infant at home, covering physical healing, signs of potential problems, and practical care for feeding and safety. The most complete guidance includes wound and perineal care to support healing, Lochia patterns so she can distinguish normal bleeding from concerning changes, signs of infection to seek help promptly, strategies for pain control to promote rest and activity as tolerated, clear activity restrictions to protect healing, contraception so she can plan future pregnancies, and thorough guidance on infant feeding and safety along with follow-up care.

Options that focus only on one area miss essential aspects necessary for safe home management and early detection of complications, such as omitting wound care, lochia, infection signs, contraception, infant safety, or follow-up.