
Postpartum Care and Management in Disasters
Chapter from the book:
Şimşek Küçükkelepçe,
D.
&
Nacar,
G.
(eds.)
2025.
Perinatal Period in Disasters: Challenges and Management Approaches.
Synopsis
Disasters present significant health risks to women and newborns during the postpartum period; interruptions in healthcare services, insufficient infrastructure, emotional trauma, and low health literacy exacerbate the susceptibility of these populations. This section emphasizes the significance of postpartum care in catastrophe contexts, analyzing worldwide mother-infant care models, practices in Türkiye, and the functions of healthcare professionals. Models employed for administering postpartum care during disasters, such as telehealth and organized educational initiatives, have demonstrated efficacy in maintaining continuity of care. In Türkiye, subsequent to the 2023 earthquake, postpartum follow-up rates were inadequate and breastfeeding support was insufficient; yet, creative measures such the creation of breastfeeding tents were regarded as potential initiatives.
In summary, augmenting postpartum care services in crisis scenarios necessitates the incorporation of these services into disaster preparedness strategies, the improvement of disaster-oriented training for healthcare practitioners, and the efficient application of digital health technologies.