reproductive health services for adolescents - Pathfinder International

Module 16/Unit 12
CONTENT
Knowledge/Attitudes/Skills
Training/Learning Methods
(Time Required)
occur. Postpartum blues usually occur
around the third to fifth day after birth and
range from mild (feeling “down,” teary,
unexplained sadness, easily upset) to
more profound with frequent bouts of
crying for unexplainable reasons. It is
normal for all women to experience a
sense of loss after birth, but it may be
more acute for the adolescent. Some
causes of postpartum blues are:
• Loss of physical attachment to the
baby; empty space where the baby
was.
• Loss of attention, no longer “centerstage.”
• Adjustment to yet another self-image.
• Loss of freedom to pursue adolescent
interests with peers.
• Heightened sense of insecurity and
lack of self-confidence with resultant
over-sensitivity to comments.
Provider’s Role
The primary goal of health staff is to help
the adolescent mother successfully take
on the role and responsibilities of
mothering. Adolescents need close
monitoring to keep them focused on the
wide range and seemingly endless tasks
involved in caring for a baby.
1. Make home visits within 48 hours of
discharge, if possible.
2. Schedule follow-up visits for 2, 4,
and/or 6 weeks postpartum.
3. Help adolescents problem-solve the
common physical discomforts of
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Adolescent Curriculum