Postpartum learning needs.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the methodological differences of postpartum learning needs studies and organize them for comparison with similar studies. DATA SOURCES: Computerized literature searches of CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Health Star databases. STUDY SELECTION: Reports published in English before 2003 and relevant to the keywords concerns, needs, interests, worries, priorities, postpartum, teaching, and learning. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted and information organized according to subject parity, maternal self-care content, infant care content, length of data collection, and week of the postpartum period. DATA SYNTHESIS: Stitches, episiotomy, and postpartum complications were the most important maternal care learning needs during the first 3 postpartum days, and feeding and illness were the most important infant care learning needs during the first 7 postpartum days. CONCLUSIONS: More studies are needed to fill the postpartum learning needs research gaps, build on the findings of previous studies, and produce clinically useful information for practicing nurses.