The postnatal period, defined here as the period beginning immediately after the birth of the baby and extending
up to six weeks (42 days), is a critical time for women, newborns, partners, parents, caregivers and families. Yet,
during this period, the burden of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbid...
The first hours, days and weeks after childbirth are a dangerous time for both mother and newborn
infant. Among the more than 500 000 women who die each year due to complications of pregnancy
and childbirth (1), most deaths occur during or immediately after childbirth (2). Every year three
million infant...
Every year, about 3.7 million babies die in the first four weeks of life (2004 estimates). Most of these newborns are born in developing countries and most die at home. Up to two-thirds of these deaths can be prevented if mothers and newborns receive known, effective interventions. A strategy that promot...
