Identifying the role of public health nurses during first postnatal visits: Experiences of mothers and public health nurses in Ireland

Work environment challenging Irish public health nurses’ care quality: First postnatal visit

“…Public health nurses (PHNs) are acknowledged nationally and internationally as essential health professionals supporting infants and parents in the early postnatal period (Giltenane et al., 2021; Helsloot et al., 2017; Slomian et al., 2017; Walker et al., 2019). The first postnatal visit provided by the PHN is a key visit with a mother and her infant in the postnatal period (Dahlberg et al., 2016; Phelan, 2014) and is recognised as a complex intervention for mothers incorporating physical, social, educational, and emotional support (Giltenane et al., 2021; Phelan et al., 2018).…”

“…Public health nurses (PHNs) are acknowledged nationally and internationally as essential health professionals supporting infants and parents in the early postnatal period (Giltenane et al., 2021; Helsloot et al., 2017; Slomian et al., 2017; Walker et al., 2019). The first postnatal visit provided by the PHN is a key visit with a mother and her infant in the postnatal period (Dahlberg et al., 2016; Phelan, 2014) and is recognised as a complex intervention for mothers incorporating physical, social, educational, and emotional support (Giltenane et al., 2021; Phelan et al., 2018). The need for postpartum support by a PHN is based on evidence that the transition to motherhood involves a degree of crisis or difficulty (Haycock‐Stuart & Kean, 2012; Wayman, 2019) and the PHN is uniquely well placed to help support this transition as well as improving care quality (McAtamney;, 2011; National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2014).…”

“…Where the practice of the first postnatal visit exists Internationally, the timing and professional expertise varies from 1 day following discharge in the United Kingdom by community midwives and within 72 h in Ireland by PHNs (NICE, 2021; Dahlberg et al., 2016; Giltenane et al., 2021). In Ireland this visit is mandated, and all infants are offered to be seen by the PHN (Phelan, 2014; Health Service Executive (HSE), 2017; Giltenane et al., 2021).…”

“…The care provided at a first postnatal visit has been recently reported by Giltenane et al. (2021). Head to toe examinations of both mother and her newborn are completed (Giltenane et al., 2021; NICE, 2021), tailored advice provided, and onward referrals are made where necessary (Phelan, 2014; Giltenane et al., 2021).…”

“…(2021). Head to toe examinations of both mother and her newborn are completed (Giltenane et al., 2021; NICE, 2021), tailored advice provided, and onward referrals are made where necessary (Phelan, 2014; Giltenane et al., 2021). Open communication and allowing time to listen to a mother's experiences are key to building trust for the future relationship (Aston et al., 2015; Giltenane et al., 2021).…”