Puerperas’ knowledge regarding postpartum exercises in a tertiary hospital in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

RESEARCHBackground. Postpartum exercises (PPEs) are critical for the involution process post delivery. PPE affects the physical and psychological wellbeing of puerperas. Clinical observation shows a lack of exercise by puerperas in postnatal units. Objectives. To determine puerperas' knowledge regarding PPE, as well as to develop a health education programme on PPE. Methods. A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive research design was employed. Probability random sampling was used to ensure that all puerperas had an equal opportunity to be selected. The sample comprised 50 puerperas who were admitted to a postnatal unit at a tertiary hospital in the Capricorn District, Limpopo, South Africa. The researchers distributed questionnaires that contained closedended questions to the puerperas on the days they visited the institution. Reviews of the literature and consultations with midwifery experts were conducted to ensure content validity. Data analysis was done through descriptive statistics. Results. Our data revealed that 68% of puerperas participating in the study lacked knowledge regarding PPE, whereas 72% of puerperas were not exercising due to perineal pains, discomfort, exhaustion and a lack of educational programmes at clinics and hospitals. The study showed that there was a high rate of ignorance among puerperas regarding the importance of PPE. Conclusion. We recommend that registered midwives initiate, develop and implement a sustainable educational programme on PPE in postnatal units. Exercises are an important part of daily life for many women. According to Davidson et al. [1] postpartum exercises (PPEs) are regarded as basic therapy, which may improve the health of puerperas. Body image is a great concern for puerperas. [2] However, most puerperas never worry about the exercises following parturition and their benefit. This suggests limited knowledge and awareness regarding PPE that might result in backache, uterine subinvolution, urinary incontinence and flabby abdominal muscles. [3] The study findings by Gaffield et al. [4] indicated that puerperas have limited information with regard to the importance and benefits of PPEs. Sellers [5] asserts that physiological changes such as the weakening of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, stiffness, and swelling of tissues caused by trauma during delivery inhibit the performance of PPEs, which are necessary to bring the stretched abdominal and pelvic muscles back to normal. [6] A study by Ashrafinia et al. [7] has shown that PPEs help to strengthen pelvic and abdominal muscles, help in controlling haemorrhage and ensure a speedy uterine involution and recovery to the non-pregnant weight and physique. Davies et al. [6] further indicated that puerperas should be engaged in PPE to reduce postpartum complications such as postpartum haemorrhage and/or puerperal sepsis. Fine et al. [8] recommend that, in the absence of either obstetric or medical complications, puerperas should perform moderate exercises to maintain cardiopulmonary functions, muscular fitn...

Android-Based Education toward the Role of Postpartum Primipara Mothers in Fulfilling the Independent Perinium Care

“…On the control group, the median is 44 which is in category 3 or moderately dependent with the standard of 41-60%. The control group was influenced by several factors such as knowledge, age, culture, motivation, mother's experience, principal beliefs, and fatigue level (Mbombi et al, 2017). The test reveals that the p value is 0.000 (<0.05) which shows that there is a difference in the perineal care independency on the treatment group with Android app education using BUBI Care compared to the control group who did not use the app (Komariah, 2018).…”

“…These postpartum mothers have and can operate the smartphone well. The BUBI Care app contains materials like perineal care that is aimed at helping postpartum mothers to care for themselves independently with their own capabilities, raising their self esteem (Mbombi et al, 2017). There is a need for caring that can be done, like having empathy, showing concern and providing care with competent capabilities, providing a sense of security and comfort that can help provide opportunities to encourage mothers becoming independent in performing confident and positive perineal care.…”

The Effect of a Trans-Theoretical Model Based Intervention on Physical Exercises Behaviour among Postpartum Women at Benha City, Egypt

“…He found that very low percentage of the mothers had adequate knowledge regarding the postpartum exercise and added that there is a need for educational interventions regarding postpartum exercise among puerperas. Second, Mbombi, et al [11] who had evaluated puerperas' knowledge regarding postpartum exercise in South Africa. Found that there was lacked knowledge regarding postpartum exercise and a high rate of ignorance among postnatal mothers regarding the importance of postpartum exercise.…”

“…So a sustainable educational programme should be developed by the registered nurses on postpartum physical exercise in postnatal units. [11] Comprehensive exercise programs that focuses on muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility plays a vital role in women's health and wellbeing. [12] Many researches indicate the successful use of Trans-theoretical Model (TTM ) based interventions to develop most of health behaviors among different populations.…”

Manfaat Penguatan Otot Transversus Abdominis Dan Rolling Rug Massage Terhadap Percepatan Pengeluaran Lochea Pada Ibu Nifas

“…Sehingga pada otot abdomen tersebut terjadi peningkatan aliran darah otot yang berakibat proses transportasi oksigen dan nutrisi yang dibutuhkan tubuh juga meningkat, sehingga memberikan kekuatan pada otot berkontraksi secara maksimal. Penguatan otot tranversus abdominis merupakan latihan penguatan untuk menjaga otot abdomen bagian tranversal agar lebih kuat yang dilakukan oleh ibu nifas setelah melewati peregangan selama kehamilan dan proses persalinan (Mbombi, Thopola, & Kgole, 2017).…”