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 morbidity remains unacceptably high, and opportunities to increase maternal well-being and to support nurturing newborn care have not been fully utilized. Postnatal care services are a fundamental component of the continuum of maternal, newborn and child care, and key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on reproductive, maternal and child health, including targets to reduce maternal mortality rates and end preventable deaths of newborns.

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