Postpartal Interaction

Abstract

There were approximately four hundred thousand babies born in Canada during 1969, the majority of whom were born in hospital.1 In a society such as ours, parents frequently seek information outside the family about child-bearing and early child-rearing. This trend has come about partly as geographic mobility of individuals and families has increased, and partly in relation to the changing role and functions of the family. The period of hospitalization for childbirth affords contact by parents with others sharing similar, yet unique, experiences. It also makes available to them nurses and other members of the health team. If nursing is concerned with helping the individual determine and meet his or her own needs then postpartal nursing offers boundless opportunities. Anyone who has shared these early days will perhaps remember the eagerness with which parents examine every detail of their baby's appearance and activities. They might remember, too, the shifting moods from excitement and elation to concern and doubt, as the responsibilities of child-rearing develop and the many adjustments to a new family member begin.