Abstract
M.Cur.
A lot of mothers and babies are being discharged earlier from the hospital because of limits with
the medical aids on the length of stay. In a few ofthese cases the mother and baby were
readmitted because of health problems that persisted after they had been discharge. The
question arises as to where the problem lies and what are the reasons so many patients are
discharged with health problems and what can be done to prevent or reduce these problems.
This study investigates the health status of the mother and their health problems on being
discharged. The sample came from mothers with medical aids, in the post natal unit, in a
selected clinic and ready to go home. Guidelines were developed to prevent these health
problems or how to handle them differently.
A literature study was undertaken on the normal physiological changes that take place with the
birth of the baby and after the mothers have been discharged. According to this study changes
and abnormalities could be identified. An instrument was developed to assess the mother's
condition on discharge and to identify possible complications that could develop at home and
obstruct health promotion.
The results show that some of the mothers were discharged with one or other health problem that
could cause severe problems at home. The biggest problem identified was with breast-feeding as
well as oedema of the feet and hands. There were also a few mothers still unsure as to how to
handle their babies.
Guidelines were formed to help the nursing staff to supply information for the mother on early
discharge and to help prevent health problems or to lessen them. The guidelines help the
mothers to know how to look for the signs and symptoms of health problems at home
Recommendations were made regarding future research on this issue.