GLOSSARY

 

Continuity of care refers to ongoing, coordinated support from a consistent provider or team throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. It is widely recognised as a best practice model, contributing to improved health outcomes, early identification of complications, and increased satisfaction and trust among women and families.

Applications Across Healthcare Settings

• Hospitals & Tertiary Care: Enhances handover safety and reduces fragmentation in high-acuity, multidisciplinary environments.
• Community Services: Supports holistic, long-term care that addresses social determinants of health and child development.
• Private Clinics: Enables deeply individualised, relationship-based care with flexibility across preconception to postpartum and beyond.

Perinatal

Spanning from the 22nd week of gestation to seven days after birth (WHO definition). In broader contexts, it may refer to the entire pregnancy and early postpartum period.

Perinatal Mental Health

Mental health during pregnancy and the year following birth. Includes conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Supports need to be accessible, destigmatized, and culturally appropriate.

Postnatal / Postpartum

Often used interchangeably, these terms refer to the period after childbirth. Both refer to the physical and emotional recovery phase following birth.

• Postnatal typically refers to the baby, although it can be used for all issues pertaining to the mother and the baby after birth (WHO, 2010).

• Postpartum focuses on the mother. Refers to the time after childbirth, typically considered the first six weeks, but many experts and communities recognize it can last up to a year or more. It encompasses physical recovery, mental health transitions, and social role adjustments.

Postnatal/ Postpartum period 

The time frame that starts immediately after the birth of a baby and lasts for a minimum of six weeks (42 days), but can extend to one or two years following childbirth.

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

A mood disorder affecting birthing people after childbirth, marked by sadness, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, anxiety, and detachment from the baby. PPD is distinct from “baby blues” and may require clinical treatment and support. 

Puerperium

The medical term for the six-week period following childbirth during which the mother’s body returns to a non-pregnant state, including involution of the uterus.

(First) 40 Days

A culturally significant healing period in many countries during which the mother is expected to rest and recover. It often involves physical seclusion and communal support.

4th Trimester

A non-medical term referring to the first 12 weeks after birth. Emphasizes the need for continued support and care for the mother-baby dyad as they adjust to life post-delivery.

Gestation

The process of carrying a pregnancy from conception to birth. In humans, full-term gestation is approximately 40 weeks.

Degestation

A term coined by Ingrid Bayot (Bayot, 2020) to describe the complex physical and emotional processes that occur in a female body transitioning from a pregnant to a non-pregnant state after childbirth. This concept highlights the significant transformations that take place during and after gestation, which are often poorly understood and lack specific terminology. The absence of language to articulate these experiences can lead to a denial of their existence, creating a social and linguistic blind spot.

Matrescence

The physical, emotional, hormonal, and social transition to becoming a mother. Similar to adolescence, it represents a major developmental milestone.

Mother-Baby Dyad

A concept that acknowledges the mother and baby as an inseparable unit whose health and well-being are interdependent, particularly critical during the postpartum period.

MotherBaby

A rights-based and holistic model that promotes the treatment of mother and baby as one biological and social entity in healthcare practices, particularly in the first year postpartum.

Mother Care

An approach emphasizing tailored postpartum support that can include physical recovery, mental health, social reintegration, and maternal identity development.

Maternal Morbidity

Refers to health complications that result from pregnancy or childbirth and can have long-term effects on a mother’s physical or mental health. Includes both severe and less obvious conditions, such as hemorrhage, infections, or untreated depression.

Maternity Leave

The period of time a birthing parent takes off work before and/or after childbirth. Policies vary widely across countries in terms of duration, pay, and inclusivity. The term may also encompass parental leave for non-birthing partners.

9 Months In – 9 Months Out

A phrase emphasizing that postpartum recovery and adjustment for both mother and baby take time, often as long as the pregnancy itself.

Psychosocial Support

A holistic support system addressing both emotional and social needs. May include counseling, peer groups, community resources, and practical help. Critical for mental health and maternal well-being.

Social Isolation

The lack of social connections or support is often intensified during the postpartum period. It can increase the risk of postpartum depression and feelings of inadequacy. Community involvement, peer networks, and inclusive services can mitigate isolation.

Trauma-Informed Care

A care model that recognizes the impact of past or current trauma on a person’s well-being. Providers using trauma-informed care prioritize safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment, especially crucial in postpartum care.

Intergenerational Support

Support provided by older family members (e.g., grandmothers, aunties) during the postpartum period. Can offer cultural continuity, practical care, and emotional reassurance. Its availability varies by culture, family structure, and migration context.

 

POSTPARTUM TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

These cultural terms reflect the diversity of postpartum care practices and beliefs across contexts. They often include a focus on seclusion, rest, nourishment, and social support:

• Chilla (Pakistan): A 40-day confinement period supported by family, with reduced physical activity and spiritual rituals.

   

• La Cuarentena (Mexico): A rest phase of approximately 40 days focused on recovery, bonding, and avoidance of stress and household duties.

• Resguardo, Dieta, Quarentena (Brazil): Practices involving seclusion, special diets, and a protective environment for the mother.

• Sam Chil Il (Korea): A socially observed isolation period, marked by traditions and symbolic gestures like hanging a rope over the door.

• Satogaeri Bunben (Japan): Returning to the maternal home to receive care from one’s own mother or family after childbirth.

   

• Yu Duen (Thailand): Involves herbal steam rituals and practices promoting physical recovery.

• Zuo Yuezi (坐月子) (China): “Sitting the month/and or Sitting the Moon” – a tradition involving rest, restricted activity, warm foods, and support by family or professionals.

 

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WHO Technical Consultation on Postpartum and Postnatal Care. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2010. 6, WHO Technical Consultation on Postpartum Care. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310595/

WHO recommendations on maternal and newborn care for a positive postnatal experience. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2022. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/353586/9789240044074-eng.pdf?sequence=1