**1. Introduction**

Pregnancy and its unique processes come with a variety of experiences and emotions. Due to the different physiologic makeup, adaptation, and responses, individual women respond differently to normal pregnancy processes. Women, therefore, need support to navigate the challenges of puerperium. Midwives are uniquely trained, skilled, and placed to meet these needs.

Delivery of the placenta marks the end of pregnancy and the beginning of puerperium. Puerperium or postnatal period is a period of transition, it is the extended period between the completion of the third stage of delivery up till 42 days (6 weeks) after childbirth. It is a critical time requiring the most attention on the mother, baby, and family members. Many mothers experience near-miss events and maternal and infant deaths occur during this time. However, the immediate postpartum period appears to be the most overlooked [1–3].

Challenges mothers experience include the decision to breastfeed and how to care for the baby, medical conditions associated with pregnancy and puerperium, postpartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia, increased cesarean section rate and complications, and high delivery cost. This chapter will provide suggestions for adjusting to the physiologic and psychological changes of pregnancy during puerperium.
