**5. Strategies to combat postnatal challenges**

Recognizing that postpartum women sometimes abruptly get into this stage without adequate preparation, they require huge support mostly from their caregivers to overcome these challenges. And because women present with differing needs, a one-size-fits-all approach will not solve the problem. Adopting the individualized care approach will suffice [70]. This brief section will discuss client-related strategies and health worker-related strategies geared toward supporting the smooth transition and function of postpartum women.

While focusing on the client-related strategy, it is critical to improve the education of women/families by re-enforcing educational content through the provision of information leaflets with opportunities to clarify misconceptions and questions. This will increase women's self-confidence, self-efficacy, and satisfaction [71]. Other educational care involves the need for compliance with medication, appointments, and follow-up care. Supportive care will enhance breastfeeding and the care of the baby [72].

On the other hand, changing times require improvement in care outcomes and input from workers. Midwives communicate skill, competence and professionalism while being sensitive to client's needs and prioritize patient care rather than organizational priorities [73]. There appears increased progressive knowledge of the client due to the ease of assessing information and technological improvements. Caregivers must respond adequately and professionally to the information needs of clients, bridging the knowledge gap with effective learning and dissemination of life-preserving and lifesaving information [74].

Appropriate weight gain in pregnancy is beneficial to the health of the mother and fetus. Though prenatal and postpartum weight gain or loss appears associated with the sociodemographic characteristics of many women [75], lack of weight control is associated with obesity, and gestational diabetes that could complicate fetal and maternal pregnancy outcomes. Which could lead to stress, inadequate coping the development of Type II diabetes mellitus and poor health outcomes [76].

To prevent this, women are therefore advised to adhere to adequate nutrition during and after pregnancy. The combination of diet and exercise is a good strategy for maintaining ideal weight and health during postpartum [77]. Moreover, the maintenance of ideal weight contributes to self-esteem and confidence building. It portends better well-being and welfare for the mother and baby [1].

Paying special attention to caring for women with special needs or medical conditions, and building trusts is yet another strategy. Women with or without a history of pregnancy-induced hypertension can develop postpartum pre-eclampsia. A higher risk associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension occurs within 48 hours postpartum. Therefore, such women must receive closer blood pressure monitoring with laboratory investigations. They also will benefit from shorter and more frequent checks within seven days of delivery [78].

Strategy to cope with pain involves judicious and appropriate use of analgesics and increased rest periods, especially for women who had a cesarean section or instrumental deliveries [68, 79]. Exercise also promotes mental health as well as physiologic return and function [80]. Every visit allows a review of their emotional and psychological state will drive client-centred care. An attentive listener can decipher more information from the pieces of information obtained during conversations [65].

Improve the midwives' attitude to clients. Many clients have developed negative impressions of the manner health workers deal with them. This goes a long way to

determine their acceptance and adherence to treatment instructions. Safe delivery of their babies thus paves the way to escape from the facility and health workers. Midwives must develop a good work ethic and attitude toward patients. And desist from breaking the care continuum through negative attitudes [81].

Improved capacity for patient and patient information management is key to overcoming postpartum care challenges. So is the need for organizational buy-in institutionalizing patient care standards, policies, and protocols [32]. Health organizations and regulatory bodies must provide leadership and direction to achieve a safer healthcare system, and service. Ensure a conducive work environment with tools where providers can give competent and quality care that promotes maternal wellbeing and health that benefits the family and society. This is achievable with adequate budgetary provision and health financing [82].
