**Abstract**

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 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, it is a most overlooked period. Mothers experience numerous changes which include physiological, psychological economic and sociological changes and without the necessary knowledge and support could affect their ability to care for the newborn and themselves. Challenges mothers experience include the decision to breastfeed and care for the baby, medical conditions associated with pregnancy and puerperium, postpartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia, increased cesarean section rate and complications and high delivery cost. International health bodies have recommendations for postnatal care, this chapter will focus on strategies the mothers and care providers can adopt to overcome postnatal challenges.

**Keywords:** challenges, mothers, postnatal care, postnatal challenges, postpartum strategies
