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couplet
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newborn and postpartum person considered as one unit or patient
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diaphoresis
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process of excessive sweating stimulated by a physiologic event or drug reaction
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engorgement
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painful sensation of filling of the breasts, described as a feeling of hard breasts that ache and are hot to the touch
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foremilk
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milk low in fat content, released at the beginning of a breast-feeding session
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hindmilk
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milk high in fat and calories, released later in the breast-feeding session
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lactogenesis
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physiologic process of developing the means to secrete milk
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lochia alba
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final postpartum discharge that is yellow-white and consists of white blood cells, epithelial cells, and mucus; occurs from approximately day 10 to 28.
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lochia rubra
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bright to dark red discharge during the first few postpartum days that originates at the placental site and consists of blood, cervical discharge, and uterine lining
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lochia serosa
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pinkish-brown discharge that lasts approximately 4 to 10 days
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Maternal Role Attainment Theory
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theory suggesting that early skin-to-skin contact, breast-feeding, and minimizing time apart promote bonding, decrease maternal anxiety, and allow for maternal role attainment
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postpartum blues
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(also:
baby blues
) low moods that are common during the first 2 weeks of the postpartum period that resolve by themselves without treatment or medication
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postpartum depression
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mood disorder whose symptoms are feelings of extreme stress, detachment from the newborn, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed that last longer than 2 weeks and are more severe than postpartum blues
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sitz bath
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warm bath for soaking the perineum, which can be used for 15 to 20 minutes multiple times during the facility stay and after returning home
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taking-hold phase
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phase starting 2 to 4 days after delivery, in which the postpartum person begins to initiate actions without relying on the nurse or partner
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taking-in phase
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phase starting 1 or 2 days after birth, in which the postpartum person is concerned with physical recovery, adapting to body changes, and caring for the newborn