Postpartum Assessment Checklist
Comprehensive postpartum assessment including physical assessment, breastfeeding evaluation, and maternal mental health screening.
- Industry: Healthcare
- Frequency: Every shift
- Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
- Role: Postpartum Nurse
- Total Items: 48
- Compliance: AWHONN Standards, ACOG Practice Guidelines, Joint Commission Perinatal Care
Vital Signs
Maternal vital signs
- Temperature within normal limits?
- Blood pressure within limits?
- Pulse within normal limits?
- Respiratory rate normal?
Breast Assessment
Breastfeeding support
- Breasts assessed (soft, filling, engorged)?
- Nipple integrity assessed?
- Breastfeeding latch assessed (if applicable)?
- Lactation support offered?
Fundus & Lochia
Uterine assessment
- Fundal height documented?
- Fundus firm?
- Lochia amount documented?
- Lochia normal (no foul odor, clots)?
Perineum/Incision
Wound assessment
- Perineum/episiotomy assessed?
- Cesarean incision assessed (if applicable)?
- Healing normally without infection signs?
Elimination
Bowel and bladder
- Voiding adequate amounts?
- Bowel function returning?
Psychosocial Assessment
Mental health screening
- Maternal-infant bonding observed?
- Maternal mood assessed?
- Support system adequate?
- Depression screening completed?
Pre-Assessment Information
Initial assessment documentation and patient/facility identification
- Assessor Name / Credentials
- Assessment Date
- Department / Unit
- Assessment Type (Routine/Annual/Complaint)
- Previous assessment findings reviewed?
Infection Prevention & Control
Verify infection control practices per CDC and Joint Commission standards
- Hand hygiene compliance observed?
- Appropriate PPE available and properly used?
- Isolation precautions properly implemented?
- Sharps containers available and not overfilled?
- High-touch surfaces properly disinfected?
Patient Safety & Identification
Verify patient safety protocols and identification procedures
- Two patient identifiers used before procedures?
- Fall risk assessment completed?
- Call light within patient reach?
- Bed in lowest position with brakes locked?
Medication Safety & Management
Verify medication handling and administration practices
- Medications stored securely and at proper temperature?
- Controlled substances properly secured and counted?
- No expired medications in stock?
- High-alert medications properly labeled?
Environment of Care & Safety
Verify facility environment meets safety standards
- Fire exits clear and unobstructed?
- Emergency equipment functional and accessible?
- Spill kits available and stocked?
- Electrical cords and outlets in safe condition?
Documentation & Regulatory Compliance
Complete assessment documentation and ensure regulatory compliance
- All findings documented with evidence?
- Corrective actions assigned with timeline?
- Staff education provided on identified issues?
- Assessor Signature
- Additional Observations
Related Healthcare Checklists
- Wound VAC/NPWT Management Checklist
- Telemetry Monitoring Assessment Checklist
- Labor & Delivery Admission Assessment Checklist
- MRI Safety Screening Checklist
- Epidural/PCA Pump Assessment Checklist
- Nursing Peer Review Checklist
- Narcotic Count/Controlled Substance Verification Checklist
- Patient Elopement Prevention Checklist
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Why Use This Postpartum Assessment Checklist?
This postpartum assessment checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for postpartum nurse professionals, this checklist covers 48 critical inspection points across 12 sections. Recommended frequency: every shift.
Ensures compliance with AWHONN Standards, ACOG Practice Guidelines, Joint Commission Perinatal Care. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Postpartum Assessment Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 48 inspection items across 12 sections: Vital Signs, Breast Assessment, Fundus & Lochia, Perineum/Incision, Elimination, Psychosocial Assessment, Pre-Assessment Information, Infection Prevention & Control, Patient Safety & Identification, Medication Safety & Management, Environment of Care & Safety, Documentation & Regulatory Compliance. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed every shift. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Who should use this Postpartum Assessment Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Postpartum Nurse professionals in the healthcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.