BACKGROUND:
The immediate postpartum period (first 24 hours after birth) is critical for mothers and newborns. A large proportion of maternal and neonatal deaths occur during this time. Timely, integrated and cost-effective interventions for mothers and newborns designed to suit existing healthcare systems and maximise available human resources have an impact on reducing these mortalities.

OBJECTIVES:
The study explored the midwives’ understanding of the components of the immediate postpartum and newborn care provided within the first 24 hours after birth in Uganda.

METHODS:
This was a qualitative descriptive study conducted among 15 purposively sampled midwives and four midwifery ward managers at a District Hospital in central Uganda. Three focus group discussions and four key informant interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s inductive thematic approach.

RESULTS:
All participants were females aged between 23 and 59 years. One of the themes "Optimising birth outcomes" emerged. It included subthemes; enhancing newborn survival, enhancing maternal survival, regular monitoring and management of complications, and timing, which reflected midwives’ understanding of the components of immediate postpartum and newborn care.

CONCLUSIONS:
Midwives understood the value of immediate postpartum and newborn care. However, their views demonstrated varying understandings of the components of immediate postpartum and newborn care. Some participants provided incorrect information about certain practices, which may reflect gaps in clinical practice and the implications for clinical diagnosis and management. There was also uncertainty about the timing and duration of the immediate postpartum period.

KEY MESSAGE:
The care interventions identified in this study were not exhaustive compared to the standard WHO care recommendations. This indicates missed opportunities for providing comprehensive, quality maternal and newborn care. Poster session 1 (Group A)