S3 guideline “Care of mother and child in the postpartum period”

The first period after birth is a formative and often challenging phase for mothers and their newborn babies. In order to improve care in the postpartum period, a practice-orientated and academically sound S3 guideline has been developed for the first time specifically for women who have recently given birth and their children. The system used in the guideline development process corresponds to the highest quality level (S3). The aim is to promote evidence-based care for mothers and their newborns. Prof Dr Lena Agel, founding dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Aschaffenburg Technical University, is coordinating the project as a member of the German Society for Midwifery Science, DGHWi. It is funded by the Innovation Fund of the Joint Federal Committee until 31 March 2027.

Under the consortium leadership of Professor Agel, an interdisciplinary network of representatives from scientific associations, professional associations and parents' initiatives is working on the guideline. "The postpartum period is a crucial phase of life that deserves evidence-based and holistic care. With the S3 guideline, we want to create practical and academically sound recommendations that optimally accompany this special time," emphasises Dr Lena Agel.

The kick-off meeting of the guideline group took place at Aschaffenburg Technical University on 21 January 2024. Experts from various disciplines came together to discuss methodological principles, form working groups and start the interdisciplinary collaboration.

Consortium partners and members of the steering group include the German Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (DGGG), represented by Prof. Dr Brigitte Strizek and Prof. Dr Ralf Schmitz, the German Society of Perinatal Medicine (DGPM), represented by Prof. Dr Hans Proquitté, and the German Society of Midwifery Science (DGHWi), represented by Prof. Dr Mirjam Peters. The Institute for Research in Operative Medicine (IFOM) at Witten/Herdecke University, represented by Dr Käthe Gooßen, is also part of the consortium. The project is also supported by 16 other scientific associations, professional organisations and representatives of families from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.