Evaluation of Postnatal Care Practices and Newborn Health Outcomes at a Teaching Hospital in Delta State

Background: Postnatal care is a critical period for addressing newborn health risks and supporting maternal recovery, yet quality and utilisation of postnatal services in the South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria remain below desired standards. This study evaluates postnatal care practices and their association with newborn health outcomes at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara. Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 220 mother-neonate pairs within 48 hours of delivery using consecutive sampling. A structured questionnaire captured postnatal care practices, and newborn health outcomes were extracted from clinical records. Bivariate associations were computed in SPSS version 26. Results: Completion of recommended postnatal visits within the first six weeks was low. Cord care practices were largely appropriate; however, thermal protection for newborns was suboptimal. Exclusive breastfeeding initiation within the first hour was below recommended targets. Early discharge was associated with lower postnatal visit completion. Conclusion: Deficiencies in postnatal care practices at this teaching hospital in Delta State highlight the need for structured postnatal care protocols and caregiver education. Family medicine practitioners must champion postnatal follow-up frameworks that support maternal recovery and ensure early detection of newborn complications. Keywords: postnatal care, newborn, maternal health, Delta State, breastfeeding