Doula Certification Postpartum Care and Newborn Care

Question 1

What is the 'fourth trimester'?

Accepted Answer

The first three months after birth during which mother and baby adjust

Answer

The 'fourth trimester' refers to the first 12 weeks postpartum, a critical adjustment period for both the new parent and newborn.

Question 2

What are the normal stages of lochia after birth?

Accepted Answer

Lochia rubra (red), serosa (pink/brown), alba (white/yellow)

Answer

Lochia progresses from rubra (bright red, days 1-4), to serosa (pink/brown, days 4-10), to alba (yellow/white, up to 6 weeks postpartum).

Question 3

What are the baby blues?

Accepted Answer

Mild mood fluctuations in the first 1-2 weeks postpartum

Answer

Baby blues are mild emotional changes—tearfulness, mood swings, anxiety—that typically resolve within 2 weeks as hormones stabilize.

Question 4

What is postpartum depression (PPD)?

Accepted Answer

A clinical mood disorder persisting beyond 2 weeks postpartum

Answer

PPD is a clinical mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, anxiety, exhaustion, and difficulty bonding that lasts beyond the first two weeks postpartum.

Question 5

What is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)?

Accepted Answer

A validated screening questionnaire for postpartum depression

Answer

The EPDS is a 10-item validated questionnaire used to screen new parents for postpartum depression symptoms.

Doula Certification Practice Test

Doula Certification Practice Test

Doula Certification Postpartum Care and Newborn Care