one month following discharge the mother's cardiac function returned to normal, and did not require antihypertensive or cardiac medications or further cardiac follow-up. Baby A required 4 day of CPAP and was discharged home after an 18-day stay in the NICU. Baby B required 3 day of CPAP and was discharged home after a 14 -day stay in the NICU.
Clinical Implications
Although PPCM is rare, there is a distinct need for attention when women develop symptoms of SOB and a cough. Early nursing recognition to differentiate signs and symptoms of preeclampsia and PPCM is pivotal to patient survival and long-term recovery. detailed, serial, and frequent assessments need to be performed for patients who develop dyspnea. Nurses need to be aware of and report when patients develop nonproductive cough, chest pain, or palpitations. Comprehensive nursing assessment, detailed documentation, and thorough communication between nursing staff and physicians are essential. Early BNP and echocardiograms can assist with the diagnosis and monitor PPCM progression. Consultation from specialists in other disciplines such as internal medicine and cardiology can aid in earlier detection of PPCM . It is also important for the nurse to facilitate consults with the LC to assist the mother with pumping, if she chooses, and to be value in determining the safety of medications in the breast milk. Communication between the NICU/newborn nursery and nursing staff members caring for the mother is important to be able to provide updates to the family, take pictures, and allow as much time as possible for her and the family to visit with the baby(s). A multidisciplinary team is needed to expedite the process of detection and work to intervene on PPCM ,thus promoting safety and limiting unnecessary and long-term complications for the patient and her family