Postnatal exercise during puerperium among women in the maternity unit cottege hospital Bojude

Background: Postnatal exercise is an important component of maternal health care during the puerperium, as it aids recovery, enhances physical fitness, promotes uterine involution, and helps prevent complications such as postpartum hemorrhage. Despite its benefits, many women fail to engage in postnatal exercise due to cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, or poor compliance. Objective: This study examined postnatal exercise practices during the puerperium among women in the maternity unit of Cottage Hospital, Bojude. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire through random sampling. Out of 200 distributed questionnaires, 156 were completed and returned. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequency distribution tables. Results: The findings revealed a perceived high level of awareness of postnatal exercise (71.0%) among the women; however, compliance with the recommended practices was low(31.0%). Postnatal exercise was associated with age and education (p < 0.05), but not with birth preferences or parity (p ≥ 0.05). Respondents agreed that postnatal exercise contributes to improved strength and fitness (71.0%), uterine involution (69%), and the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (71.0%). Conclusion: The study recommends sustained health education on the importance of postnatal exercise for puerperal women, particularly those who are younger or have lower levels of education. This should be promoted by health workers, religious leaders, government agencies, the media, and through seminars.