Course Overview and Purpose
This course covers postpartum complications found in the home birth practice, including; spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical. The student will be prepared to diagnose, treat, and refer, when necessary, many postpartum complications.
Midwives College of Utah. (2024). MDWF 3050: Postpartum Complications. Midwives College of Utah Midwifing Midwives, 4-5. https://midwifery.instructure.com/courses/3892/files/1119108?wrap=1
Clinical management of complications in the first few hours after birth.
Clinical management of complications in the first eight weeks after birth.
Complications in the postpartum period including when to refer to other care providers and when to activate EMS.
Clinical management of the following conditions:
Postpartum Hypertension and Preeclampsia
Endometritis
PP hemorrhage
Cystocele
Rectocele
incontinence (feces or urine) and fistula, bowel problems
Urinary retention
principles of elimination, management-micturition & catheterization
Perineal pain and dyspareunia
Retained products of conception, D&C
Subinvolution
Gallbladder disease
Cesarean recovery including wound infection, principles of infection control-need to obtain swab, principles of wound management-principles of wound healing
Postpartum thyroid conditions
Mastitis/Cellulitis o Hematoma
Postpartum hemorrhage/late postpartum hemorrhage
DVT/Thrombophlebitis/PE
UTI/Kidney Infection/Cystitis/Urethritis
Postpartum Mood Disorders including PP depression, PP Anxiety, PP OCD, and PP psychosis
Mental illness and complex childhood trauma/PTSD
Maternal HIB, HIV, TB, Hep B and C including prevention of transmission to midwives and assistants
Postpartum anemia
Management of the following:
Substance abuse risk factors
Child abuse/neglect risk factors
Domestic partner abuse
Transport etiquette
Management of birth trauma associated with:
Shoulder dystocia
PP hemorrhage
Manual removal of placenta
Fetal demise
Family and others showing up uninvited and not behaving appropriately during birth.
Mismatch for the client of their attendant/midwife/student
Sexual abuse trauma arising during birth
Midwives College of Utah. (2024). MDWF 3050: Postpartum Complications. Midwives College of Utah Midwifing Midwives, 4-5. https://midwifery.instructure.com/courses/3892/files/1119108?wrap=1
Practice Guidelines- https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MoKi6tk9rGEp4CZ9VW9MV0YxfbdYIrs7?usp=sharing
Perinatal Mood Disorders Handout- https://www.canva.com/design/DAFn4Q6GW0w/3d27RR2d9c8F7elDIN_iAw/edit?utm_content=DAFn4Q6GW0w&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Research Analysis Paper for Special Needs in the Postpartum for Individuals with Complex ACES- (Not completed yet, will update once complete by 04/15/2024)
