Postpartum Physiology
As a doula, your role is not one to medically diagnose your clients or to provide them with medical advice, However, a good working knowledge of the physiology and complications that may occur postpartum is important. This will help you identify when your clients may need more medical attention. It will also allow you to provide them with resources and information that will help them make choices specific to their situation. There may also be some simple, non-medical support you can give to help your clients cope with some of the normal discomforts and adjustments needed during postpartum.
Read:
Watch:
Complications and common procedures:
Epidurals and postpartum complications:
Uterine Inversion
Postpartum hemorrhage
Tearing Versus Episiotomy:
Read:
https://midwifethinking.com/2016/01/13/perineal-protectors/
What is the Evidence for Perinatal Massage
Selective versus Routine Use of Episiotomy
Episiotomy: When it’s needed, when it’s not
Listen:
https://birthful.com/podcast-protecting-perineum-tear/
Diastasis Recti
Diastasis Recti and Pregnancy with Katy Bowman
Cesarean Section
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_iarM8pjHQ
Healing After Childbirth
Medical Model Perspective
Midwifery Model of Care Perspective
Assignment:
Answer the “Check Your Reading” sections and There is a Nursing Care Plan on pg 401. Read through this carefully. This shows how a woman would be cared for medically. As a doula, you do not care for the medical aspects of a woman’s care, but you do make assessments and plan actions to help give them emotional support for non-medical needs. Given the same scenario in the Care Plan, what needs can you identify that you may address as a doula (non-medical, supportive needs), and what actions would you take to help.
