Presentation Information

Mastering the Assessment and Repair of Birth Lacerations

• Speaker: Nell Tharpe , MS CNM, CRNFA, FACNM
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 120 Mins
• Credits: 2 ACM CPD, 2 ACNM CEU, 0.2 Midwifery CEU

Abstract:

Ensuring equity in birth care means that every client in every setting receives a careful and intentional assessment for tissue trauma, information about the clinical findings and options for care, is an active participant in the decision whether to suture and has the opportunity for skilled wound closure that restores anatomy, functionality, and beauty to the genital tract. In this session we will briefly explore how to meet these expectations in midwifery practice. Using models, we will discuss the anatomy affected by birth and the prevention and significance of birth lacerations. We’ll talk about how to perform a careful assessment after birth in order to make an accurate diagnosis and formulate a preliminary plan for tissue approximation. We’ll explore ways to share that information with the client so they can be a full participant in shared decision-making when closure of a birth laceration is recommended. Step-by-step demonstration of closure of a second-degree laceration will be demonstrated, followed by non-traditional skin closures.