Believe Midwifery Services

POLICY STATEMENT: “The reality is that postpartum hemorrhage requiring transport is extremely rare. The incident reported is 0.2 to 1 percent” (Varney, 2004, p 952). In research that examines out-of-hospital birth with a comparison low-risk group birthing in the hospital, there is a greater incidence of postpartum hemorrhage in the hospital group. With advanced planning, immediate PPH is a complication that can usually be well managed in the home. Evaluation and management of bleeding in the home is identical to hospital practice (e.g., digital compression and/or repair of lacerations, vaginal exploration, and assessment and treatment of atony). If there is inadequate response to therapy, emergency medical service is contacted for transport for hospital care. However, transport is not always indicated following stabilization.