I am seriously passionate about suturing! The reason why I put this workshop together is because I have heard over and over again, that midwives (and definitely student midwives) need more practice in this area. I believe that all too often, our own hesitancy prevents us from suturing tears that would heal better when brought together. If only all legs stayed together for a full week or two after birth to optimize the natural healing of a tear...but often that is not the case!
This is a such an important skill for midwives as tearing is so common, that it is a part of birth. Our clients only have one opportunity to heal their perineum naturally - without surgery - and they need that pelvic floor for the rest of their lives.
In this workshop, we will be learning all the basics of suturing so that you come out of the workshop more skilled and confident to suture moving forward.
My goal is for you to leave feeling confident in your skills so you can help folks heal WELL after birth :)
- it all starts with prevention so we will review and practice strategies to prevent tearing
- review of the anatomy and tips to identify what you're looking at
- how to thoroughly assess, determine degree of tear and create a plan of repair
- maternal and midwife positioning for maximum comfort
- pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical pain relief
- familiarize yourself with suturing equipment (needles, suture material, instruments)
- analgesics (topical and injectable)
- Differing techniques to suture 1st, 2nd & 3rd degree tears
- sterile technique
- practice drawing up and injecting lidocaine
- practice surgical knots (both hand ties and surgical)
- practice basic stitches and when to use them and how to end!
- specific stitches to repair fascia, muscles, sphincter, clitoral, labial and perineal tissues
- how to check your repair once complete
- special considerations to think about
- stabilize and transport for complex or severe tears
- Review of postpartum care of tears
- AND of course, practice, practice, practice!!
**The workshop will be almost entirely hands-on and includes an extensive handout.
The goal of the workshop is to increase skills and confidence so that you feel comfortable to suture and not turn a blind eye to a tear that would be better off repaired :) We will not be covering options to suturing although we will no doubt discuss it as the topic arises!
Let's all learn together!
Each workshop is capped at 8 to ensure everyone has plenty of time and attention and access to models :)
Cost is $175 per participant
All supplies included :)
No CEUs provided at this time
