The Fourth Stage of Labour

Question 1

a supportive person/partner present during the 4th stage of labour is found to result in…

Answer 1

less labour interventions (e.g. lower incidences of epidurals) and improved birth outcomes (e.g. more successful breastfeeding)

Question 2

instrumental/caesarean birth effect on breastfeeding:

Answer 2

infants ability to suck and swallow milk may be impacted by injury to fetal skull or misshapened muscles in infant mouth

Question 3

the more perineal pain a woman suffers with, the more…

Answer 3

distracted she is going to be from breastfeeding

perineal repair may also influence skin to skin and early initiation of breastfeeding

Question 4

stressful labour events effect on breastfeeding:

Answer 4

associated with less frequent sucking

Question 5

maternal bleeding post-partum:

Answer 5

can be reduced by breastfeeding, nipple stimulation, skin to skin
(all stimulate oxytocin)