Welcome to this course! So glad to have you! Work your way through the curriculum below, in your own timing, as you will have lifetime access to this course once registered.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Postpartum Suturing

• The role of suturing in postpartum care
• Scope of midwifery in community birth settings
• Overview of the course and prerequisites (e.g., basic knot-tying skills)
• When and why repairs are needed

Chapter 2: Understanding Perineal Tears

• Classification of tears (First, Second, Third, and Fourth degrees)
• Identifying which tears require repair
• Types of injuries outside the midwifery scope and when to transport
• Hands-on assessment techniques (e.g., using the pointer finger as a measurement tool)

Chapter 3: Equipment and Materials

• Essential tools and supplies for suturing
• Proper handling and preparation of instruments
• Loading the suture needle and maintaining a sterile field

Chapter 4: Administering Lidocaine

• Estimating dosage and injection sites
• Step-by-step process for effective pain management
• Safety precautions and medication guidelines

Chapter 5: Planes of Repair

• Overview of vaginal, muscle, and skin planes
• Techniques for identifying and preparing each plane for suturing
• Specific repair strategies for each plane

Chapter 6: Suturing Techniques

• Types of stitches: running, interrupted, and subcuticular
• Creating anchor knots, tying square knots, and burying knots
• Differences between continuous and interrupted methods of repair
• Video demonstrations for practical learning

Chapter 7: Advanced Repair Considerations

• Managing starburst tears, vaginal wall tears, and other complex scenarios
• Guidelines for repairing the skin plane near sensitive areas
• Detecting and managing complications during repair

Chapter 8: Finalizing the Repair

• Reviewing and reassessing the repair for accuracy
• Techniques for detecting missed areas or complications
• Performing a rectal exam to ensure no bowel involvement

Chapter 9: Case Studies and Practical Application

• Real-life repair scenarios and decision-making
• Video demonstrations of live repairs, including tear exams and detecting bleeders

Chapter 10: Conclusion and Feedback

• Encouragement for ongoing practice and skill refinement
• How to provide feedback and engage with the online suturing workshop
• Final Q&A section

To earn CEU credit for this online course, participants must actively engage by asking questions or responding to prompts in the comment sections. Additionally, they must complete the in-course Q&A, take the post-test, and submit their results.

Suturing After Birth Post-Test Evaluation: https://www.midwiferywisdomcollective.com/suturing-after-birth-post-test