BirthWorks Class: Sterilizing Instruments, Estimating Blood Loss and Finding Your Path to Midwifery
Estimating Blood Loss
Bleeding is a normal occurrence during childbirth, but it is important to understand how much is okay during labor and after birth.
Overestimating blood loss can lead to unnecessary interventions which pose more risks to the mother and/or baby.
Underestimating blood loss can lead to a delay in lifesaving hemorrhage interventions.
Postpartum hemorrhage is the loss of more than 500 cc of blood after birth.
Amounts are measured in cc (cubic centimeter) or ml (milliliter) 1 cc = 1 ml
1 T. = 15 cc ½ C. = 125 cc 1 C. = 250 cc 2 C. = 500 cc
¼ C. = 60 cc ¾ C. = 175 cc 1 ½ C. = 275 cc 4 C. = 1000 cc
Methods of Sterilizing Instruments and their Pros and Cons
Cleanse + 320’ oven (2hours)
Quick, easy, kills bacteria & inexpensive
Does not kill all contaminants. Not completely sterile.
Cleanse + Boil (30 min) + 170’ oven
Easy, Kills all contaminants & inexpensive
Boiling breaks down instruments.
Cleanse + 15psi Pressure Cooker (15min) + 170’ Oven
Kills all contaminants & slightly inexpensive
Requires more equipment + time.
Autoclave Machine
Quick, easy, kills all contaminants
Highly expensive
Preferred Method: Cleanse + Pressure Cooker + Oven
*Supplies needed: Clean Bristle Brush (firm toothbrush), Miltex Instrument Cleaner, Miltex Spray Lube, Water, Paper Towels, Gloves
Phase 1: Clean
Gather instruments and set up supplies
Rinse instruments
Prepare solution
Scrub instruments thoroughly with brush
Rinse thoroughly
Pat dry
Lube well
Place in sterile pouches & put away
Phase 2: Steam
Gather instruments (in pouches) and prepare pressure cooker
Place supplies in pressure cooker
Cook at 15psi for 15 minutes
Phase 3: Dry
Place in warm oven (170’)
Allow oven to dry out pouches completely
Cool and put away instruments
Midwifery Path Tips
-Gather and read required books
-Become a birth doula
-Become a childbirth educator
-Connect with the birth community
-Gather quality supplies when on sale
-Print, read and fill out NARM forms and CIB
-Remember you are unique and your path will be unique
Resources
narm.org * gomidwife.com * inhishands.com * aspiring midwives FB * blessednaturalbirth.com
