Postpartum hemorrhage is on the rise…

Why? Likely due to the staggering increase in the use of induction, augmentation, epidurals & c-sections.

The most common reason for hemorrhage (up to 80% of cases) is uterine atony - when the muscles of the uterus have been so overworked during labor that they are too exhausted to help stop bleeding after birth.

What’s one of the top reasons for uterine atony to occur?

Induction or augmentation WITH PITOCIN.

So, let’s get this straight - we tell people that it’s too dangerous for them to stay pregnant past a certain date & administer Pitocin to get their labor started or hurry it up.

Because the contractions caused by Pitocin are more frequent/stronger/longer than natural contractions, the uterus becomes exhausted. There is more bleeding than usual because the uterus can’t clamp down & stop it. A hemorrhage is suspected (blood loss is usually visually estimated, not truly measured), and the same drug that caused the problem is given to solve the problem.

The circle of Pitocin is complete.

Because of the highly medicalized active management of labor & birth in hospitals, Pitocin is often given to everyone preventatively in the 3rd stage of labor (unless you know to decline). It’s always optional.

Are there ways to help prevent postpartum hemorrhage naturally?

YES!

- NO Pitocin (or other uterotonics) during labor
- NO pulling on the cord (cord traction)
- NO immediate cord clamping (wait for white)
- NO vigorous “fundal massage” or unnecessary manual removal of placenta

- YES to immediate skin-to-skin with baby
- YES to breastfeed baby right away after birth
- YES to waiting for the cord to turn white & the placenta to be birthed on its own