STAGES OF LABOR
1st Stage: CERVICAL STAGE
a. Latent phase
b. Active phase
c. Transition phase
2nd Stage: EXPULSIVE STAGE
3rd Stage: PLACENTAL STAGE
4th Stage: IMMEDIATE POSTPARTUM
Duration:
- The period from delivery of the placenta until the condition of the woman has stabilized
(1-4 hours after delivery).
Routinely inspect the vulva, vagina, perineum and anus to identify genital lacerations.
Inspect the placenta and membranes.
DO NOT DO routine manual exploration of the uterine cavity.
Evaluate if the uterus is well contracted and massage the uterus at regular intervals.
Teach the woman to massage her own uterus to keep it firm. DO NOT put ice pack on
the mother’s abdomen.
Signs of readiness for BF: crawling, tonguing, rooting, sucking
Signs of good attachment:
Chin touching the breast
Mouth is wide-open
Lower lip turned upward
More areola seen above than below the mouth.