Practices of midwives in the management of postpartum haemorrhage: A case of Maseru, Lesotho

Abstract

Abstract Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) remains the common cause of maternal mortality. More than half of maternal deaths from PPH occur within 24 hours of delivery and could be prevented through midwives compliance with guidelines and standards for clinical practice. This study aimed to assess the midwives practices regarding the management of PPH in Maseru Lesotho. A quantitative cross-sectional study was undertaken. Convenience sampling was used to select 220 midwives who voluntarily completed a structured self-administered questionnaire. Ethical clearance was granted by the Ministry of Health Research and Ethics Committee. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science and presented using descriptive and analytic statistics. Midwives were competent with estimation and recording blood loss, placenta assessment and vital signs of patients. There was a significant association between the highest education qualification and midwives who estimate and record blood loss, palpate and measure the uterine fundus and assess the completeness of the placenta. The results revealed a significant association between work experience, uterine fundus measurement and estimated blood loss. Midwives reported to practice management of PPH based mostly on guidelines. However, many midwives still disregard recommendations, putting patients at risk hence the need to intensify supervision to ensure safe practices.