Exploring opportunities for timely prevention, detection and management of primary postpartum haemorrhage at Epworth-Freemasons

On average, 14-27% of Australian women experience a primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). PPH is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide and a significant contributor to serious postpartum complications. Recovering from a PPH can be debilitating. Trauma, fatigue and anaemia are great challenges for a new mother which negatively impact adjustment to parenting and breastfeeding duration. Mothers who survive PPH are require expensive treatments, such as blood transfusions and admission to intensive care at great cost to them, the hospital and health funds. There is an urgent need to examine current practices and interventions to reduce the incidence of PPH, to improve the quality
and safety of maternity care. This pilot funding will allow researchers examine the contributing factors to PPH at Epworth-Freemasons and provide solutions that can be implemented to improve and provide quality care.