Pitocin to control bleeding of laceration

[susi]

I was asked to open pitocin up on a precipitous delivery by a fellow RN prior to the delivery of the placenta. I was always taught to apply pressure to the laceration but that the pitocin shouldnt be given until the placenta is delivered. The doctor arrived and the pt. bleeding slowed down (total ebl was 400ml). Does anyone have any experience in this area? Is there a reference that would contain this info? Any help would be appreciated.

[SmilingBluEyes]

indeed, Sharon.

[lapiazze]

I was asked to open pitocin up on a precipitous delivery by a fellow RN prior to the delivery of the placenta. I was always taught to apply pressure to the laceration but that the pitocin shouldnt be given until the placenta is delivered. The doctor arrived and the pt. bleeding slowed down (total ebl was 400ml). Does anyone have any experience in this area? Is there a reference that would contain this info? Any help would be appreciated.

pitocin was given to me by IV right after my son was born. i had a C Section and i was awake for the whole thing and i was told that pitocin is given to help my uterus contract not to stop any bleeding. but boy oh boy that stuff sure does burn! i had after birth labor pains for a while after that! i will never forget that burning sensation pain for as long as i live.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Let me clarify something:

Pitocin does not in and of itself STOP BLEEDING.

I will cause the uterus to contract more firmly and strongly, containing open bleeding from within by putting pressure on bleeding blood vessels-----it mimics the oxytocin release that occurs naturally in a nursing and newly-postpartum mom. Nursing a newborn can actually stimulate the contractions needed to cause the uterus to firm up efficiently and prevent pp hemorrhage.. Pitocin is used when needed to help firm up a boggy uterus unresponsive to massage or breastfeeding.

I hope this helps clear it up.

[RaeT,RN]

Deb-

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I was confused when you said that her bleeding was dark red . . . couldn't figure out why it wasn't bright red . . . thank you so much for that. Now, if I have a pt with large amts of DARK red bleeding, I will know what to think of - never really thought much about cervical lacs, but now I will!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

And PLEASE start a thread about dangerous first year lessons learned!!!!!!