Preventing, detecting and treating the leading cause of maternal mortality
WHO, HRP
Bleeding after birth: Course on prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage
Bleeding after birth: Course on prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage
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Credits
Bleeding after birth
Course on prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage
The Bleeding after birth training course aims to translate standards into care. It incorporates the latest WHO recommendations related to postpartum haemorhage (PPH) and includes links to key references and resources for training. This course is for all health workers who care for women at birth. All women should give birth in facilities with the capacity to treat PPH, and administer intravenous (IV) medicines.
Assessments
As part of the learning process, the course includes pre‑course and post‑course knowledge checks, and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs).
Videos
Demonstration videos from Global Health Media, available to view online and download. For use during the course and after for continued practice.
Supplementary resources
Sample documents for organizers and facilitators – like agendas, room layouts, checklists and evaluations. Download and adapt to fit your needs.
About the methodology
The facilitated course using the Flipchart uses a hands-on, team-oriented, and facility-based approach to learning.
The training materials are designed for small group instruction, ensuring personalized attention and a greater impact on skill acquisition and retention.
The educational principles promote continuous learning through:
- short, focused exercises using realistic simulators for practical skill-building;
- encouraging collaboration and effective communication within healthcare teams;
- individualized support with one facilitator for every 6 participants; and
- regular follow-up sessions at the facilities reinforce and sustain the skills learned.
Using the e-learning alternative
The upcoming e-learning course on the WHO Academy allows participants to do a portion of the course on their own. They can review the content and check their knowledge through interactive activities.
After completing the e-learning, participants can take part in hands-on practice with a mentor or facilitator.
News
Guidelines
These consolidated guidelines focus on the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the immediate postpartum period in any health care setting.
Journal articles
Papageorghiou, Aris TAhsan, Sadiah et al. New guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage: ending the geography of risk. The Lancet Global Health. Published online October 4, 2025.
Gallos, Ioannis et al. Prognostic accuracy of clinical markers of postpartum bleeding in predicting maternal mortality or severe morbidity: a WHO individual participant data meta-analysis. The Lancet. Published online October 4, 2025.
PPH Roadmap Advocacy Working Group. World postpartum hemorrhage day: Renewing the global call to end deaths from postpartum hemorrhage. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. Published online October 3, 2025. doi:10.1002/ijgo.70550
Initiative
Related health topics
