What is Instrumental Birth?
Instrumental birth, also known as assisted vaginal delivery, refers to the use of instruments such as forceps or vacuum extractors to assist in the delivery of a baby. While instrumental births can be necessary and beneficial in certain situations, they also carry some potential complications.
Here are some common complications associated with instrumental birth:
Maternal Injuries:
The use of forceps or vacuum extractors can lead to injuries to the mother, such as perineal tears, vaginal lacerations, or damage to the bladder or urethra. These injuries may require sutures or further medical intervention.
Foetal Injuries:
Instrumental birth carries a risk of potential injuries to the baby. These can include scalp injuries, bruising, facial palsy, and, in rare cases, fractures. However, it’s important to note that the overall risk of serious injuries to the baby during instrumental birth is relatively low.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction:
Women who undergo instrumental births may have an increased risk of developing pelvic floor dysfunction. This can lead to issues such as urinary or faecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or sexual dysfunction.
Prolonged Recovery:
Recovery after an instrumental birth can be longer and more challenging compared to a vaginal delivery. The mother may experience pain, discomfort, and difficulty with activities such as sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods.
How can simulation training help?
Reduced risk of injury
Instrumental birth can be associated with an increased risk of injury to both the mother and the baby. Healthcare professionals must possess technical skills in the use of forceps or vacuum extraction, including proper positioning, application, and removal of the instruments.
Training can help healthcare professionals to learn the proper techniques for using forceps or vacuum extraction to reduce the risk of injury or complication.
Increased success rates
Proper use of instrumental birth tools can increase the success rates of vaginal deliveries and reduce the need for caesarean sections. Healthcare professionals must have a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the maternal pelvis and foetal head to ensure that the instruments are properly positioned and used.
Training can help healthcare professionals to develop the technical skills and knowledge necessary to use these tools effectively.
Better patient outcomes
The decision to perform an instrumental birth is typically made based on the specific circumstances of each delivery, weighing the potential benefits against the risks involved.
Training can help healthcare professionals decide when it is required and also to mitigate a lot of the risks associated with it.
Overall, training with instrumental birth tools can help healthcare professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to use these tools safely and effectively, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced risks of complications.
The MODEL-med Lucy and Lucy’s Mum Instrumental Delivery Birth Simulator is designed specifically for medical practitioners to simulate the practice of instrumental delivery with a vacuum cup and forceps.
In collaboration with world renowned expert on vacuum delivery, Professor Aldo Vacca, the MODEL-med® Lucy and Lucy’s Mum Instrumental Delivery Birth Simulator has been designed to accurately simulate the tactile experience of using a vacuum cup.
See for yourself: