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

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.

Learning materials

These resources support learning and ensure an impactful course delivery.

Download them and make sure you know them well.

Flipchart — a practical tool to deliver the course, with guidance for facilitators to demonstrate, lead discussions, and support practice.

Action plans — two large posters showing the steps to take during care, to be used during the course and as a job aid for clinical practice.

Provider guide — a booklet for every health worker to use during the course and keep afterwards, for continued practice.

E-learning — a self-paced online course on the WHO Academy, as a companion to the facilitated course.

Postpartum monitoring form — a job aid for health workers, to guide care for the mother after birth, identify risks, and record systematically.

Postpartum monitoring form

Assessments

As part of the learning process, the course includes pre‑course and post‑course knowledge checks, and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs).

Knowledge assessment

Knowledge assessment – Answer key

OSCE 1: Prevention of PPH

OSCE 2: 350 mL blood loss and warning sign

OSCE 3: 500 mL

Videos

Demonstration videos from Global Health Media, available to view online and download. For use during the course and after for continued practice.

Examining the placenta

Using an Anti-Shock Garment

Uterine compression

Aortic compression

Cervical tears

Supplementary resources

Sample documents for organizers and facilitators – like agendas, room layouts, checklists and evaluations. Download and adapt to fit your needs.

Facility-based providers course agenda

Master trainer / Trainer course agenda

Training cascade preparation

Certificates

Files for professional printing

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.

Two people discuss a medical poster titled

Using the e-learning alternative

The 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.

Digital illustration on a laptop screen showing a healthcare provider attending to a postpartum patient with a companion.

News

5 October 2025

Joint News Release

Global health agencies issue new recommendations to help end deaths from postpartum haemorrhage

Guidelines

These consolidated guidelines focus on the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the immediate postpartum period in any health care setting.

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Consolidated guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage: implementation guide

This Implementation guide presents a structured process that will aid countries in their efforts to incorporate the latest PPH recommendations into national...

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