Final answer:
The treatment for excessive vaginal bleeding following delivery is to massage the mother's uterus to encourage contraction and reduce bleeding. An obstetrician needs to ensure that the placenta and membranes are fully expelled to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Breastfeeding can also help with this process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment for Excessive Vaginal Bleeding Post-Delivery
The treatment for excessive vaginal bleeding following delivery is to massage the mother's uterus. This action helps the uterus contract more effectively to reduce bleeding. After the delivery of the placenta and associated membranes, which is known as the afterbirth, the myometrium continues to contract to limit blood loss from the site where the placenta was attached. An obstetrician must ensure that the placenta is completely expelled to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. If remnants of the placenta are left in the uterus, this could lead to excessive bleeding. Breastfeeding also facilitates this process as it promotes uterine contractions and involution, helping return the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size and reducing bleeding.
The other options mentioned, such as applying direct pressure to the vagina, holding the mother's legs together, or packing the vagina with gauze pads, are not standard treatments for post-delivery bleeding. These methods could potentially cause harm and should be avoided unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional in a particular situation.