Final answer:
After a vaginal birth, if there's a perineal tear or an episiotomy, a doctor sutures the area to promote healing. Additionally, the doctor aspirates mucus from the newborn, handles the umbilical cord, and examines the placenta to prevent complications. Involution is monitored, and breastfeeding is encouraged to aid in recovery.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you tear during a vaginal birth or if an episiotomy is performed, a doctor will take steps to ensure proper healing after delivery. An episiotomy is an incision made in the posterior vaginal wall and perineum that facilitates vaginal birth, whereas a tear is a spontaneous laceration. Shortly after birth, both an episiotomy and a perineal tear need to be sutured. It's important to note that while suturing a tear may be more difficult due to the jagged edges, tears are generally associated with quicker healing, less pain, and less damage to the surrounding muscles. After the delivery of the newborn, the doctor will aspirate mucus from the newborn's mouth and nose. The successful birth of the head is usually followed by the quick delivery of the rest of the body. Then, the umbilical cord is double-clamped and cut. Lastly, the doctor examines the expelled placenta and fetal membranes to ensure they are intact to prevent postpartum hemorrhage and monitors uterine contractions that help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size in a process called involution. Breastfeeding can facilitate this process.