Essential postpartum care: lessons from 30 years in OB/GYN
Almost 30 years ago, as an OB/GYN intern at a large urban medical center, I was privileged to learn from exemplary doctors and midwives. After 4:30 a.m. postpartum rounds one day, a midwife said, “I saw your note. You listened for bowel sounds and examined her abdomen.” I replied, “I did.” She asked, “Did you also check her bottom?” I responded, “No. Why?” She explained, “She delivered the baby through …