REPLAY: EBB 267 - Debunking Myths about Fundal Massage with Barbie Christianson, RN

Routine fundal massage after childbirth is frequently performed as a standard procedure despite evidence suggesting it offers no preventative benefit for postpartum hemorrhage when oxytocin is administered. This practice often blurs the line between a gentle fundal assessment—used to monitor uterine involution—and a forceful, painful intervention that can constitute obstetric violence when performed without informed consent. Barbie Christianson, a nurse and perinatal educator, emphasizes that while uterine massage is a life-saving intervention during active hemorrhaging, its routine application is unnecessary and potentially traumatic. Providers should prioritize trauma-informed care by explaining procedures, seeking explicit consent, and respecting patient autonomy. Shifting toward evidence-based practices involves recognizing that patients can often monitor their own uterine health, reducing the need for intrusive, non-essential physical examinations that may interfere with recovery and bonding.