The role of the midwife in perineal wound care following childbirth.

Midwives have an important role to play in the care of perineal wounds following childbirth. A wide variety of practices are carried out in this area. However, some current practices may not be beneficial to the promotion of wound healing. Midwives must realize the relevance of their care and potential impact, both positive and negative, of advocated treatments in wound healing. The maintenance of effective pain relief must be balanced with the need to promote wound healing. It is important that midwives recognize the need for research-based practice and that an audit is set up nationally to evaluate the efficacy of treatments and practice. Research, audit and evaluation of services are the central processes involved in providing effective and efficient care, as advocated by the Department of Health (1993).