Postpartum Doula Training Exam Questions And Correct
Answers 2024/25
Afterpains - Correct Answer Cramping pain after childbirth caused by alternating relaxation and
contraction of uterine muscles.
Typically disappear after 1 week.
Lochia - Correct Answer The postpartum vaginal discharge that typically continues for 6-8 weeks after
childbirth.
Slow down and rest if flow increases.
Perineal care - Correct Answer - Apply ice to reduce swelling
- Kegel exercises to increase circulation and reduce swelling
- Pour warm water front to back after urinating (use squirt bottle)
- Take a sitz bath for 10-20 minutes, with a lie down for 15 minutes after to reduce swelling. Use warm or
cold water
- Use a donut pillow for sitting
- Sit on a firm surface if stitches are painful
Postpartum fitness - Correct Answer Increase gradually — along comes increased energy, joint stability,
motivation and endurance.
Pelvic floor strengthening — Kegel exercises:
Sustained contractions: hold for 10 seconds, 10 reps with 5 seconds in between
Pulsed contractions: do 15 pulses rhythmically
Pelvic tilts:
, Bridge pose, cats/cow, and standing
Transverse abdominal contraction
Head lifts (modified crunch)
Bridge pose
Squats
Diastasis Recti Abdominis - Correct Answer Separation of the longitudinal muscles of the abdomen
(rectus abdominis) during pregnancy.
Normal gap (from bottom of ribs to pelvis) is ~1 finger's width. More than that needs attention before
doing moderate to strenuous exercise.
Thyroid problems - Correct Answer Develops 3-8 months after giving birth.
Thyroid becomes inflames and overactive (hyperthyroidism), or becomes under active (hypothyroidism).
Hyperthyroidism - Correct Answer Symptoms include feeling overheated, muscle weakness, shakiness,
anxiety, rapid heart rate, inability to concentrate and weight loss.
Hypothyroidism - Correct Answer Symptoms include tiredness, constipation, memory loss, intolerance
of cold, muscle cramps, weakness, weight gain and inadequate breast milk production.
Anemia - Correct Answer The number of red blood cells is lower than normal.
Symptoms include weakness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and overwhelming fatigue.
Answers 2024/25
Afterpains - Correct Answer Cramping pain after childbirth caused by alternating relaxation and
contraction of uterine muscles.
Typically disappear after 1 week.
Lochia - Correct Answer The postpartum vaginal discharge that typically continues for 6-8 weeks after
childbirth.
Slow down and rest if flow increases.
Perineal care - Correct Answer - Apply ice to reduce swelling
- Kegel exercises to increase circulation and reduce swelling
- Pour warm water front to back after urinating (use squirt bottle)
- Take a sitz bath for 10-20 minutes, with a lie down for 15 minutes after to reduce swelling. Use warm or
cold water
- Use a donut pillow for sitting
- Sit on a firm surface if stitches are painful
Postpartum fitness - Correct Answer Increase gradually — along comes increased energy, joint stability,
motivation and endurance.
Pelvic floor strengthening — Kegel exercises:
Sustained contractions: hold for 10 seconds, 10 reps with 5 seconds in between
Pulsed contractions: do 15 pulses rhythmically
Pelvic tilts:
, Bridge pose, cats/cow, and standing
Transverse abdominal contraction
Head lifts (modified crunch)
Bridge pose
Squats
Diastasis Recti Abdominis - Correct Answer Separation of the longitudinal muscles of the abdomen
(rectus abdominis) during pregnancy.
Normal gap (from bottom of ribs to pelvis) is ~1 finger's width. More than that needs attention before
doing moderate to strenuous exercise.
Thyroid problems - Correct Answer Develops 3-8 months after giving birth.
Thyroid becomes inflames and overactive (hyperthyroidism), or becomes under active (hypothyroidism).
Hyperthyroidism - Correct Answer Symptoms include feeling overheated, muscle weakness, shakiness,
anxiety, rapid heart rate, inability to concentrate and weight loss.
Hypothyroidism - Correct Answer Symptoms include tiredness, constipation, memory loss, intolerance
of cold, muscle cramps, weakness, weight gain and inadequate breast milk production.
Anemia - Correct Answer The number of red blood cells is lower than normal.
Symptoms include weakness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and overwhelming fatigue.
