FAQ

  • Does this replace the original Hands-On Suturing?

    Nope! In fact, at this time we are only offering this course to those who have completed the original course.

  • Does "at this time" mean that will change later?

    We are contemplating offering a challenge option to Hands-On Suturing I down the road. The challenge option would require demonstration of knowledge and skills taught in Hands-On Suturing I, as this course builds upon that information.

  • Will this course be the same hybrid format of on-demand and live Zoom?

    Hybrid, yes. But not exactly the same. This sequel includes over 10 hours of on-demand content, and a small group live Zoom session of 4 to 6 participants.

  • How much CE will this course provide?

    At least 13.5 hours of CE for midwives and APRNs.

  • What topics will this sequel cover?

    Oh so many! The Course Curriculum below shows everything covered in the on-demand portion. (Click "show details" to expand each each section!) Topics include labial tears, tricky hymen situations, complicated vaginal and perineal repairs, five (5!) different techniques to manage bleeding vessels, new knots, new fancy stitches, two options for what to do if you run out of suture mid-repair...we tried to cover everything that folks have asked about.

  • How much does Suturing II cost?

    We have set the initial price at $485 per person, which includes practice supplies* and a seat in the small group session. *Practice models and suture included; instruments and clamp stand not included.

  • Is there a payment plan option?

    We are currently offering a half-this-month, half-next-month payment plan option. The total cost when paying this way is exactly the same.

  • Are there any discounts?

    At the moment, there is currently a "discount for everyone," as this is the only the introductory pricing. We will likely raise the price after this spring, at which time there will be discounts as part of the new pricing. In addition to the upfront costs, the ongoing costs for materials for this course are quite high. (Both the models needed, and the suture provided - over an entire box per student!) A "fair" price, based on our labor and supply costs, and by how similar offerings are priced, is well above what we are currently charging. As always, we charge the lowest price we can that allows us to continue to do this work.

  • What type of models are provided for participant practice?

    Check out the video below about supplies - it explains it all!

  • Holly Scholles

    Instructor Bio:

    Holly Scholles, MA, CPM-retired, is a homebirth midwife with over 45 years of experience, and was the founder and president of Birthingway College of Midwifery. She is also an anthropologist specializing in human reproduction and medical anthropology.

    Holly Scholles

    MA, CPM-retired

Course curriculum

  • 01
    How This Course Works
    Show details
    • Included Supplies
    • Required Supplies NOT Included in the Course Fee
    • Flow of Course Requirements
    • Content Warning, and also, Exciting Things!
    • CE Hours
    • Before we go on...
  • 02
    Where Do We Even Begin?
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    • Hello again!
    • Informed Choice for Genital Repair
    • Overview of Complicated Repairs
    • Double Decker Branching Tear Full Walkthrough
    • Quiz: Complicated Repairs
  • 03
    Navigating Landmarks
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    • Tour of the Vulva
    • Need To Know Muscles
    • Special Care for the Short Perineum
    • Before and After: Second Degree Repair on a Short Perineum
    • Quiz: Navigating Landmarks
  • 04
    When the Hymen Needs Your Attention
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    • When The Hymen Is Preventing Birth
    • The Hymen in the Immediate Postpartum
    • Hymens That Require Special Attention During Repair
    • Quiz: When the Hymen Needs Your Attention
  • 05
    Tearing Up: Labial, Periurethral, and Clitoral Lacerations
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    • Labial Tears: Determining if Sutures are Indicated
    • Labial Tears: Supplies and Anesthetic
    • The Life Changing Magic of the Traction Suture
    • How To Repair Longitudinal Labial Tears
    • Subcutaneous Longitudinal Labial Repair Full Walkthrough
    • How to Repair Complete Lateral Labial Tears
    • Complete Lateral Labial Repair Walkthrough
    • How to Repair Partial Lateral Labial Tears
    • Considerations for the Labia Majora
    • Periurethral and Clitoral Tears
    • Seastar Lacerations
    • Quiz: Labial, Periurethral, and Clitoral Lacerations
  • 06
    Complicated Vaginal and Perineal Lacerations
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    • Vaginal Floor Tear Behind an Intact Perineum
    • Sulces and Fornix Lacerations
    • Not A Third Degree, But Darned Close
    • Printable PDF: Methods for Assessing Anal and Rectal Injury (OASIS)
    • Printable PDF: OASIS Assessment Informed Choice Template
    • What To Do With A Flap
    • What To Do With A Divot
    • Before and After: Asymetrical Repair
    • Before and After: The Importance of Matching Tissue
    • Quiz: Complicated Vaginal and Perineal Lacerations
  • 07
    Managing Excessive Wound Bleeding
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    • Identifying and Tying Off A Bleeding Vessel
    • Basic Techniques for the Bleeder that Can't Be Tied Off
    • Locked Blanket Full Walkthrough
    • Advanced Techniques When The Bleeder Can't Be Tied Off
    • Technique of Last Resort for Bleeding Vessels
    • Printable PDF: Flow Chart for Methods of Addressing Bleeding Vessels (Laminated version available upon request!)
    • Quiz: Managing Excessive Wound Bleeding
    • Written Exam (Score of 80% or better required PRIOR to live Zoom session)
  • 08
    Hematomas
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    • What Where Why How
    • Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies
    • Evaluating Hematomas and Suturing Impact
    • Talkthrough of Hematoma Photos
    • Addressing Hematomas
    • Quiz: Hematomas
  • 09
    Episiotomy
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    • Midline vs Mediolateral
    • Pros and Cons of Episiotomies
    • How to Perform an Episiotomy
    • Special Assessment and Suturing Post-Episiotomy
    • Informed Consent for Episiotomy
    • Article: ACOG Committee Opinion No. 664 Refusal of Medically Recommended Treatment During Pregnancy
    • Quiz: Episiotomy
  • 10
    Problem Solving Special Situations
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    • Addressing a Trauma Response
    • Managing Edema
    • Options for Friable Tissue
    • Retrieving a Lost Needle
    • Prolapsed Cervix
    • Running Out Of Suture
    • Skin Bridges
    • Migrating Suture
    • Impaired Healing and Suture Eaters
    • Resuturing
    • Quiz: Problem Solving Special Situations
  • 11
    Equipment and Supplies
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    • When to Use a Tapercut Needle
    • Retractors
    • Homeopathy (or placebo?)
    • Arnica
    • Suture Clips
    • Survey Results: Client Experiences of Suture Clips
    • Alternative Wound Closures
    • Derma Quik Review
  • 12
    Knots
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    • Hand Tie: Square Knot Hand Tie
    • Instrument Ties: Surgeon's Knot vs Square Knot
    • Why We Don't Teach The Mythical One-Handed Knot
    • Aberdeen Knot
    • Quiz: Knots
  • 13
    Stitches
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    • Doing The Two-Step
    • Inverted Stitch
    • A Circular Stitch for a Triangular Flap
    • Horizontal Mattress Suture for a Flap Complete Walkthrough
    • AAFP The Mattress Sutures: Vertical, Horizontal, and Corner Stitch
    • Traction Suture
    • Locked Blanket Short Walkthrough
    • Quiz: Stitches
  • 14
    Wrapping It Up
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    • When Hospital Transfer Is Needed for Repair
    • Answers to Various Questions and Final Thoughts