Vacuum Assisted Birth

Vacuum Assisted Birth

By Jhpiego

The Vacuum Assisted Birth (VAB) course is designed to help healthcare workers develop the knowledge, skills, and competency to identify the need for VAB, perform the procedure, and manage complications.

The course materials are currently available in a pilot version as PDFs.

Joining or facilitating VAB? Find resources for your role

Participant | Facilitator

Introducing VAB

VAB is the birth of a baby with the help of an obstetric vacuum device, designed to put traction on the fetal scalp to aid pushing efforts. VAB is an evidence-based intervention that can prevent complications by shortening the second stage of labor.

VAB is a lifesaving procedure when used correctly by healthcare workers who can confidently and competently identify indications and contra-indications, perform the procedure, and manage complications.

Who is this course for

VAB is designed for healthcare providers who have completed the Essential Care for Labor & Birth course as well as the Prolonged & Obstructed Labor course.

Important: The vacuum assisted birth procedure should not be attempted in clinical practice without sufficient skills practice with simulation. 

What they will learn

Course components

  • Action Plans — guides the learning and can be a job aid in the facility.
    English | French
  • Flip Charts — An educational tool to assist facilitators during training.
    English | French
  • Provider Guides — Supports participants to continue practice and improved quality of care.
    English | French
  • MamaBirthie Simulator — While a variety of simulators may be used for this module, we recommend the MamaBirthie. This is a s low cost, portable, and durable option which allows for realistic VAB simulation.

Our approach to learning

The Helping Mothers and Babies Survive courses have a common methodology, based on the evidence that better learning outcomes result from:

  • Targeted, repetitive interventions
  • Case-based simulation practice
  • On-site training in teams
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About Jhpiego

This course was developed by Jhpiego, an organization that creates and delivers transformative health care solutions that save lives. They believe that where people live should not determine if they live. In partnership with national governments, health experts and local communities, Jhpiego builds health providers’ skills and develops systems that save lives now and guarantee healthier futures for women and their families.  Jhpiego’s dedicated team of technical experts in human resource development; maternal and newborn health; monitoring, evaluation and research; in concert with global partners has brought the HMS suite of training materials forth to improve quality of care at birth.

Visit jhpiego.org

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