PPH - When do the risks go up?

[Cricket]

I've heard before that your risk for post-partum haemorrhage increases when you've had a number of children. Can someone give me a clue as to when the odds start going up? I'm expecting number five, and planning a homebirth. I do not plan to change my mind over this, but I would like to know what the probability of PPH is. I've never had any trouble before with post-partum bleeding, nor had a long labour or a big baby. Anyone have some information on this?

[Trillian]

The odds of it happening apparently increase with baby number 4, or if you have already had one. I don't know what the actual percentages are though

[BellyBelly]

I dont have any stats on hand but your midwife would have synthetic oxytocin in case. I have heard from many sources (and yes this is squeamish!) that licking your placenta can stop / prevent PPH too! Google it, I am sure you will find something on it!

Your risks of PPH greatly increase with that many and subsequent c/s and also inductions but I would assume it wouldn't be as much for a normal birth. Perhaps speak to a naturopath too, there might be some things you can do now and at the birth.

[Roryrory]

I'm interested too - having #3 at home with no previous probs and this is something I am keen to be aware of too....

[Alan]

I don’t have the actual numbers but it is suggested that there is an increased chance of a PPH after baby number 4. However this does not mean that you will have a PPH. Last year I had a client who had a PPH and did try to slow it by eating a small part of her placenta. Unfortunately this did not slow the bleeding enough so I ended up giving her an injection of Synticinon which did stop the bleeding.

[~Raven~]

Is it also related to how fast the labour was too? I recall the consensus was that my PPH was mostly due to my uterus being too fatigued to contract because it worked too hard and fast, more than the fact that it was my 4th baby.

[Cricket]

Hmmm..... OK, well I don't think I can handle the thought of eating or licking placenta, no matter how beneficial it is. I've had the synto injection before with no issues, so I'll just plan on having that if it becomes necessary.
I might do a little googling and see if I can come up with some stats. If I find anything helpful, I'll post them back here.

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I really love having BellyBelly as a resource.