Ch. 9 Childbirth

How will I know I’m in Labor

1. Lightening• First sign• Baby’s head descends down towards pelvis-relieves

pressure on the mother’s abdomen, often making it easier to breathe.

2. Water Breaks – amnio chorionic fluid ruptures3. Contractions – uterine muscles contract to open

the cervix and push the baby out of the uterus.

When should we leave for the hospital?

• Water Breaks• Contractions are 5-10 minutes

apart.

What should I pack?

• For Mom– Nightgown, robe,

slippers– Nursing bras– Sanitary pads– Outfit for the trip home– Hygiene items– Camera

• For Baby– Infant car carrier– Receiving blanket– Going home

outfit/Picture outfit

Childbirth Medications

• Any medications used will cross the placenta and enter the baby’s bloodstream.

• Anesthetics• a). Regional anesthesia- take away all the feeling in one

region of the body. An example is an epidural – injected into the spinal cord. The mother is awake but cannot feel the lower portion of the body.• B). Local anesthesia – takes away pain in a small area.

Usually given in a shot. Often used to relieve pain in the vaginal area.

Family-Centered Birth

• Based on the belief that childbirth affects the family as a unit and each family member as an individual.

• Father, other support people, including children are present during birth.

• Labor and delivery takes place in one room.• Anyone who will be present at the birth, must take

childbirth classes.• Rooming-in: Baby stays in the mother’s room

instead of in the hospital nursery.

Lamaze Method

• Prepared childbirth – about 2 months before delivery, parents attending classes to learn what to expect in the final stages of pregnancy and delivery.

• Mothers learn special breathing and muscle control techniques.

• Fathers learn to act as labor coaches.• The woman does not fail if she receives medication

during childbirth. This is just viewed as another tool like her breathing to help her during labor and delivery.

Leboyer Method

• Focuses on the baby’s birth experience – goal is to make the birth less shocking and more comfortable for the baby.

• Quiet cozy environment, lights are dimmed, soft music is played, and immediately after birth, baby is placed on mother’s abdomen. When separated from mom, the baby may then be put in warm water.

Cesarean Birth

• 21% of births in the U.S. are done C-section• Reasons for C-section– Labor has been too long or difficult– Baby or mother’s health is in danger– Baby is breech– Problem with placenta or umbilical cord– Woman’s pelvis is too small or baby’s head is too big– Woman has an STD

• Recovery period for C-section is several days longer

After the Baby’s Birth

• Circumcision – surgical removal of the baby’s foreskin- flap of skin that covers the baby’s penis.

• Bonding – the formation of close emotional ties between parents and child. Extremely important for the parents and baby to bond right away.

Bonding

• Family is left alone with the baby as soon as possible, baby may even stay in the mother’s room.

• During her recovery the mom will spend several hours each day.

• Early bonding has been believed to influence a parent/child’s relationship in the future.

• Immediate bonding may be more difficult if the mother had a c-section or the baby was born premature.

Post-partum Period – From birth until 6 weeks

• Mother’s hospital stay– Vital signs are monitored– As the uterus shrinks, the woman will experience

strong cramps– Heavy bleeding will last for a week or more– Stay for 1-2 days, longer for a C-section

Mother’s Adjustment Once She is Home

• Physical changes – Uterus will continue to shrink – faster if she

breastfeeds– Weight loss – immediately lose up to 10 lbs. after

birth, this is the weight of the baby and placenta, another 5 in the first month, but the other weight will be harder to lose.

Mother’s Adjustment Once She is Home

• Emotional changes– Postpartum depression – “baby blues” – hormonal changes may

cause this or the woman may feel a sense of loss when the baby leaves her body.

• Getting enough rest– Rest when the baby does

• Exercise– Need to consult a Dr. first. It is a good way for a mother to release

tension, build-self confidence and gain energy.Postpartum Checkup

- Dr. will check her blood pressure, weight, and cervix and uterus to make sure they are returning back to their normal size.