preperation for child delivery?

Question

labor

Answer 1

http://babies.sutterhealth.org/laboranddelivery/

It is most important that you trust your body when you go into labor. Remember, your body was built to carry, nourish, and safely deliver your baby. Some of the factors that affect the course of labor include your health, nutrition, size and shape of your pelvis, size and presentation of the baby, your educational preparation for labor and birth, and the practice of exercises, relaxation and breathing techniques. During labor, the emotional support you receive, along with medical interventions, may also affects the course of labor.

How Do I Know When Labor Will Begin?


Each labor is unique. No one can predict exactly what your individual labor will be like, or when it may begin. However, prior to the onset of labor, you will notice some signs that are nature's way of telling you that labor is approaching. If you are not sure, call your physician or midwife to discuss your labor signs. In the event you are evaluated at the hospital as being in very early labor and sent home, it is common to feel disappointed, maybe even embarrassed. It is common for first-time mothers to make more than one trip to the hospital. If you are in early labor and sent home, the following may be helpful: walking, showering, resting, drinking fluids, renting a video, listening to music, etc.

The most common signs that labor may soon begin include:

1. The baby "drops" or engages into the pelvis, which is called lightening. Lightening may occur two to four weeks prior to labor in first-time mothers and often not until labor begins if you have previously had children.

2. Your abdomen usually appears lower and more protruding.

3. You may experience a greater ease in breathing, relief from heartburn and an ability to eat larger portions.

4. However, the lower position of the baby together with its greater size, can lead to:
A. Increased backache and sacroiliac discomfort
B. Increased awkwardness in walking
C. Increased frequency of urination

5. Frequent bowel movements may be experienced within 48 hours of labor, cleansing the lower bowel in preparation for birth.

6. Diarrhea or flu like symptoms without fever. Indigestion, nausea, or vomiting are common a day or so before labor begins.
Increased vaginal discharge during the last few weeks of pregnancy as the body prepares for the passage of the baby through the birth canal.

7. Increased Braxton-Hicks contractions during the last weeks of pregnancy, which are "practice" contractions that prepare the uterus for labor and may cause some effacement and dilation (thinning and opening) of the cervix. These contractions do not ordinarily cause pain but may be sufficiently strong and regular to be confused with true labor. This is referred to as false labor.

8. Possible "bloody show" or the release of slightly brown, pink or blood-tinged mucus from effacement and dilation (the thinning and opening) of the cervix, causing the mucus plug to be released from the cervix.

9. Some women notice a sudden burst of energy, sometimes called a "nesting instinct" approximately 24-48 hours before the start of labor. You may feel a strong desire to clean the house and prepare for the baby. Try not to tire yourself as nature gives you this extra energy to help you during labor. If you must be active, be careful not to overexert yourself!

10. A loss or leveling off in weight may be noticed in the last few days before labor begins. It is common to lose 1-3 pounds of fluid before labor begins as a result of hormonal shifts.

11. Mother just feels "different," not quite herself.The bag of water may break. Depending on the location of the break in the amniotic sac, the break can feel like a gush, or an uncontrolled trickle of fluid coming from the vagina.

Anxiety and disappointment are very common feelings for mothers as the "due date" approaches or passes without labor beginning. Try to keep occupied and active, but do not wear yourself out!


Pack your bags for your hospital stay at the start of the ninth month.

[Please leave all valuables at home]
~Labor Room Kit
~For Mother
~For Labor Partner
~For Baby



Labor Room Kit

* Chapstick/Vaseline for dry, chapped lips
* Lotion for massage
* Warm socks
* Nutritious food for your labor partner (avoid foods with distinct odors)
* Sour lollipops for quick energy and to help keep your mouth moist
* Tennis balls or other firm objects for back counter pressure
(Tennis balls placed inside a sock make an effective and inexpensive back roller)
* Telephone numbers and a telephone credit card
* Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, breath spray
* Camera and film, camcorder
* Tie backs and clips for long hair
* Hand fan
* Cassette tapes (**or CDs and CD player)with favorite relaxation music
* Tub if desired and not available at particular hospital

*** NOTE ***Be sure to check with the hospital regarding their policy about using electrical appliances brought from home.


For Mother

* Two nursing bras if breastfeeding or one regular bra
* One or two nightgowns if desired (button down fronts are nice if breastfeeding)
* Bathrobe
* Slippers
* Toilette articles; hairdryer
(*** NOTE ***Be sure to check with the hospital regarding their policy about using electrical appliances brought from home)
* Address book with phone numbers
* Calling card
* Loose fitting outfit for going home (What you wore during your 6-7th pregnancy usually works fine)


For Labor Partner

* Pajamas (if planning on staying overnight)
* Robe
* Slippers
* Changes of clothes
* Toilet articles
* Bathing suit (if mom showers while in labor)


For Baby

* If using cloth diapers, two for going home (hospitals only use disposable diapers)
* If using cloth diapers, two diaper pins or Velcro diaper covers
* One undershirt
* One receiving blanket
* Outer blanket or snuggles with legs
* A hat and pair of booties
* A car seat for the baby's ride home and all car rides (Most State's Law)

To find out more on Labor and delivery, pain management, the signs of labor, when to go to the hospital, etc. go to:

http://babies.sutterhealth.org/laboranddelivery/

Answer 2

Well the best advice I was given was bring snacks. Babies tend to come at odd hours and after all that work you may not want to wait until they serve you a meal. I took the Lamaze classes and gave birth without any drugs, which was great for me but not for everyone. Your doctor should be discussing your birth plan, where you discuss what you want. If your water has not broken and they offer you the tub, take it the loss of weight was wonderful. I found standing and walking much better than laying down. Just remember you will feel pain, but the pain is not damaging your body. If something goes wrong their are professionals to handle that. Do not let women terrify you with their own deliver stories. Good luck.

Answer 3

Just went through it 6 months ago, so I am pretty fresh.
Tip 1: Wait until you are dilated to at least a 4 or 5 before you get your epidural!! It will wear off while you are delivering your baby!
It is gonna hurt, A LOT, but it is worth the wait
Tip 2: Don't eat anything once you know you are in labor. You will more than likely go to the bathroom on yourself and your baby while you are pushing. My mom did it to me, My sister did it to her son.
Tip 3: Pictures, sure, NO FLASH. Well at least not those annoyingly bright flickery ones. They will aggravate you.
Tip 4: Don't cuss the nurse out, she will delay your pain medication.
Tip 5: When you are pushing, look "down there" envision the baby coming out. Focus all of your strength and energy on "that" spot, and you'll be done in no time.
Tip 6: No classical slow mumbo jumbo music. It will piss you off. Listen to something with some beat, something that gives you an adrenaline rush.
Tip 7: You do not need to pack a suitcase with half of your house. One bag with baby clothes, Your clothes, and bathing necessities, and other little things you need will be fine.
Tip 8: Remember, you are not going to die, and you have to do it whether you like it or not. After it's done, you'll be willing to do it all over again. After my son was born, I was relieved, but sad that my pregnancy stage was over. You will miss pregnancy, I still do. I want to get pregnant a.s.a.p. just so I can get that feeling again. You will want the feeling of being pregnant back - it's normal - but remember , be protected if you don't want another baby! Hope that helps!

Answer 4

Just go with the journey of a lifetime. Stay calm and relax as much as possible. I am not going to say it won't hurt, but it can't be too bad if woman go back so many times over (I am 27wks with no 3) As soon as you hold the baby in your arms for the first time all of your pain will subside, and you will see the miracle that has been kicking your insides for so long now. After the birth take time just you and the baby and you will then realise why we all go back again and again. GOOD LUCK

Answer 5

First of all remember my friend that all the trouble will be over within 24 hrs.Just imagine the happiness with your baby.Happines will last life long.

Get a bag ready for the hospital which contains all the things for you and the new born for the days you stay there.

When you are in labour try to concentrate on the breathings.

Good luck.

Answer 6

If you have read all the books on what is technically going to happen you have nothing left to do but wait. Just keep reminding yourself that you are tough and can take anything that comes. I am not going to lie. It hurts but you will look back on the experience with only good memories. I can tell you vividly all about all three of my labors and my kids are 7,4,and 2. Just remember that you are tougher than you might think.

Answer 7

my mother told me it is a pain you never remember. I am pregnant with my fourth and its true you remember that you were in pain you remember that it was unreal at times but you truly dont remember. remember every pregnancy is different and every person is different. I never had an epedural cause im a fraid of a needle going into my back. but people will tell you all the time they wouldnt do it with out one. you know your own strength and you truly find strength you never know you had before. Be brave and dont worry. good luck to you and your baby.

Answer 8

It'll depend on a variety of factors. Discuss VBAC with your doctor. If your doctor refuses it without discussion, find a new doctor. Unless the reason he/she refuses is because the hospital won't allow it, which can happen and is out of the doctor's control.

Answer 9

Make sure to take nice full relaxing breaths so your baby breathes also. I also suggest your husband use olive oil and slowly start stretching your vaginal opening against your perineum to avoid episiotomy or tearing. I did it for both my kids and my son was over 9 lbs no tearing or cutting involved. Natural no drug childbirth for both.

Answer 10

I really don't mean to scare you but honestly there is no way to prepare yourself for what is gonna come. You will just handle it your own special way and just keep in mind that it really is all worth it.

Answer 11

I'm nervous myself, but once I hold my baby in my arms...pretty sure I'll have nothing else on my mind.

Good Luck!!!