When you have given birth, what do they show you at the hospital?

Question

I am hoping to gdt pregnant very soon (but im not trying because it just doesnt happen when you try, im chilling about it) anyway after you have given birth, what do the hospital teach you regarding bathing, feeding, changing all that kind of thing, do they show you how to do everything, dont get me wrong i will have all the support and help i need at home and from my parents and family, but i dont want to be at that point where im getting stressed because i dont know how to do all of these things, is it worth worrying about or will instinct just kick in???

Answer 1

Ah, bless you.

When I had my little boy, I had never even held a newborn before, let alone had to care for one. But instinct really does take over.

At the hospital, they'll assist you with his/her first bath, feeding etc. Every new mum that has ever existed has felt exactly the same as you - and we all cope!

Answer 2

To be honest it depends on the hospital and what happens when you give birth. If your baby needs to go into Special Care they are very good and help you with all you need to know (at least they were in our area). Normal delivery will depend on how much time they have. It's always worth asking if you're having trouble.
The parent-craft classes that the NHS run are definitely worth attending, but I would thoroughly recommend the NCT classes, not only for the 'how to give birth' stuff, but also in our area they helped with breast feeding and bathing and provide a good group of friends to get you started.

If you have a home birth, the midwives may help you more, but the hospitals are not keen on you doing it that way first time.

There is a certain amount of 'instinct just kicking in' too, provided you relax and let it happen.

Good luck with getting pregnant - relax and enjoy is the best way!

Answer 3

hello there, first of all dont stress about it as yes your instincts will kick in. The midwives are extremely helpful and will show you what to do. Breastfeeding is such a great thing to do and the hospitals really like to promote it. you will get help from latching on to winding. You get to feed almost straight after birth and it is so natural it will be second nature to you. The midwife will give the first bath. It can be tricky if baby dislikes water but just hold baby along one arm and wash with other. Practice with a doll for bathing and changing! Will make you laugh but helps. Good luck!

Answer 4

It really depends on your local NHS to be honest. The hospital where I had my first child was dire, overcrowded, was being investigated for too many caesarian sections, and a couple of mother/baby deaths during childbirth...and as a first time mother, I didn't get shown anything. I was too scared to change his nappy, incase one of the other mum's or midwive's told me off...it was really bad. On the day I was leaving, a midwife came in and said "everyone know's how to bath their babies in here don't they?" (I was in a ward with experienced mum's), so I felt too ashamed to stand up and say "no", so I just went home, and bathed him straight away in my own way, and I did a mighty good job too!

My second child however, was born in a totally different hospital, in a totally different area. This hospital has won awards, and is constantly improving the maternity unit, to reduce stressed mother's etc...so a really good hospital. Even as a second time mum, they were constantly coming over asking if I needed reminding about anything, or was there any questions etc.

You do get the chance to go to parenting classes when you're in your later stages of pregnancy, and that's where you'll learn most of the important things. I didn't actually go with any of my pregnancies, because I heard they were a bit "clicky", and were full of older mother's who really enjoyed practising panting and being on all four's etc...sorry, but just not my thing.

Whether you get all the help in the world, or none at all from your hospital, you'll cope fine, believe me. Invest in some mother and baby mag's, cos they were a life source for me, and you learn some great information that even the midwives don't tell you!

Answer 5

They will show you whatever you ask them to...
dont be shy they may not offer - i was with breastfeeding and ended up giving up because it was totally stressing me out.

So please if there is anything you want to know get them to show you !! if you think of something after you leave the hospital, then dont worry. you will have a midwife coming out to you for a week or maybe more so you can always ask them, and after that there will be a health visitor

there is always some one to ask.

Also i had a lot of young neices and nephews so though i'd be fine with everything, my partner had'nt really been round baby's and he took to it all so naturally..he was the first to chnge and bath her..

So i would deffinately say dont worry about that at all - you will be great - your a women after all....

Good luck !!

Answer 6

I went to parent craft classes just before I had my first baby. They were great, they showed you how to bath, change, feed, they give you a tour of the delivery ward and post natal ward. They talk through all pain relief options, what happens when you go into labour. They also talk over your fears, and help put your mind at rest. I would definitely recommend going to these, they are run by the hospital, when you do conceive talk to your midwife and find out when they are.
Once you have the baby, they do show you how to breast feed, bath the baby, top and tail, and change. So your not just left to get on with it.

Answer 7

instinct will kick in you will get a great boost of energy not for long im afraid. The hospital will only show you breast feeding, bathing (if your lucky) and a friendly nurse my show you how to do a nappy quickly. Yet if you dont know ask some one because how do we learn if we dont ask and dont see it being done. Good Luck

Answer 8

Ask your friends approximately their start reports and which hospitals they chosen. attempt to get in with an OB-GYN in a sort of places. Or ask your cutting-edge OB-GYN what the well-being center's coverage is. If this concerns you, write a start-plan before. Many hospitals won't aid you off the mattress as quickly as you have the epidural, yet some will. in case you're going epi-loose, leaning forward with a pillow propping up your abdomen is the main delicate place. mendacity on your back is somewhat the worst - especailly as quickly as your water's broken. Definately prepare the positions before (in case you have no longer already) and get your significant different to remind you to purpose them out once you're in rather some soreness, in view which you will possibly forget each and every thing you found out! additionally flow to the bathing room as generally as attainable. an entire bladder somewhat, somewhat hurts for the period of a contraction! good success and congratulations!

Answer 9

Yes, the nurses will show you everything that you need to know. Unless you specifically ask for them not to. Any questions that you have ask and they will be more than willing to help. Remember they are trained professionals and new moms really arent. Don't be scared or nervous to ask them to show you how to bath them, in my hospital they did that the second day your there. They will also help you to get the baby to latch on if your planning to breastfeed. You can also have a member of the LaLache League come in to consult.

Answer 10

They will show you everything before you leave, Usually before you are discharged from the hospital they have a recommend class that they will explain anything to you. Never be afraid to ask question that is why they are they. I had to ask how to wipe a girl because I had never had one and I wasn't sure if there was a different way from how we do it because she is so little. Don't be scared they also give you booklets and papers on how to take care of a child after the hospital.