Labor & Birth

1. Labor & Birth

2. Childbirth Options • Prepared Childbirth- means reducing pain and fear during the birth process through education and the use of breathing and conditioning exercises. Lamaze Classes Breast Feeding Classes

3. Health Care Professionals • Obstetricians • These doctors specialize in the care of mothers and babies both before and right after birth. They are qualified to handle any problems or emergencies that may arise. • Family Doctors • Some family doctors provide prenatal care and deliver babies. If problems arise then they call in an obstetrician.

4. Licensed Midwives • A health care professional trained to assist women in childbirth. • There are 2 types Certified Nurse Midwife and a Certified Midwife. • All must pass a certification exam. • If problems arise then they call in an obstetrician.

5. Doula • Is a woman experienced in childbirth who provides advice and support to a mother during her labor and delivery, and after childbirth. • Offer suggestions for how to cope with labor pains.

6. Places to give birth • Hospitals • Home • Birthing Centers

7. Home • It has only been since the last 100 years that babies have been born in hospitals • Many couples who choose a home birth have a midwife present to assist with the delivery. • It is not always possible to know when a complication might arise, so it is important to have a plan.

8. Hospitals • Depending on the health insurance, typically mother and baby stay 2-3 days in the hospital after the birth. • Hospitals have a full medical staff, in case a complication might occur. • Sanitary conditions, high tech medical equipment to make parents feel more comfortable.

9. Hospitals offer several services to help the parents feel more comfortable • Classes that prepare for delivery and infant care • Programs for siblings and fathers • Private rooms, soft lighting • Option for mother and baby to room together

10. Birth Center • Is a facility that provides a more homelike environment for labor and delivery. • Emphasize natural birth • Birthing Tubs • Midwives generally handle the birth • Time spent here is shorter, typically 24 hours if there are no complications

11. Labor

12. Early Signs of Labor • Bloody Show • This refers to the few drops of blood that occurs when the mucus that plugs up the uterus dissolves. • Water breaks • Contractions • The tightening and releasing of the muscles in the uterus

13. Premature Labor • A full term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. • Premature means the baby is born 37 weeks or less. • Sometimes doctors can give medicine to stop the labor.

14. False Labor • Sometimes women feel strong contractions and believe their in labor, however they are not. • Three signs of false labor are… • Contractions are not regular or rhythmic • Contractions do not get stronger over time • Contractions end with light exercise, such as walking or streching

15. Inducing Labor • This is done by using medication or puncturing the amniotic sac. • Can be inducted because… • The baby is still in the womb after 42 weeks • Amniotic sac has broken but labor has not started • Baby is large

16. Stage 1 of Labor • Officially begins when contractions are coming at regular intervals. • Contractions in the uterine muscle pull up on the cervix, slowly softening and thinning it, allowing it to open. • Contractions increase in strength. • During this stage if the mother would like pain medication she would receive it.

17. As the cervix dilates the baby moves into the lower pelvis. • Most babies come into the world head first • If a baby comes out buttocks first, this is called breech • The first stage ends with a period called transition • When the cervix becomes fully dialated

18. Stage 2 of Labor • Contractions are more productive, pushing the baby through the pelvis and out of the vagina, or birth canal. • During this stage it is safe for the woman to push • Earlier pushing might have resulted in tearing of delicate tissues. • Sometimes an episiotomy is necessary • This is where the doctor makes a surgical cut to widen the area for the baby to come out

19. Sometimes forceps are used to grasp the baby’s body and guide its movement. • A vacuum extractor is used to suction the baby’s head once it appears to help move the baby quickly.

20. 3rd Stage of Labor • The mother might be allowed to rest briefly, and then feel a few contractions and the desire to push. • The contractions help the placenta separate from the uterine wall. • Organ that develops in the mother and helps supply oxygen to the fetus. • Once the placenta is out, labor is complete

21. Cesarean Birth • Delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the mothers abdomen. • Can be preformed for several reasons… • Lack of normal progress during labor • Discovering the baby is in distress • Baby is in the wrong direction • Often planned for multiple births

22. Premature Birth • 5% - 6% of babies are born prematurely • The earlier babies are born, the less developed their organs are • They require special care • Systems for controlling body temperature, breathing, and feeding are not yet mature. • To help the baby control the systems not yet developed, they are often put in an incubator • A special enclosed crib with the oxygen supply, temperature, and humidity can be controlled