Birthing Positions
The Good and Bad of Birthing Positions In today’s modern times, we have also thankfully left behind the old idea that the only childbirth position which was successful was with the pregnant mother lying uncomfortably on her back with her legs in the air. There are many positions which are available to you during the course of childbirth, and it is important that you find a position which works best for you. Each position has it's pros and cons though and you may need to use a combination of different positions. Pros & cons of birthing positions Standing Pros Excellent…
Birth Positions Continued
Common Birthing Positions Continued Pros More Comfortable Makes good use of gravity Allows you to rest easily Easy to do in hospital beds Good visibility for all present Good for continuous electronic monitoring Cons Access to perineum can be poor, as well as mobility of coccyx is impaired Places some stress on perineum Lying On Your Side Pros Good for oxygen supply to baby Easy resting position Good if you have high blood pressure Useful if mother has epidural Can make contractions more effective Can speed up labor Easier to relax between contractions Partner can assist in delivery Lowers chance…
Questions To Ask You Healthcare Provider
Questions You Should Ask Your Midwife If you have already been to a prenatal doctor's visit, then you probably can relate to this scenario. You get very nervous before the visit wondering what will happen and then once you hear that precious little heartbeat, the nerves end up going away. The problem is, once that is over, you completely forget everything that you were going to ask because you are too busy floating on cloud 9. It certainly doesn't help that your "pregnancy brain" is in full force too! This is where it comes in very handy to bring a…
The Delivery Room
Who Can Be In The Delivery Room With You? For those who are going through their first pregnancy will be focused on eating healthy, following a regular exercise routine, what type of birth they are going to have and so much more. What most couples will not worry about asking is “who is going to be allowed into the delivery room?”. Most hospitals have strict policies on who is and who is not allowed into the delivery room. In most cases this is usually limited to your partner or person you choose to be in the room with you and…
Surviving A C-Section
After giving birth by cesarean section you will more than likely feel too excited to feel any pain from the birth of your baby! Well, at least that's what we may like to think anyway. Unfortunately you will be recovering from major abdominal surgery and you will still have to deal with the pain and will also be spending the next 3-5 days in hospital. If you had an epidural or spinal block for your c-section, your anesthesiologist may add morphine which will give you a good amount of pain relief for up to 24 hours without the grogginess that…
Braxton Hicks
Usually pregnant women notice Braxton Hicks because they have brushed their bellies with their hands - and notice that it has tightened, while other moms will notice the tight feeling without having to feel it with their hands. Some women only notice them because they find them to be uncomfortable. Braxton Hicks contractions, which are more commonly known as false labor or practice contractions. Braxton Hicks are sporadic uterine contractions which will usually start around 6 weeks - although you may not feel them that early, but you will start to feel them around the second trimester of your pregnancy.…
Labor Signs
Common Signs And Symptoms Of Labor Knowing what the early symptoms and signs of labor are will ensure that when you do start labor you will know what are true symptoms of labor and what are just symptoms of Braxton Hicks. Lets look at the funamental differences between real labor and Braxton Hicks. Labor Sign : Your baby drops As you approach your due date you may feel your baby drop into your lower stomach. This new position will lower your center of gravity and allow you to breathe a little easier. Your baby may drop just before labor begins,…
VBAC
Is a VBAC Possible After A C-Section? Cesarean section is far more popular than a normal vaginal birth in today's modern world. A few years ago cesarean sections were only used in emergency situations - when there was a chance that the baby or mother may suffer damage during childbirth. Now, there are many reasons for it being used, but it is not because there is more danger now of there being complications. In the US today, almost 20% of all births are done by c-section. Like most mothers who have experienced the birth of their child through c-section, they…
Having A Birthplan
The Importance Of Having A Birthplan Preparing your birthplan before going into labor will give you the chance to think about how you want your childbirth process to go and to sit down with your partner and discuss the options which you have available. Although you may not be able to control exactly how the labor goes, it will give you a plan of action and a course you would like it to follow if everything goes smoothly. Having a written birth plan in place will also be useful to your healthcare provider and other medical staff when you are…
Your Hospital Bag
What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag It is important that you get your hospital bag organized before you go into labor, you wont be wanting to be rushing around packing a bag for hospital as you are going into labor. It is probably a good idea to pack your bag about 3-4 weeks before your due date. Packing your hospital bag Completed insurance or pre registration forms and healthcare insurance card Heavy socks to wear in delivery room Cotton nightgown or T-shirt for labor Lip balm, lollipops or fruit drops to use during labor Books or magazines A nightgown…