Labor Labor Preparation http://tubalpregnancy.net/taxonomy/term/1/atom/feed 2008-06-26T14:12:04-06:00 Bonding with your baby before birth http://tubalpregnancy.net/content/bonding-your-baby-birth 2008-06-23T09:47:02-06:00 2008-06-26T14:12:24-06:00 sonia Bonding with your baby before birth is a wonderful experience for both of you. Not only this, but it is also a great way to enhance tour baby’s development.
Studies show that your baby will react to sounds and noises at around the 24 week mark. So, when you are around 3 months pregnant, you can start to interact with your baby and he will be able to interact with you.
Your baby will love one sound more than any others he may hear while in the womb, and that is your voice. He will hear your voice through the air as you speak. The sound will travel through your belly to your baby safely tucked up in your womb. He will also be able to feel the vibrations that come from your voice as you speak. You don’t have to speak loudly for your baby, because he can feel the vibrations, he will still be able to hear you softly talking.

]]> Bonding with your baby before birth is a wonderful experience for both of you. Not only this, but it is also a great way to enhance tour baby’s development.

Studies show that your baby will react to sounds and noises at around the 24 week mark. So, when you are around 3 months pregnant, you can start to interact with your baby and he will be able to interact with you.
Your baby will love one sound more than any others he may hear while in the womb, and that is your voice. He will hear your voice through the air as you speak. The sound will travel through your belly to your baby safely tucked up in your womb. He will also be able to feel the vibrations that come from your voice as you speak. You don’t have to speak loudly for your baby, because he can feel the vibrations, he will still be able to hear you softly talking.

Some mothers to be find it difficult to talk to their unborn baby as they don’t know what to say! Just talk to your baby about the things you are doing, the things you are going to do, how loved he is, what you are going to do when he arrives and so forth. Once you start, you will notice that it does get easier over time. Just see it as he is in front of you, and talk to him as if he is in your arms.

Playing music that is gentle and soft is another sound your baby will love. He will respond to the music in your womb and also once he is born. Music that you played before he was born may settle him off to sleep or relax him when he is in the world!

You can also get your partner and close members of the family to talk to him too. This will get him used to hearing other people’s voices.

Bonding with your baby before he is born is a great way to develop that special connection between the two of you.

]]> What to pack in your labor bag http://tubalpregnancy.net/content/what-pack-your-labor-bag 2008-06-23T09:44:42-06:00 2008-06-26T14:12:33-06:00 sonia Many women like to have their labor bags packed and ready to go early just in case! It is vital to get the right items in your labor bag ready for the big day so you are fully prepared and ready for any and all eventualities.
So, here is a list of what should be in your labor bag to make it easier for you to make time for you and your new baby.

]]> Many women like to have their labor bags packed and ready to go early just in case! It is vital to get the right items in your labor bag ready for the big day so you are fully prepared and ready for any and all eventualities.
So, here is a list of what should be in your labor bag to make it easier for you to make time for you and your new baby.

Items for before and during the labor
• A couple of loose items of nightwear or perhaps a T-shirt. Remember to pack a few in case they end up getting messy.
• Warm slippers and socks.
• Deodorant and a wash bag. Take some make-up for pictures after the birth, a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, etc.
• Snacks for both you and your birth partner.
• Maternity knickers and pads.
• Camera or camcorder.
• Magazines and books – Labor can be long!

For after the arrival
• Nightwear that allows you to breastfeed comfortably. Take a couple of pairs just in case you have to stay in the hospital a while.
• Slippers and a dressing gown.
• Make-up bag with all your essentials!
• Treat yourself to some pampering shampoo, conditioner, soap and moisturizer, etc. You deserve to use something really fabulous!
• Maternity pads – you are likely to need more than you think, so stock up on 3 or 4 packets.
• If you are breastfeeding, remember to take a nursing bra, nipple creams and pads.

Items to take for your baby
• 2 or 3 baby grows in newborn size.
• Body suits or vests either with sleeves or without, (depending on the weather).
• Baby blanket.
• Hat and mittens.
• Outfit to take your new baby home in.
• Newborn nappies – the hospital may provide these for you. Take a few of your own just to make sure!
• Baby wipes or cotton wool.
• Muslin cloths for feeding.
• Bottles and formula milk if you are not breastfeeding.

You may think of other items that you would like to take with you for the big day. Remember to take some baggy and comfortable clothes for you to go home in. Your maternity trousers or jeans will be fine as you probably won’t fit in your normal clothes for a while yet!

A great tip for leaving the hospital is to ask a few members of family or friends to take a few bits with them when they leave. You will be surprised at how much you accumulate while in the hospitals. So, by asking others to take a few bits home with them you lighten the load and make room for the new baby!

]]> Dealing with Pain during Labor http://tubalpregnancy.net/content/dealing-pain-during-labor 2008-06-23T09:39:04-06:00 2008-06-26T14:12:16-06:00 sonia Worrying about the pain that accompanies child birth is not uncommon. I doubt there is any woman who has been pregnant or who is pregnant, that hasn’t quivered at the thought of actually giving birth!

]]> Worrying about the pain that accompanies child birth is not uncommon. I doubt there is any woman who has been pregnant or who is pregnant, that hasn’t quivered at the thought of actually giving birth!
There is no point beating around the bush, giving birth is painful! But there are so many options available to you nowadays, you may have a relatively pain free labor. I will let you into a little secret though, no matter how painful the birth, as soon as you hold that precious bundle in your arms, you will instantly forget the pain you went through!

Lamaze Technique
There is a special and unique philosophy attached to this method. Lamaze will teach you that the process of giving birth is a completely normal, natural and a very healthy process. Women who take part in the Lamaze technique comment on how they feel totally empowered and they approach the upcoming birth with confidence and happiness. You will go to classes that will help you learn how to mentally decrease the pain you feel during childbirth through the process of breathing, relaxation, massage and distracting. You can still opt for drugs during the birth if you feel you need it and Lamaze teaches you that it is ultimately your decision and only you know what are best for you and your baby.

Water birth
Opting for a water birth provides a gentle atmosphere and a gentle birth. Water is a known pain reliever and the water allows you to move around freely and because you will not feel as much pain, you will be able to concentrate on giving birth. The father is more than welcome to join you, so make sure he doesn’t forget his trunks! Some of the benefits to a water birth are as follows:
• Is known to make labor quicker
• Can reduce your blood pressure
• Provides natural and effective pain relief
• Helps create relaxing atmospheres and saves energy for the big push!

Epidural
An epidural is probably the most popular and widely available pain relief during child birth. An epidural is a regional anesthetic that is administered into the lower back. There are epidurals that stop movement and those that allow you to have some form of movement during labor. You should talk to your midwife about your options and about whether you want one or not. A doula will help you write it into your birth plan if you decide you want to have an epidural. It is worth noting that an epidural will stop you from feeling anything during labor so it can be difficult to determine when to push.

]]> How soon after labor begins should you go to hospital? http://tubalpregnancy.net/content/how-soon-after-labor-begins-should-you-go-hospital 2008-06-23T09:35:45-06:00 2008-06-26T14:11:22-06:00 sonia It is very tempting to go straight to the hospital as soon as you feel those first contractions. However, the later you can leave your trip to the hospital the better. There are many reasons why you should stay at home as long as possible, some of which are outlined below.

]]> It is very tempting to go straight to the hospital as soon as you feel those first contractions. However, the later you can leave your trip to the hospital the better. There are many reasons why you should stay at home as long as possible, some of which are outlined below.

Labor, especially for first time mums, can be incredibly long. So, if you go straight to the hospital you are likely to be hanging around for hours. The midwifes at the hospital may tell you to go home if it is too early anyhow, so stay at home and relax. If you are in a relaxed and happy atmosphere, you are much more likely to give birth quicker than if you are in the hospital for hours on end. You can always go to the hospital if you are worried at all, or if the pain becomes too intense.

The hospital may make you tense and a little uncomfortable, which won’t help speed labor on. If you stay at home, you can relax by taking a soapy bubble bath, have a little dinner (unless it’s 3am!), sleep a little if you can and so forth. Being in somewhere where you feel comfortable is better for you and the baby. You can also make sure that you have everything prepared for when you do go to the hospital.

If you have decided to opt for a home birth, this won’t be an issue to you. Just remember to call the midwife and get everything ready for your baby’s arrival into the world. If you are having a home birth, when you first feel those con tractions is a great time to start getting everything ready. If you are having a water birth, you can get the pool ready and full of water for the birth. You relax and pass time by using a birthing ball to help you get ready. You can also use a tens machine to help ease the contractions and the pain before the birth.
Staying relaxed and being prepared for the birth is a great way to have a controlled and natural birth. Get ready to go to the hospital when your contractions are at least 5 minutes apart. If the contractions start to get more intense over time or if your waters break; it is certainly time to welcome your little one into the world.

]]> Preparations for Labor http://tubalpregnancy.net/content/preparations-labor 2008-06-23T09:25:50-06:00 2008-06-26T14:12:04-06:00 sonia Preparing for your baby’s entrance into the world can sometimes feel like a huge military operation. You will probably already have your labor bag, your maternity notes and your plans ready to go. What else can you do to try and make your baby’s entrance go as smooth as can possibly be?

]]> Preparing for your baby’s entrance into the world can sometimes feel like a huge military operation. You will probably already have your labor bag, your maternity notes and your plans ready to go. What else can you do to try and make your baby’s entrance go as smooth as can possibly be?

A good thing to practice before you have to actually do it is to do a practice drive to the hospital. Practice the fastest and safest routes to the hospital, and try them at different times of the day. It is safe to say that it will be a fairly quick journey if it is on the middle of the night; the best time to practice is the times when there will be most traffic.

Also, check where is best to park and where you can leave the car. You don’t want to come out with your bundle of joy to find that your car has been towed or clamped!

Before you have your baby, cook a few meals that easily freeze. The last thing on your mind when you get home is cooking a family meal. So, make a great batch of tasty meals and just take them out and reheat them when you are hungry. This saves a lot of time and a lot of hassle and leaves you time to rest.

If you have any other children you need to think about where they are going to go when you go into labor. Of course, you may go into labor at any time of the day including the middle of the night. So, you need to make early arrangements for someone else to take care of your other children. You also need to make arrangements for someone to be able to take them and pick them up from school.
In the last few days, you will probably want to clean the house from top to bottom to welcome the new arrival. If you can, get friends and family to help out. Don’t burden yourself with the whole task yourself. Although, many women have reported their waters break or contractions starting while they were actively cleaning the house!

Make sure you outline to people who are going to want to visit when they can and when they can’t. Don’t let people overwhelm you; it is natural for people to want to visit, but they must remember that you need your rest!

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