1. Preparing for Birth

2. Anesthesia
In the last trimester of pregnancy one decision you and your doctor will need to make is if you are going to be using any form of Anesthesia as a part of your birthing plan.
Most women prefer some kind of anesthesia.
Natural (unmedicated) childbirth is becoming more popular because the anesthesia can make the newborn baby less alert after birth.

3. Anesthesia
An epidural is given in the spinal sheath and deadens the patient from the waist down.
A saddle block deadens the area where you ride a saddle.
A paracervical block, also known as a cervical block deadens the cervix.
A pudendal block is given in the pudendal nerve and will numb the whole bottom and legs.
The cervix must dilate to some degree before any anesthesia is given. For this reason, a mother needs to learn some breathing and relaxation techniques.

4. http://www.babycenter.com/2_getting-an- epidural_10309447.bc
Getting an Epidural
epidural_ bc

5. Childbirth Classes

6. Lamaze Method Developed by the French obstetrician Ferdinand Lamaze
Used in the U.S. since the late ’50s

7. Purpose of Lamaze
The goal of Lamaze classes is to "increase women's confidence in their ability to give birth."
“Learn how to respond to pain in ways that both facilitate labor and increase comfort.“
Educates women so that when interventions are needed, or pain relief medication is desired, women are able to give true informed consent

8. What to expect in a Lamaze Course
12 hours of instruction and includes no more than 12 couples
Normal labor and birth (using videos of real births) and the early postpartum period
How to be active and informed participants during the birth
Focused breathing techniques for labor
Other relaxation techniques and natural strategies to help you work with labor pain, such as massage, walking, position changes, and hydrotherapy

9. What to expect in a Lamaze Course
Continued…
Tips to help your partner encourage and support you during labor
How to communicate with your healthcare team so your needs are met
Complications that could arise during labor and birth, and interventions that might be medically necessary
Epidurals and other options for managing pain with medication
Early interaction with your baby
Breastfeeding

10. Bradley Method
Developed by American obstetrician, Robert Bradley in the late 1940s
Embraces the idea that childbirth is a natural process and that, with the right preparation, most women can avoid pain medication and routine interventions during labor and birth.

11. Bradley Method Continued…
The program lasts 12 weeks and is more intensive than other childbirth education classes.
Over 86 percent of Bradley-trained couples have had spontaneous, unmedicated vaginal births.
Takes months to prepare for childbirth and parenting (mentally, physically, and emotionally)
Prides itself on addressing all aspects of natural childbirth, pregnancy and postpartum issues.

12. Selecting Birth Location

13. Hospital 99% of all births in U.S.
A woman is admitted when she is in labor
Labor- The series of contractions of the uterine muscles that gradually begin to push the baby out of the mother’s body.

14. Labor Room Mother is examined Set up monitors check baby’s vital signs
Mother is free to walk around the room

15. Labor Room

16. Delivery Room
Near the time of delivery, the woman is transferred to the delivery room.
Sterile area, used only for this purpose
Equipped for surgery and emergency procedures

18. Labor/Delivery Room
Today most women will labor and deliver in the same room.
When admitted mother will be set up in the room and will remain there through the birth of the baby.

20. Delivery Room Tour
delivery-room_ bc

21. Recovery Room Mother is watched for complications,
May also be called a Postpartum Room.
In most hospitals today it is also optional for the baby to stay in the same room as the mother during their hour stay.

22. Birthing Room
In some hospitals labor, delivery and recovery take place in the same room.
They tend to have more space .

24. Home Birth Mid-wife delivers newborn High medical risks – not advised!
Make plans for quick medical assistance in case of emergency
In some states, at-home births are illegal.

25. http://www.babycenter.com/2_labor-birth-tour- birth-center_10388403.bc
Birthing Center Tour
birth-center_ bc

26. Births….Elsewhere Expectant mother does not reach hospital in time
Dial 911 the operator will dispatch EMTs and talk you through what is happening until the EMTs arrive.
It is possible for the baby to be born before the EMTs arrive.

27. 911 Dispatch Recording:
News Interview:

28. Finding a Pediatrician
During the 3rd Trimester another task that needs to be completed is finding a pediatrician for you baby.
The Pediatrician needs to be chosen before delivery so the doctor can began care for the neonate upon delivery.
They will typically visit each day while mom and baby are in the hospital for recovery care.

29. Finding a Pediatrician Questions to Ask
What are your office hours?
Is someone on-call for emergencies or to answer questions?
What are the costs of an office visit and follow-up visits?
Is payment expected at the time of service or can it be made later?
Do you work with our insurance plan or medical card?

30. Breast-Feeding vs. Bottle-Feeding
Feeding Method
Breast-Feeding vs. Bottle-Feeding

31. Breast-Feeding Perfect Food- Antibodies- Disease-fighting agents
Easier to digest
Rarely suffer from constipation
Less likely to be over-fed
Antibodies- Disease-fighting agents
Protects baby from illness
Studies show that babies who are Breastfed generally have
Fewer illnesses
Develop fewer food allergies

32. Breast-Feeding Convenience and Economy Ready at all times
Right temperature
Requires no preparation
Fewer bottles and no formula
Pumps allow working moms to continue working
Insurance now pays for breast feeding mothers to have a quality pumping system.

33. Breast-Feeding Bonding Physical benefit for mother
Release a hormone that stimulates the uterus to return to its usual condition.
Bonding
Special bond between mom and baby
Feel more confident in their parenting skills
Increases an infant’s sense of love and security.

34. Bottle-Feeding
Allows fathers, grandparents and other relatives to share the work and rewards of feeding the baby
Gives mom a chance to rest

35. Making Work Arrangements
Parental/Maternity Leave- paid or unpaid time off from work given to a parent after the birth or adoption of a child.
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA):
A covered employer must grant an eligible employee up to a total of 12 work weeks of unpaid leave in a 12 month period for one or more of the following reasons:
for the birth of a son or daughter, and to care for the newborn child;
for the placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care, and to care for the newly placed child;
Leave to care for a newborn child or for a newly placed child must conclude within 12 months after the birth or placement.

36. Childcare Arrangements
Some moms or dads choose to stay home
But if not, a suitable childcare facility should be carefully chosen.
Some facilities have a waitlist for infant care. Thus, you may need to sign-up to be on the list even before your baby is born.

37. Preparing Siblings for Birth
Sharing mom and dad
Answer their questions in simple terms
Visit other families with babies
Let them be involved in preparations
Help them understand that it doesn’t change their love for them

38. Three to Get Ready: Packing for the Big Day
Mom
Coach
Newborn
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Comb and Brush
Soap
Cosmetics
Sanitary Napkins
Nursing bras and pads
Bathrobe
Slippers and Socks
Loose-fitting clothes to wear home
Insurance papers
Preregistration forms
Camera
Video Camera
“Comfort” aids, including music, reading material, etc.
Phone numbers of relatives and friends
Snacks
Blankets
Car Seat
Sleeper suit, undershirt, booties
Diapers
Receiving blanket
Heavy bunting or blanket

39. Water Breaks! 
The rupture of the amniotic membrane (the fluid- filled sac that surrounds the baby during pregnancy) may feel either like a sudden gush of fluid or a trickle of fluid that leaks steadily.
The fluid is usually odorless and may look clear or straw-colored.

40. If her "water breaks," write down:
the time this occurs
how much fluid is released
what the fluid looks like
Then notify your health care provider.
Although, labor may not start immediately after your water breaks, delivery of your baby will occur within the next 24 hours.

41. Lastly, keep in mind that not all women will have their water break when they are in labor.
Many times the doctor will rupture the amniotic membrane in the hospital.