Labor Partner’s Summary
Below is a short and quick summary that guides the labor partner to the right management of the various situations that come with labor from the very beginning to the end of the fourth...
Length of Hospital Stay after Birth
The length of the hospital stay will be determined by the mother’s health insurance, the health of the mother and baby, the needs of the other children at home, and monetary concerns. Some mothers...
Visiting the New Sibling in Hospital
A mother’s ability to adjust to a home situation that includes other children will be greatly improved if the other children are allowed to visit her in the hospital. Visiting their mother will reduce...
Rooming-In Facility After Birth — Stronger Bond of Affection
Rooming-in is available in most hospitals and should be initiated as soon after birth as possible. It allows the mother to keep the baby in the room with her for all or part of...
Fourth Stage of Labor — Bonding & Recovery
During the fourth stage of labor, your caregiver will repair the episiotomy, if one was done, as well as any vaginal or perineal lacerations. If the repair work becomes uncomfortable, ask for another injection...
Third Stage of Labor — Once Your Baby is Born
The third stage of labor is the shortest stage, lasting from 5 to 20 minutes. After the baby is born, the uterus continues contracting, although with less intensity than during the first two stages....
Delivery Procedures in Out-of-Hospital Birth Centers and Hospital Birthing Rooms
Out-of-hospital birth centers and in-hospital birthing rooms offer a number of options to couples expecting an uncomplicated labor. Most birthing centers are run by certified nurse-midwives, with a physician as a backup in case...
The Second Stage of Labor and How to Deal with It
The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is completely dilated and effaced, and ends with the birth of the baby. The contractions are more like those experienced during active labor, lasting approximately...
The First Stage of Labor and How to Deal with It
During the first stage of labor, the contractions of the uterine muscles cause the cervix to efface and dilate. (See Figure 6.4.) Effacement refers to the shortening and thinning of the cervix. It is...
Going to the Hospital or Birth Center
Sometime during early or active labor, you will decide to go to your place of delivery. Whether or not this is your first baby, the distance to the hospital or birth center, your previous...