a personal journey through pregnancy, labor and birth

Transcription

a
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facing pregnancy
P
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a
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facing pregnancy
P
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by Dianne E. Moran, RN, LCCE, ICD
G. Byron Kallam, MD, FACOG
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The challenge of an unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming for anyone. It is especially
challenging for a teen. First, you are confronted with the acceptance of the pregnancy.
Then you are faced with the fear of motherhood and how the growing baby will change
your body. There is also the fear of losing out on a daily life of friends and school. There will
be hardships along this path but with the knowledge of what your body is going through,
support from others and the resources in your community, you will make it through. There
is no looking back. Look forward to what is possible. Be proud of your courage and that you
are taking an active role in the health of you and your baby. Never give up on your goals
and dreams.
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a n e w b e g i n nin
T his is
g
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t e e n
f a c i n g
p r e g n a n c y
2
A special thanks to all the teens who helped to make this publication come to life.
Many thanks to THURSTON HOUSE and PENNCREST School District
for their cooperation and support in the development of this publication.
A special thanks to Debbie Gifford, Program Coordinator, at Thurston House.
870 Thurston Rd., Meadville PA 16335
[email protected] • www.thurstonhouseppt.org
Photography provided by DeAnna Runyan.
© October 2008 Customized Communications, Inc.
Arlington, Texas
All Rights Reserved
Reviewed 6/2010, 6/2011, 10/2012, 12/2014, 8/2015
1-800-476-2253 • Email: [email protected] • Visit us at www.customizedinc.com
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Initial reaction • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 4-7
Take care of yourself • • • • • • • • • • • 8-12
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What to expect • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 13-22
Understanding labor and birth • • • • • 23-31
Making labor easier • • • • • • • • • • • 32-36
Getting ready for birth • • • • • • • • • • 37-45
Your baby is here • • • • • • • • • • • • 46-47
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Hospital stay • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 48
Answer sheet • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 65-66
Word list • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 67-70
Emergency numbers • • • • • • • • • • • • • 71
The information in this booklet is for general reference purposes only and cannot be relied upon as a substitute for medical care.
You should have regular prenatal checkups as well as consult with your healthcare provider about any special health questions or
concerns. Every woman is unique and may require a special treatment program.
For the purpose of clear and concise writing, the term “he” will be used to reference the baby.
f a c i n g
Looking ahead • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 64
t e e n
Keeping your baby safe • • • • • • • • • 60-63
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Baby comes home • • • • • • • • • • • • 54-59
p r e g n a n c y
Breastfeeding is best • • • • • • • • • • • 49-53
3
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Talk
to your
parents or
guardians
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Finding out that you are going to have a baby can be scary and shocking. It
is important to find someone to talk to. If you do not feel as if you can talk
to your parents first, then find a friend, relative, or even one of the school
staff, the nurse or a counselor. They will be able to help you see things
more clearly. They also may give you ideas as to how to move forward. It is
always helpful to listen and accept support from others.
Talk to the father of the baby, even if
things do not work out between the 2 of
you. He has a right to know and may be a
great source of support.
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As hard as it may be, talk to your parents
or guardians. They may be upset or feel
letdown at first, but you may be surprised
what a huge help they can be in giving
guidance and being there for you. They may
be the strength and support that you need
at this time.
Ask a caring adult, counselor or community
agencies about local resources that can be
of help.
A positive pregnancy test can be
overwhelming and unexpected.
It is important to find support
and talk to the father of the baby.
pid.
I am in 9th grade. I am so stu
I just found out that I am
pregnant. I am so scared. It is
ds
going to kill my mom when she fin
out. What do I do now? Alyson G.
You do not have to feel alone. There are many places and people
who can help. They will assist you with options and choices that can
help shape your future and aid you in having a healthy pregnancy
and birth.
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You will be faced with many decisions for yourself and your baby.
Caring for a baby is hard work. It takes a lot of time. Having a baby
means you have to get used to a big change in your life.
You have options when it comes to having a baby. You may decide to keep
the baby. You may decide to give the baby up for adoption. Whatever you
decide, the choice is yours. Talk with your family, school counselor, church
member or a healthcare provider about your options. They can help. You do
not need to feel alone. Talk to people you can trust and who will listen.
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Your feelings are important
Even though you may feel like you do not want to talk to anyone, you
should try. You will be surprised how much better you will feel.
Feelings you may have experienced:
• Shame
“My parents will never talk to me again.”
It is true that they might be upset and
maybe even mad. Give them some time.
They may eventually be a strong
support system.
You may
have some
of these
feelings
i n i t i a l
“There is no way….I can’t be pregnant”
is usually the first thought. The sooner you
find out and accept you are pregnant, the
sooner you can take care of yourself and
your growing baby.
r e a c t i o n
• Denial
5
• Embarrassed
“How do I face my friends and teachers?” You may think they will think
less of you. You might be surprised that your teachers or counselors can
have good advice.
• Fear
“I feel like I am losing it.” You could feel as if your hopes and dreams will
no longer be within reach. You may also feel as if you let yourself, as well
as others, down. You might sense rejection from your best friends, peers,
parents and teachers.
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The thought of going through it alone or worrying that your boyfriend will
leave and you will have no one else to turn to is a huge fear.
• Acceptance
“There is a baby growing inside of me…this
is not a dream!” You need to stay upbeat and
reach out to those who can help. It is going to be
OK. Look for support from your family, friends,
school and community.
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• Moving Forward
“I am eating for 2 now.” This saying does NOT
mean to eat twice as much! A healthy pregnancy
is important. You need to be aware of your diet
and put healthy foods into your body.
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• Support
“It is not easy talking about this.” Think it
through. Reach out to someone who you
can trust. Find a program in your area
that helps teens.
Knowledge
is power
Get as many facts as
you can on pregnancy
and childbirth.
think it through...
How do you feel?
_____________________________________________________________________________
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Who can help you on this road to being a parent?
_______________________________________________ Phone #________________________
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_______________________________________________ Phone #________________________
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_______________________________________________ Phone #________________________
_______________________________________________ Phone #________________________
_______________________________________________ Phone #________________________
What resources have you found in your area?
_______________________________________________ Phone #________________________
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r e a c t i o n
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7
ta k e
urself
o
y
f
o
care
It is so important to take care of yourself now. All that you eat and
drink has an effect on your baby. Too many sodas may not be good for
you or your baby, so think about water and fruit juice instead. Colas
are also full of caffeine, which you should try to avoid when you are
pregnant. It may cause the baby’s heart to beat faster and put stress
on your growing baby.
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Smoking puts your baby at risk for being small at birth and more at
risk for SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. This is when the baby
stops breathing while he is sleeping. Smoking also increases the risk of
allergies and ear infections in infants and children.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or FAS is due to drinking alcohol, even small
amounts during pregnancy. Babies with FAS have slower or damaged
brain development or birth defects.
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If you smoke, drink alcohol or take any kind of drugs, even
over-the-counter, it may put you and your baby at risk for health problems.
t a k e
c a r e
o f
y o u r s e l f
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If you have a
headache or
a cold, always
check with
your healthcare
provider before
taking any overthe-counter
medications.
STDs
You must use protection to avoid STDs or Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
STDs can cause blindness, pneumonia (new-moe-nee-ah) or meningitis
(men-in-ji-tis) in newborns. Always protect yourself and your baby. Talk
to your healthcare provider about STDs during pregnancy.
Exercise
Your healthcare provider will tell you what types of exercise and activity are
safe for you and your baby. Exercise is good as long as you choose the right
ones like walking, swimming or yoga. Do not lift items that are too heavy. This
could hurt your back. Do not do any high-impact aerobic workouts.
Get plenty
of rest and
sleep
Sleep
Get as much sleep and rest as you can while you are pregnant. Sometimes
stress can interfere with your sleep because you are worried about so many
things. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are staying awake at night
and not getting any rest. This is called insomnia (in-som-nee-a).
Eating right
Eating healthy foods is a big part of prenatal
(pre-na-tal) care. Make sure you are balancing
your meals with foods from the 5 groups listed in
the box on the right.
Choose a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables
every day. For handy snacks, keep string
cheese, yogurt, turkey slices, cottage cheese or
hard-boiled eggs on hand in your refrigerator.
Limit salty foods and snacks with high sugar. Stay away from fatty, fried
foods. If choosing fast foods, select salads, grilled meats, fruit or yogurt.
Vitamins
• Grains
• Proteins
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Dairy
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You know how you eat. Are your choices always the best? It is for this
reason that you and your baby need lots of vitamins and minerals.
Your healthcare provider will tell you to take prenatal vitamins.
These vitamins do not take the place of eating healthy foods.
Keep yourself clean and neat. Shower every day and wash
your hands often.
Keeping your teeth clean is also important.
•
•
•
•
•
Visit your dentist for regular checkups.
Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day.
Floss your teeth daily.
Use mouthwash to rinse away germs.
Eat healthy meals and snacks.
o f
c a r e
Cleanliness
Prenatal
Vitamins
t a k e
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Important things you need are contained in your prenatal vitamins:
Iron – You will need more iron because your body is making more blood for
you and the baby. Iron carries oxygen through your bloodstream as well as
the baby’s.
Folic acid – This is a B vitamin that helps in preventing birth defects.
Calcium – Baby needs this for proper bone development.
Omega-3 fatty acids – Helps with the baby’s brain and visual development.
y o u r s e l f
Sometimes the vitamins will leave a funny taste in your mouth
or make you feel sick to your stomach. Try taking your vitamins
after you eat a meal. This may help.
9
School
think being
pregnant has
its pros and
cons, like all
choices we
make in life.
Lisa M.
I
You may feel as if you cannot
finish school. Girls who finish high
school have higher paying jobs
and enjoy more success in their
lives. Continue going to school
throughout your pregnancy and
choose to return after the baby is
born. Sometimes thinking that you
will finish later once the baby is
here does not work out. There may
be programs or classes in your
community for pregnant teens.
Ask your guidance counselor, school
nurse or healthcare provider about your
options.
Future
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Make
wise choices
for your
future
t a k e
c a r e
o f
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Life can throw you curve balls. You
probably were not prepared to be a
parent. How you choose to move
forward through your pregnancy
makes a difference. By making the
right choices and educating yourself,
you grow to understand your
strengths. These strengths can lead to
opportunities that you never thought
were possible. Allow your healthcare
provider, parents and other adults
to help guide you through your
pregnancy and as you become a mom.
Career plans
If you were planning on higher education, do not think you
have to change your plans. There are ways to work things out.
It is going to be rough trying
to get a job, going to school
and taking care of a child.
Jamie J.
Prenatal care
Prenatal care includes visits you make to your healthcare provider
or midwive's office before your baby is born. (A midwife is a
person, usually a woman, who is trained to assist women in
childbirth.) Teens that get the proper care and make good choices
have a better chance of having a healthy baby. If you cannot
afford to go to a healthcare provider or a prenatal clinic, there
are social service groups that can help you. Talk with your school
counselor, parents or another adult that you trust to help locate a
good starting place where you live.
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• Urine test
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• Pelvic examination (internal)
• Tests for STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
Sexually transmitted diseases can cause serious problems in
babies, so it is important to protect yourself.
You will visit your healthcare provider regularly. It is important not to
miss a scheduled visit. Even if you feel good, you need to keep your
appointments so your healthcare provider can check the progress of you
and your baby.
As long as you are doing well, your appointments will be as follows:
• Weeks 4-28: 1 visit a month
• Weeks 29-36: 2 visits a month (every other week)
• Weeks 37-40: 1 visit a week
. I like to
doctor's appointment
hly
nt
mo
my
to
ing
I enjoy go
are happening
ions about things that
est
qu
r
to
co
do
my
ask
Kate E.
self.
with my baby and my
DO NOT
skip any
prenatal
visits
o f
• Blood test
c a r e
• Blood pressure
t a k e
The exam will include:
• Weight
y o u r s e l f
You will be asked many questions at your first visit. Make sure
you are honest with your answers. This is important for your
baby’s health. After the questions comes the exam.
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At your visit, write down what your healthcare provider says:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
My scheduled visits:
1.____________________________________7.__________________________________
2.____________________________________8.__________________________________
3.____________________________________9.__________________________________
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4.____________________________________10.________________________________
5.____________________________________11.________________________________
6.____________________________________12.________________________________
Questions I need to ask at my next visit:
t a k e
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
c a r e
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
o f
y o u r s e l f
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_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
My childbirth classes start on:_____________________________________________
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Figuring out your due date
A pregnancy lasts about 280 days or around 9 months. This is from the day
that you conceived until the birth of the baby.
To figure out when you are due, follow these 3 steps:
1. Write down the first day of your last period
2. Count back 3 months
3. Add 7 days
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If your last period began on June 2, count back 3 months. That would be
March 2. Now add 7 days and your “due date” is March 9th! You probably
will not deliver on that exact day. It is normal to give birth 2 weeks before or
after this date.
My feelings
about this are
mixed! I’m
scared, but then
again I can’t
wait! But
I’ll try to take
it step by step.
Brittney G.
Your pregnancy is broken down into trimesters:
2nd Trimester
3rd Trimester
Month 1
Month 4
Month 7
Month 2
Month 5
Month 3
Month 6
Month 8
means a time of
3 months.
t o
The word trimester
e x p e c t
Month 9
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1st Trimester
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1st tr eeks (1 to 3 month
s)
12 w
What is
happening
to you
and your
baby?
Even before you find out you are pregnant,
your body is already going through changes.
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Here are some things you may have noticed:
• You may have missed a period. You could be
at least 2 weeks pregnant.
∑• Your breasts may feel tender. They may also
be swollen. They are getting ready to produce
milk for the baby.
• You may feel tired and fatigued. Listen to
your body and nap when you can. Get a good
night’s sleep, too.
• You may be going to the bathroom to urinate
(your-in-ate) a lot! As the baby grows, he puts
pressure on your bladder.
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• By the 3rd month, your regular clothes may feel too tight around your
waist.
∑• You may be afraid of what you are going to look like and what others may
say to you about your growing belly.
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∑• You may feel sick to your stomach or have what is called “morning
sickness” – this is common in the 1st trimester. You may not have it in the
morning but at other times during the day. Try a few crackers before you
get up in the morning. Sometimes this helps. If it gets bad, talk with your
healthcare provider.
Emotional
changes
Fear of many things
is common.
pain
It is in the first 3 months that you will find
many feelings coming to the surface.
giving birth
telling people
body changing
parents reaction
friendships changing
missing school and activities
Emotions
You may find that you will cry at small things. Your moods swing from
being happy to being sad over things that would normally not affect you.
Just let people know you are emotional.
Physical and emotional changes I have noticed:
_____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Pressures that I am feeling:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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Things I need to talk to my healthcare provider about:
When I found out
about me being
pregnant, I was
scared at first but
then I got used to it.
Elizabeth T.
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t o
Things I need help with:
w h a t
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er
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2
What is
happening
to you
and your
baby?
2
13 to
4 weeks (4 to 6 month
s)
In the second 3 months, you will start to look
pregnant. The symptoms you had in the first
trimester, like morning sickness and feeling tired,
may go away. You may feel like you have more
energy.
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Many other things are happening to our body:
• You may get stretch marks on your tummy,
thighs, legs, breasts or even your bottom!
∑• You may need different clothes to wear.
• You may feel the baby move (like a flutter). This
is called quickening (kwik-en-ing).
A fetus (fee-tus) is
a developing human being.
• You may notice some swelling in your hands and feet. This is due to an
increase in your blood volume and changing hormones. Although this is
normal, you need to rest and put your feet up from time to time.
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∑• You may have trouble having a bowel movement. Make sure you drink
6 to 8 glasses of water a day; this will help. (Do not give yourself an
enema or take medicine for constipation. Always talk with your healthcare
provider if you have a problem.)
• You may find yourself very hungry. Eat balanced, nutritious meals with
healthy snacks like fruit, yogurt or vegetables in between. Pack cereal or
nuts in a baggie for a quick snack.
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Emotional
changes
You will find that you feel better in this
trimester. You are more at ease with the
idea that you are pregnant and have found
support from others around you.
Even though you are showing, you are not
yet so big and uncomfortable that it is hard
for you to move.
Dreams
Every once in a while you may have a scary dream; this is normal. The fears that
you have sometimes come out when you are sleeping. Talk about the dream
with someone. This may take away some of the worry you could be feeling.
Physical and emotional changes I have noticed:
_____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________ Things I need to talk to my healthcare provider about:
If you have scary dreams,
talk to someone about them.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Things I need help with:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Being a pregnant teen has its ups
Being pregnant can be a really frus and downs.
to go through. you really have to trating process
be ready
physical y and mentally.
kate E.
Ups
and
downs
w h a t
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e x p e c t
_____________________________________________________________________________
17
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i
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t
d
r
3
6 weeks (7 to 9 mon
3
o
t
5
2
ths)
This is the last 3 months of your pregnancy. You
are probably anxious for the baby to arrive. Read
and take classes about labor and birth. Being
prepared will help you to understand what is
happening and not be so afraid. You will notice
more changes happening to your body.
What is
happening
to you
and your
baby?
E
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These changes may include the following:
• You may feel clumsy. Make sure you wear
comfortable shoes that are flat with rubber soles
so you do not fall.
• You may find yourself forgetting things.
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• Sleeping may be hard. Try sleeping on your side
and using pillows around you.
• You will gain weight faster because the baby is
growing fast.
Braxton-Hicks contractions
– how your uterus
“practices” for real labor.
• You may feel more tired as time goes on.
• You can see the baby move in your belly.
∑• Your pregnant belly may be up by your ribs making it hard to breathe.
• Heartburn and indigestion may occur. You will have to eat smaller and
more frequent meals to help with this discomfort.
w h a t
• You will notice your uterus feeling hard or having a “balling up” feeling.
These are called Braxton-Hicks contractions.
• Once the baby “drops” you will need to go to the bathroom more. This is
called lightening. The weight of the uterus is now on your bladder.
t o
e x p e c t
• Your breasts may leak some fluid. This is normal and the fluid is called
colostrum (ko-los-trum). It is the first milk the baby will receive when you
breastfeed.
• A heavier discharge is normal from the vagina. This is preparing the
vagina for birth. (If there is an odor or if it is causing you some problems
like itching, then talk with your healthcare provider.)
• You may get dizzy if you stand up too fast from sitting or lying down.
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b
e
o
t
r
e
h
t
a
f
e
th
I need a better
job. We’ll pull
through. I’ll be
a good father.
Dustin T.
Changes we need to make to prepare for the baby:
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_____________________________________________________________________________
M
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Communication is the
exchange of ideas
between people to
express thoughts
and feelings.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ List of things to do before baby arrives:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
t o
_____________________________________________________________________________
w h a t
_____________________________________________________________________________
I thought
it was the
end of the
world, then
I realized it
was the start
of a whole
new world.
Darryl C.
e x p e c t
You and the father of the baby will have lots
to prepare for and things you need to talk
about. Communication is very important now,
but sometimes it is hard to put your feelings
into words.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
19
o
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k
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b
r
trimeste
1st Trimester
2nd Trimester
Month 1
Month 4
• The baby is called an
embryo (em-bree-o)
• May be able to find out the
sex
• Heart, brain, lungs,
eyes and ears
are forming
• 6 inches long
• Weighs 5
ounces
• ½ inch
long
Month 2
Month 5
M
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• May be sucking his thumb
• 10 inches long
• Weighs ½ to 1 pound
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Month 7
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• Arms and legs are forming • You may feel the baby
move
• Head is larger than body
• 1 inch long
3rd Trimester
• Baby responds to sound
• 14 inches long
• Weighs 2 to 2½ pounds
Month 8
• Bones and nails are
getting hard
• Wrinkles go away and fat
develops
• 17 inches long
• Weighs 4½
pounds
Month 3
Month 6
• The baby is now called a
fetus (fee-tus)
• Red, wrinkled skin
• Opens eyes
• You may feel like you are
ready to pop
• Fingernails and toenails
are growing
• Growing hair
•20 inches long
• 12 inches long
• Weighs 7 to 7½ pounds
• 4 inches long
• Weighs 1 to
1½ pounds
Month 9
Weight gain
The usual weight gain when you are pregnant is 25 to 35 pounds.
Here is how it breaks down:
Uterus 2 pounds
Baby..................... 6 to 8 pounds
Extra blood 4 pounds Placenta
and membranes .... 1½ pounds
Breasts
2 pounds
Amniotic fluid....... 2 pounds
Body fluid
4 pounds
Extra fat . ............. 7 pounds
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e
l
s
a
t
’
s
e
v
i
w
old
When you are pregnant, people will tell you all kinds of things. Talk
with your healthcare provider about some of the old wives’ tales that
you are hearing. Many are just not true.
M
A
S
Here are a few of these myths:
• Do not let someone who has her period hold your baby – your baby
will have an upset stomach.
• Scary movies will cause your baby to have a birthmark.
• If you talk bad about someone, your baby will look like them.
Some old wives’ tales that I have heard:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
t o
• If you take a bath, you will drown the baby.
w h a t
• If you raise your hands above your head, you will strangle the baby.
e x p e c t
• If you sit on the floor, you will get hemorrhoids.
21
myself
h
t
i
w
contract
__ , promise to:
E
L
P
I, __________________
q Eat healthy for my baby and me.
q Take my prenatal vitamins.
q Not smoke.
q Not drink alcohol.
q Not do drugs.
lthcare
my hea
q Not take any medications unless
provider tells me to.
M
A
S
vider visits.
pro
q Keep all my scheduled healthcare
q Take childbirth classes.
q Talk about my feelings.
q Reach out for help if I need it.
inside
q Take care of my baby growing
w h a t
t o
e x p e c t
22
q Think about my future.
q Finish school.
Signature:
Witness:
Date:
of me.
a
r
o
n
b
d birth
a
l
un derstanding
Anatomy and physiology
Before you were pregnant
Uterus
Pregnant
The top of the uterus is called the
fundus (fun-des). Each visit, your
fundus will grow higher and higher.
The mucous (mew-kus) plug is a thick
piece of mucus that sits in the mouth
of the womb, or cervix. It helps to keep
bacteria out of the area where the baby
is growing. It will come out before the
baby is born.
Your healthcare provider will start to measure your
uterus during exams.
b i r t h
M
A
S
E
L
P
a n d
Uterus
l a b o r
Your baby is called a fetus while
growing inside of you. The fetus
is attached to an umbilical

(um‑bil‑i‑kel)
cord. This cord
connects the baby to the placenta.
The placenta (pla-sen-ta) gives
the baby oxygen and provides
nourishment. This is carried to the
baby through the umbilical cord. The
nourishment that your baby receives
comes from the foods you eat, so eat
healthy!
u n d e r s t a n d i n g
The uterus (you-ter-us) is an amazing
organ. It will grow to 10 times its
normal size. The mouth of the uterus is
called the cervix (ser-viks). When you
are in labor, it will open up or dilate
to let the baby out.
23
Amniotic sac
and fluid
Your baby is growing inside
a sac filled with water. This
water is called amniotic
(am-nee-ah-tik) fluid.
Fundus
Placenta
Uterus
Umbilical
Cord
E
L
P
This fluid and sac do 3 things: Amniotic Sac
• Act as a cushion for the
baby.
• Keep area where the baby
lives safe and warm for
proper growth.
Mucous Plug
• Keep germs from entering
where the baby is growing
and developing.
l a b o r
a n d
b i r t h
24
Tell your
healthcare
provider if
your water
breaks
Cervix
Vagina
When the sac tears, the water will come out. It may be a little trickle or a big
gush. You will hear people say, “your water has broken.”
M
A
S
Your water may break but you may not have any contractions.
It is important that you let your healthcare provider know right away
if you think your water has broken.
How will I know when I am in labor?
This is a commonly asked question, especially if this is your first pregnancy.
Try not to let people scare you with their birth stories. Every labor and birth
is one-of-a-kind. Your entire pregnancy has been a time that your body has
been getting ready for the birth of your baby. You will know when it is time
to go to the hospital.
I’m scared that I won’t
know what to do or what
is going on when the
time is here!
Christy
Contractions
wn
.
do
a by
eb
in waves and push th
E
L
P
The job of the contractions is to thin out the cervix. This process is called
effacement (e-face-ment). The cervix is normally 1½ to 2 inches long. It
will become paper thin as it stretches and pulls over the baby’s head.
0% Effaced
No change to
cervix
50% Effaced
Cervix starts to
thin out
100% Effaced
Cervix is
completely
thinned out
a n d
M
A
S
Effacement
l a b o r
Contractions cause the cervix to be
drawn up over the baby’s head.
Vagina
b i r t h
The cervix is the
opening to the uterus
that thins and opens
to allow baby to move
down into the vagina.
tio
rac
t
n
Co
When contractions are about
5 minutes apart and you feel
tightening with pressure in your
abdomen, back or thighs, it may
be time to go to the hospital.
Your healthcare provider will tell
you when you should call or go
to the hospital.
Contraction starts
here at the fundus
ome
ns c
Contractions (con-trak-shens)
are the rhythmical work of the
muscles of the uterus that start
at the top of the uterus (fundus)
and move downward like a
wave. They help to push the
baby down and dilate (open up)
the cervix.
25
Dilation (die-lay-shen)
The other job of the contractions is to open up or dilate the cervix. One
way to think of this is to compare the closed cervix to a bottle with a long,
narrow neck. Think of a wide-mouth jar as looking like being completely
effaced and dilated.
You can think about dilation and effacement like this:
What are the
contractions
doing?
Cervix long and thick
l a b o r
a n d
b i r t h
26
M
A
S
Bottle neck long
and narrow
E
L
P
Cervix thinned and open
Jar neck short
and wide
und out I was having
I was excited when I fo
r
s going to be a mothe
wa
I
t
ou
g
in
nd
Fi
.
rl
a gi
use I like little babies.
ca
be
ed
cit
ex
el
fe
e
m
made
Rebecca W.
The cervix needs to open to 10 centimeters (sen-te-me-ters)
before the baby is born.
M
A
S
8 cm
3.1 inches
E
L
P
7 cm
2.8 inches
b i r t h
6 cm
2.4 inches
4 cm
5 cm
1.6 inches2 inches
a n d
3 cm
1.2
inches
l a b o r
2 cm
.8
inch
10 cm
3.9 inches
1 cm
.4
inch
27
Station
The baby’s head moves down
and through the pelvis. The
healthcare provider or nurse
gives a “station” or position of
your baby’s head. Is it high or
moving down low? They assign
a number (plus or minus) to this
measurement as shown
on the picture to the right.
False labor
E
L
P
-4 Floating
-3
-2
-1
0 Station
+1
+2
+3
+4 Crowning
(top of head
shows)
Sometimes you may think you are in labor but you are not. This is called
false labor. These contractions do not do the work to open and thin out the
cervix. They may fool you.
l a b o r
a n d
b i r t h
28
M
A
S
You are probably in true labor if your
contractions are evenly spaced and
getting closer together. Another sign is
that the contractions do not go away
when you walk or move around.
The chart below will help you decide
if you are really in labor.
The difference between true and false labor
Am I really
in labor?
True Labor
• The time between contractions is
regularly spaced.
False Labor
• The time between contractions is
NOT regularly spaced.
• Contractions get stronger.
• Contractions DO NOT get
stronger.
• They get closer together.
• Feel contractions in back (known
as back labor) and/or lower
stomach.
• They DO NOT get closer together.
• They do not stop with walking.
• They often get better with walking.
• Cervix opens (dilates).
• Cervix does NOT open (dilate).
• Feel contractions primarily in
lower stomach.
Timing contractions
To time contractions, you need to know 2 things – frequency and duration.
These are explained in the box below.
Frequency - Time from the
start of one contraction to the
beginning of another.
TR
CON
Duration - Time from the start of
one contraction to the end of the
same contraction.
ACTION
TR
CON
ACTION
Duration
Frequency
E
L
P
Copy this chart and keep track of your progress.
Time between
Contractions
Timing Contractions
Start
Stop
Length of
Contractions
Notes
Frequency
Hour:Minute:Second Hour:Minute:Second
Duration
Changes, Feelings
1 : 15 : 00
1 : 15 : 35
35 sec.
5 min.
1 : 20 : 00
1 : 20 : 40
40 sec.
M
A
S
It just feels tight.
Is this it?
b i r t h
15 min
Excited to get started.
a n d
40 sec.
l a b o r
1 : 00 : 40
1 : 00 : 00
29
learned?
u
o
y
what have
Fill in the blanks with these words:
cervix
placenta
fundus
vagina
l a b o r
a n d
b i r t h
30
E
L
P
umbilical cord
uterus
mucous plug
baby
M
A
S
(Answers on page 65)
s
n
g
i
war ning s
Preterm labor
Preterm labor is when you go into labor 3 or more weeks before
your due date. This may be too early for your baby to be born. If
you have any of the symptoms below, call your healthcare provider
right away or go to the hospital.
E
L
P
The following is a list of things that are NOT NORMAL and need
attention RIGHT AWAY.
M
A
S
Keep your healthcare provider's
number and emergency
contacts handy.
• Low backache that is constant or comes and goes, and is
different.
• Pressure: Feels like the baby is pushing down. A heavy
feeling.
• Not feeling the baby move.
• Blurred vision or seeing spots or flashing lights.
• Bad headache.
∑• Constant dizziness.
• Swelling of hands, feet and/or face that is different or
sudden.
• Nausea and vomiting.
∑• Chills and fever of 100°F or higher.
• Pain when you pass water (empty your bladder).
• Discharge from the vagina that is itchy or causes burning.
Things
to call your
healthcare
provider
about
a n d
• If water passes (a gush or trickle) from the vagina that is
clear, pink or greenish-brown in color.
l a b o r
• Bad stomach pain or cramping.
• Bleeding from the vagina.
b i r t h
CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF ANY OF
THE FOLLOWING CHANGES HAPPEN:
31
mak
a
e
s
r
i
er
o
b
a
l
ing
In your 5th or 6th month, it is time to start thinking about childbirth classes.
Being prepared is the KEY! Ask your healthcare provider about them or call
your hospital to sign up for a class.
E
L
P
Childbirth Education classes are important.
Childbirth
Education
They will help you learn about:
• The changes to your body.
• Labor and birth.
• Choices you have in labor to handle the pain.
• How to take care of you and your growing baby.
• Relaxation methods to help you and your labor partner.
• Benefits of breastfeeding.
M
A
S
Classes allow you to ask questions. There is no question that is stupid,
so RAISE YOUR HAND! If you are shy, then wait until class is over and meet
with the teacher.
When you understand what your body is doing, you
are much better prepared to handle the pain of labor.
m a k i n g
l a b o r
e a s i e r
32
Childbirth classes also help you to know and understand
your options. Your instructor will make you aware of comfort
measures that help you cope with the contractions.
Your teacher will help you learn how to work with the
contractions and not fight against them.
Things that will be taught in childbirth classes:
• Relaxation
• Breathing
Anybody you are comfortable with
can be your labor partner –
the father, your mom, sister, friend,
someone you can count on for
help and support.
• Focusing your mind on something
• Massage
• Comfort measures
Keep it positive
You may be a little worried about what you are feeling and going
through. You now need to start thinking positively about what is to
come. Positive thinking is a big force and a huge help for you in labor.
If you say “I can’t, I can’t, I can’t,” then chances are YOU CAN’T. But
if you say, “I can do this,” and take one contraction at a time, then
you will have an easier labor. You will not be fighting against the
contractions.
Some things to consider:
• Negative thinking makes you tense.
• Tension makes pain worse.
• Positive thinking helps you to relax.
• Focus will get you through.
• It is nothing that you cannot handle!
Relaxation
Your
attitude
makes a big
difference
E
L
P
You may think it is easy to relax. Every day you come home, kick off
your shoes and chill. But, when you are in labor, it is not so easy to
relax unless you learn how.
e a s i e r
was pregnant I was so
happy. I know I’m on
ly 17 but it’s the best
feeling in the world to
become a mother. Yes,
it’s scary and hard, bu
t it’s so rewarding.
Being able to relax during labor
takes practice.
Melissa K.
l a b o r
When I found out I
m a k i n g
M
A
S
Labor is when the uterus tightens and relaxes in a pattern. If you
tense up when you have a contraction, then you fight against what your
body is trying to do. When you fight the contractions, they hurt more
and labor takes longer. By learning to relax the rest of your body while
in labor, the uterus will be allowed to push the baby down and out the
vagina (birth canal). You need to learn to trust your body. If you do
this, labor will be easier for you to handle.
33
Breathing
Learning special breathing will help
you to relax. You must practice this
breathing so it will work for you.
Cleansing breath
Have you ever taken a big, deep
breath in and then let it out? You
feel relaxed after that big sigh. Use
the cleansing breath at the start
of a contraction. This tells your
body to start out relaxed. When the
contraction is over, take another
big, deep breath and let it out. If
you become a little tense after the
contraction, the breath will remind
you to relax those muscles.
x
M
A
S
Cleansing breath
Slow, deep breathing
E
L
P
Practice relaxing and breathing techniques
at home with your labor partner.
Contraction
x
Cleansing breath
• Do not use special breathing until you really need it.
• Using it too soon will tire you out.
m a k i n g
l a b o r
e a s i e r
34
• Takes your mind off your contractions.
• You may want to use a pattern to breathe or become “in step” with
your body.
• Use a plan that works best. It may change, be flexible.
Labor Partner
I was scared
If your baby’s father is not around or does not want to that the baby's
be involved, then ask someone else to be your labor
dad would deny
partner. You may want to arrange to have support
her and not
of a doula (doo-la). Doulas have special training
stick around.
and provide physical and emotional support during
Tiera D.
labor, birth and after your baby is born. They can
really help you through the labor.
Controlling pain
ain •
p
f
re
more t
E
L
P
on
• feel
m
o
I am afraid of the pain.
How can I do this?
Carrie N.
en
s
i
There are different relaxation techniques that you
can learn and practice so you are prepared and
know how to handle labor.
e
scared
g
n
i
el
•
When you are tense, you feel more pain. The more
scared you are, the more tense you become and
the more pain you feel. It can become a crazy
cycle. That is why relaxation is so important.
Relaxation is the Key!
This is a common concern for pregnant teens.
Just remember, it is nothing you cannot handle.
Think about this:
Have you ever burned your finger? Did you run it under cold water and it
felt better? But when you took it away from the cold water, it started to hurt
again? It is a natural response for our body to distract us.
M
A
S
• Go to the bathroom and empty your bladder often.
• Have someone massage your back.
• Use ice or heat on your back if that is where you are feeling your
contractions.
• If your healthcare provider allows, labor in the shower or a tub. The
warm water may feel good.
l a b o r
• Get out of bed and walk or sit on a birthing ball.
Comfort
Measures
m a k i n g
Besides breathing and relaxation, here are a few comfort measures
to try:
• Change your position.
e a s i e r
Cold, massage, touch, music or a soothing voice can help distract you from
the pain of labor. The brain blocks bad sensations and allows good ones to
take their place. That is why comfort measures are important to learn.
35
think of when you
have a headache.
When you rub your temples, it feels
better. Things that feel good like
touch and massage send signals
through your body faster than pain
travels. That is why massage can be
so helpful in labor.
Massage
E
L
P
If you are tense, your labor partner can
rub your back or stroke your arm. This
feels good and helps you to relax.
Focal Point
M
A
S
Also, try a “focal point” or something
to look at during your contractions.
If you focus on a picture or stuffed
animal, then you will not focus
as much on the contraction. This
will allow you to think about your
breathing.
m a k i n g
l a b o r
e a s i e r
36
Some comfort measures to try:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
A focal point can
be a stuffed animal,
picture or anything
else that you can
concentrate on.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
getti
or birth
f
y
d
a
e
r
g
n
What should I take to the hospital?
Items for you:
• Focal point – an object you
can concentrate on (picture,
stuffed animal, etc.)
∑• Nightgowns
• Robe
• Slippers
• Nursing bra
• Going home clothes
• Toothbrush
• Comb
• Hair ties to put your hair up
• Deodorant
• Glasses or extra contact lenses
• Camera
Items for baby:
• Clothes
• Diapers
• Light blanket
• Baby book to record
events and place
footprints
• Car seat ready for ride
home
M
A
S
When should I go to the hospital?
E
L
P
Pack your “goody bag” with items
for you and your newborn baby.
b i r t h
Pack ahead of time so that your suitcase will be ready
to go at any moment.
f o r
Below is a list to help you decide when to go to the hospital.
Your healthcare provider may ask about these things when
you call.
g e t t i n g
r e a d y
Are your contractions:
• Growing more intense?
• Following a regular pattern?
• Lasting longer?
• Becoming closer together?
Did your membranes rupture? (water break):
Think of the word COAT.
C
O
A
T
=
=
=
=
Color of fluid.
Odor of fluid.
Amount of fluid.
Time you felt your water break.
Keep track of your contractions so
you can tell the healthcare provider.
37
There are 4 stages of labor:
1st Stage:
From the time true labor begins until you are fully dilated or 10 centimeters.
2nd Stage:
Pushing until the baby is born.
3rd Stage:
Birth of the afterbirth or placenta.
4th Stage:
The first 2 hours after giving birth.
E
L
P
abor
l
f
o
e
g
a
t
s
t
s
1
Early phase
M
A
S
There are
3 phases to
the 1st stage
of labor:
g e t t i n g
r e a d y
f o r
b i r t h
38
If you think you are in labor, it is important to rest as much as you can.
Since these contractions are not that strong, you will find it easy to walk,
talk and do what you would normally do. But rest and relaxation is
important. Fatigue is your worst enemy when you are in labor. Early
labor is the longest phase of labor. When your contractions become closer
together (5 minutes apart) or when you are more uncomfortable, it is
probably time to go to the hospital. A pelvic exam will be done. It is the
only way the nurse can tell if you are in true labor. This phase dilates you
to 6 centimeters (cm).
• Early
• Active
• Transition
go
it is time to
n
e
h
w
r
fo
the
in place
keep gas in
d
Have plans
n
a
re
u
s
e
ital. B
you.
to the hosp
ody to drive
b
e
m
o
s
e
v
a
car and h
Your baby’s nursery should be ready
for his arrival before labor begins.
Stock up on all the supplies early.
Active phase
Your contractions are stronger and are 3 to 5 minutes apart. They will last
around 60 seconds. They are strong and uncomfortable. Your cervix will
dilate from 6 to 8 cm. This phase is shorter than early labor.
Tips for getting through active labor:
• Do your best to relax between contractions.
• Remember what you learned in childbirth classes.
E
L
P
• Use a breathing method to help you through the
contraction.
∑• Suck on ice chips or take sips of water if your
healthcare provider lets you.
∑• Take a walk if you can. It is better to move than
lay flat on your back.
During transition you may:
• Feel tired and want it over with.
• Get discouraged.
• Shake, but you are hot.
• Have a hard time focusing.
• Find it hard to relax.
• Experience nausea and vomiting.
f o r
r e a d y
M
A
S
This is the hardest phase but, thank goodness,
it is the shortest. Your cervix will dilate from
8 to 10 cm. Your contractions can last up
to 90 seconds each and there may be little
time between them. Even though they are
the hardest, allow your body to do the work
it needs to do. Every contraction brings you
closer to the birth!
g e t t i n g
Transition phase
b i r t h
•Remember to go to the bathroom often.
39
Your healthcare provider may order these things
when you are in the 1st stage of labor.
Break your water
If your water or amniotic sac does not break on its own, then your
healthcare provider may gently break your water which is called an
amniotomy (am-nee-ah-t0e-me). As the picture shows on the right,
your healthcare provider will do an exam and use a “hook” called an
amniohook (am-nee-o-hook). This hook will make a tear in the sac
which allows the fluid to come out. You may feel a gush of warm water.
E
L
P
Use a fetal monitor
The fetal monitor is a device that can listen to your baby’s heartbeat. It can
also measure how close your contractions are to one another.
• External monitor
There are 2 belts that are placed around your belly. You can move
around with these belts on. You can sit or stand with the monitor
on, too. If you need to go to the bathroom, ask your nurse for
help.
g e t t i n g
r e a d y
f o r
b i r t h
40
M
A
S
• Internal monitor
Sometimes, your healthcare provider will need to gently place
a small wire on the baby’s head. If they cannot hear and see
the baby’s heartbeat on the monitor with the strap around your
belly, they will need to use this wire. This is called a “scalp
electrode.”
Induce your labor
Some babies are stubborn and do not want to leave their nice “warm
home.” There may be a time that your contractions are not strong enough.
Your healthcare provider may need to help you with a medicine called
pitocin (peh-toe-sin), a man-made oxytocin (ox-e-toe-sin). This will
help move things along by making your contractions stronger and closer
together. This medication is given through an IV in your arm or hand.
Start an IV
If you have an epidural or need to be induced, then you will need to have
an IV. A needle will be used to find a vein. A tube takes the place of the
needle. This is connected to a long tube that connects to the bag of fluid.
Insert a catheter
A catheter is a tube that is inserted into your bladder so that it can be
emptied. This is only done if you cannot go on your own. A full bladder
can hold up your labor and birth.
s
n
in labor
o
i
t
p
o
medication
A variety of medications can be given to help reduce the discomfort
of labor. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider.
Narcotic pain relievers
Local
These medicines can be given
as a shot or an IV (intravenous
solution). They take the edge off
the pain so you can handle the
contractions and relax. They may
make you feel dizzy. Sometimes
they make you sick to your
stomach. Other medicines can be
given with the narcotic to make
them work better.
This is given by your healthcare
provider to numb the vaginal
area if an episiotomy
(e-pee-zee-ah-toe-me) is
needed at birth. (See page 43.)
Tranquilizer
Epidural (ep-e-dur-al)
A tranquilizer relaxes you. If you
are too tense, the cervix has a
harder time dilating. They can be
given as a shot or pills. Sometimes
they are used with the pain
medicine.
An anesthetic is injected into the
lower back to give pain relief
with no sedation. This is the most
common form of anesthesia used
during labor.
Sedative
General
Sometimes contractions do not
work well in dilating your cervix.
You may get tired when labor is
long and nothing is happening. This
is when your healthcare provider
may give you a sedative. It helps
you to sleep the night and get some
rest.
This type of medication affects the
whole body. It is used for cesarean
births in emergency situations
where time is a factor. You are
unconscious and feel no pain.
M
A
S
f o r
Anesthetics (an-as-thet-iks) block
the pain by numbing only part of
your body.
r e a d y
Analgesics (an-al-gee-siks) can
affect you and your baby.
b i r t h
E
L
P
Anesthetics
g e t t i n g
Analgesics
Discuss
pain
management
with your
healthcare
provider
41
2 nd
b
a
o
l
r
f
o
e
g
sta
Pushing
For many,
it feels good
to push
Once you are 10 cm or fully dilated,
then you will need to help push the
baby down the birth canal. You may
think, “There is NO WAY I can do any
more.” But your body is amazing!
You will find the strength you need.
g e t t i n g
r e a d y
f o r
b i r t h
M
A
S
Cervix fully dilated.
Baby’s head turned for birth.
Head delivers.
42
E
L
P
Baby’s head is crowning.
Baby’s head turns and
birth is complete.
Supported kneeling position
C-position
Side-lying position
Squatting position with labor support
Pushing
positions
E
L
P
Forceps or vacuum
These are tools your healthcare provider may choose to use to help ease the
baby’s head out. If you have questions about the forceps or vacuum, ask
your healthcare provider to explain why they use them.
Forceps
Vacuum
f o r
Your healthcare provider may need to give you an episiotomy. This is a
small cut to enlarge the vaginal opening for the baby to come out.
r e a d y
Episiotomy
g e t t i n g
M
A
S
Things that may happen when you are in the 2nd
stage of labor
b i r t h
There are different ways to push, so it is important to listen to your nurse and
work with her. There are different positions to push, too. Some of these are
shown in the photos above.
43
b
a
o
l
r
f
o
e
g
a
t
s
d
3r
The 3rd stage is the shortest. It lasts 5 to 15 minutes. This stage is the birth
of the placenta or afterbirth.
E
L
P
The placenta is what the umbilical cord is attached to. It has been
nourishing the baby and taking his wastes away. Once the baby is
delivered, the placenta peels away from the uterus.
bor
a
l
f
o
e
g
a
t
s
4th
This is the recovery stage after giving birth.
x
e
p
n
e
u
c
t
e
ed
h
t
r
be ready fo
M
A
S
Cesarean
birth
g e t t i n g
r e a d y
f o r
b i r t h
44
You may not have planned to have a cesarean (ce-sar-e-an) birth
but sometimes it is necessary for the safety of you and your baby. It is
important to be flexible. If you need to have a cesarean birth, the baby will
be delivered through a cut in your belly. It is a major operation but you will
not feel any pain.
A cesarean birth takes less than 1 hour. You will be taken to the surgical
suite. If it is not an emergency situation and your healthcare provider says it
is OK, your partner can join you.
After the operation you will receive pain medication. Make sure you ask for
it every 3 to 4 hours after the surgery so that you can be comfortable.
Some reasons for a cesarean birth:
• The baby is too big to fit through your pelvis.
Problems
the baby
might have
∑• The baby is not in a “head down” position.
•∑ The baby is 2 weeks overdue.
•∑ You may have an STD that is active (like
herpes).
•∑ Your blood pressure is too high.
•∑ The baby is in trouble (his heart rate drops).
E
L
P
Placenta Previa:
covers the cervical opening.
•∑ The placenta becomes a problem (placenta
previa).
∑• The cord comes first (prolapsed cord).
∑• Your labor is not dilating your cervix.
Stages of Labor Quiz
Prolapsed Cord: cord slides
out of the cervix.
Put each of the items listed below the box under the stage of labor that they occur:
b i r t h
4th Stage
f o r
Active phase
3rd Stage
Transition phase
• Birth of placenta.
• Easy to walk and talk.
• Hardest phase of labor.
• Contractions are strong and 3 to 5 minutes apart.
r e a d y
2nd Stage
g e t t i n g
M
A
S
1st Stage
Early phase
• Baby is born.
• Recovery.
45
e
h
r
s
e
i
y
b
a
b
r
u
yo
Your baby will be checked over at the time of birth.
Your healthcare provider may suction out the baby’s
nose and mouth. They have a lot of fluid and mucus
and this suctioning helps them to breathe or take
their first breath.
E
L
P
A score (Apgar Score) will be given to your baby at
1 minute and at 5 minutes. This is your baby’s first
test score. The best is a 10. They get points for each
one of the responses noted in the box below.
Do not worry if the first minute is a
lower number. It just means that he
had a tough time at birth. In a few
minutes you will notice the baby
getting pink and crying. This is good!
M
A
S
Things that will be done
to your baby:
• His weight will be taken.
y o u r
b a b y
i s
h e r e
46
• His head circumference will
be measured.
• His body length will be
measured.
• Eye drops will be placed in
your baby’s eyes to protect
him just in case you had an
unknown STD infection.
• A shot of Vitamin K will be
given in his thigh. Every
baby needs this shot. It
helps the baby’s blood
to clot.
A Activity, muscle tone
P
Pulse rate
G Grimace, reflex irritability
A Appearance, skin color
R
Respiration, breathing
Footprints and bands
Your baby’s footprints may be taken along with
your fingerprint. For security, your baby and you
will receive name bands. Some hospitals have special
security systems in place. Make sure you follow the
rules to keep your baby safe.
What will my baby look like?
It is amazing how quickly your baby’s look changes.
E
L
P
These are some things you will notice at birth.
∑• You may think that your baby has a funny looking head!
It may look big and out of shape. When the baby comes
down the birth canal, it has to “mold” or change shape
to fit through the vagina. Do not worry. His head will be
round and back to shape in no time!
Your
baby may
have a cone
head!
• He may have a white, cream cheese-like substance all
over him. This is called vernix (ver-niks). It protected the
baby’s skin while he was floating in water for 9 months. If
you give birth after your due date, there may be no vernix
and your baby’s skin may be dry.
M
A
S
∑• Your baby’s genitals may appear swollen. This is normal
and the swelling will go away.
Shape of head after birth
Shape of head a few days later
b a b y
i s
h e r e
• Red marks, called “stork bites” may appear on baby’s
skin or forehead. These will often disappear over time.
y o u r
• His eyes may be swollen. This is from coming down the
birth canal as well as the ointment that is placed in the
eyes, this is normal and will go away as well.
47
tay
s
l
a
t
i
hosp
The nursing staff
will check these
things often:
• blood pressure
• pulse
• bleeding
Recovery care
E
L
P
After birth, you will stay in the hospital
1 to 3 days. It depends on the type of
birth you had (vaginal or cesarean birth)
and insurance.
Things to expect during your recovery:
• Your nurse will feel your uterus. The top of your uterus, or fundus, is found
close to your belly button. It should feel hard and be about the size of a
grapefruit. It needs to stay firm so you do not bleed.
• Your nurse may push down on your uterus, especially if you are bleeding.
Do your breathing exercises when they push down. They are not being
mean. This is part of the postpartum check.
• Your nurse will also look at your bottom. If you are swollen after birth, the
nurse may put an ice pack on your perineum (pear-a-nee-um). It will feel
good!
M
A
S
You will be sore for a while after birth. Bleeding may be like a period at
first but then get less and less as the days go by. The first time you stand
up after birth may be scary. Sometimes a lot of blood will come out of you.
This is normal for the first time standing. Your nurse will help you to the
bathroom. You may also feel light-headed or dizzy. Your body went through
some big changes so this is not strange, either. Always ask a nurse to help you
if you need her. Do not be afraid to ask for help!
h o s p i t a l
s t a y
48
Your nurse will teach you how to take care of your bottom especially if you
have stitches from a tear or episiotomy.
To keep yourself clean and free from an infection:
• They will give you a “peri-bottle.”Fill this with warm water and spray it
over your bottom every time you go to the bathroom.
• Pat dry and do not wipe your bottom. You do not want to tear stitches if
you have them.
Your discharge will turn brown or lighter in color as you get home. This
discharge is called lochia (low-key-ah). If you bleed heavy or pass clots (or
clumps of blood) call your healthcare provider right away.
brea
is best
g
n
i
d
stfee
Breastfeeding is a great choice to make
for you and your baby.
E
L
P
Getting started
Your body is busy making milk
for your baby. You need to stay
healthy by:
∑• Eating healthy foods.
• Getting the rest you need.
• Drinking healthy liquids like
milk, water and juice.
For mom:
• Helps you get back in shape.
• Keeps your baby healthier so you will not miss so much school or work.
• Allows you to get more rest at night because you will not have to make a
bottle and warm it up.
• Gives you special time with your baby.
∑• Helps you save money! You will not have to buy formula.
b e s t
For baby:
• Breastmilk is the perfect food.
∑• Makes your baby healthier.
• Is easier for your baby to digest.
• Decreases your baby’s chances for colds, infections and
even certain cancers.
• Helps your baby’s brain functions.
• Helps your baby have strong teeth.
• Keeps your baby healthier throughout life.
i s
M
A
S
Why is it important to breastfeed?
Start
breastfeeding
ASAP
b r e a s t f e e d i n g
Breastfeed early and often. As soon as
you can, put your baby to your breast. If
possible, holding your baby skin-to-skin
right after birth is best. Ask your nurse
to help you. Your baby is very alert the
first hour after birth. It is important for
him to get to know you and your smell.
Breastfeeding does not always come
naturally. It takes patience and practice.
It is worth it for you and your baby.
49
The first milk
What is
liquid gold?
Your breasts will not have breastmilk for 2 to 3 days. Instead, your baby will
receive a substance known as colostrum (ko-los-trum). This “first milk” is
known as “Liquid Gold.” It is yellowish in color and contains water, sugar
and minerals. Most importantly, this substance protects your baby from
illness. It contains antibodies (an-tee-bod-ees).
E
L
P
Your milk will be in greater supply by day 3 to 5. With the making of the
milk, you may notice your breasts feeling heavy and full. This is called
breast engorgement. It should get better in 1 to 2 days.
Engorgement
Engorgement (in-gorge-ment) is when your breasts fill with milk after
birth. This may cause both discomfort and swelling of the breasts.
To help you through engorgement, try these hints:
• Nurse frequently at least 8 to 12 times in a 24-hour period.
• Apply cold compresses to the breasts before, during or after a feeding.
Use a frozen bag of peas or corn for 15 to 20 minutes. This triggers blood
vessels to constrict and helps with swelling, draining and soothes any
discomfort. Never apply an ice pack directly on the skin.
i s
b e s t
M
A
S
• Manually express or pump out milk to soften the areola (air-e-o-la)
and nipple. The areola is the dark colored skin around the nipple. Your
baby cannot latch-on if your breast is too hard (a common problem with
engorgement).
• Apply cold compresses to your breasts after nursing to relieve swelling.
• Wear a sleep bra even at night but make sure it is not too tight.
Getting started
• As you sit in your bed or chair, support yourself with lots
of pillows.
∑• Place your baby on his side, so that he is “tummy to
tummy” with you.
∑•His nose should line up to your nipple.
•Run your nipple above baby’s upper lip.
•Be patient and let him open his mouth wide.
•Aim your nipple toward the roof of his mouth.
50
Signs of a good latch
• All the nipple and much of the areola are in your baby’s
mouth.
• Baby’s lips are turned out.
• Baby's chin is pressed firmly against the lower part of
your breast.
• Baby's nose is slightly away from your breast.
• Baby stays on your breast.
• Do not let him suck only on your nipple. This will hurt.
E
L
P
fore taking baby
Break suction be
breast.
away from your
• To take him off your breast, slide your finger into the corner of
the baby’s mouth to break the suction. See photo in the box to the right.
How do I know my baby is getting
enough to eat?
You need to keep track of the following to know your
baby is getting enough to eat:
∑• Your baby should have at least 8 to 12 feedings in a
24-hour day.
M
A
S
• 2 on the 2nd day of life.
• 3 on the 3rd day of life.
∑• Then 5 to 6 disposable diapers of urine that are yellow in color once milk is in
greater supply.
∑• Baby will be passing meconium (me-co-nee-um) the first few days of life.
• It will change to mustard color, seedy and runny once milk is in greater supply.
Use the Daily Record on the next page to keep track of your baby’s feedings, wet
diapers and stools.
i s
You should expect:
∑• 1 diaper in the first 24 hours.
A lactation consultant is a woman
with special training. She helps
new moms and babies with
breastfeeding. Ask for her assistance
when you are in the hospital.
How many diapers will you change
a day?
b e s t
Weight gain is an important clue to your baby’s
healthcare provider that he is getting enough breastmilk.
51
Newborn Daily Record
Date
Time
Date
Breastfeeding
Bottle
Feedings
Left
Amount
Right
Wet
Diaper
Dirty
Diaper
M
A
S
Date
Time
i s
b e s t
52
Time
Date
Breastfeeding
Bottle
Feedings
Left
Amount
Right
Wet
Diaper
Dirty
Diaper
Breastfeeding
Bottle
Feedings
Left
Amount
Right
Wet
Diaper
Dirty
Diaper
E
L
P
Time
Breastfeeding
Bottle
Feedings
Left
Amount
Right
Wet
Diaper
Dirty
Diaper
Quiz on Breastfeeding
Circle True or False
1. Colostrum or the “first milk” is thin and yellow in color
and will not fill my baby’s belly. True
False
2. Your breastmilk will protect your baby from infection.
True
False
3. When I go back to school I have to quit breastfeeding.
True
False
E
L
P
4. Breastfeeding will help me get back into shape faster. True
False
5. I need to keep track of my baby’s feedings and diapers. True
False
Feeding choices
Feeding is a special time between a mother and her baby. Whether you
choose to breastfeed or bottle feed, a baby needs to feel close to you. He
learns very early on about trust. Feeding time is a great time to talk and
cuddle with your baby.
If you choose formula over breastmilk for your baby, your baby’s healthcare
provider will tell you what kind you will need.
M
A
S
Follow these steps if you feed your baby from a bottle:
• Wash your bottles and nipples and make sure they are clean.
b e s t
∑• Wash the top of the cans of formula with hot, soapy water. Then rinse well.
• Read the directions carefully.
• Check the date on the can to make sure it has not expired.
• To warm, hold the bottle under warm tap water or let it sit in some
warm water.
∑• Tilt the bottle to check the nipple hole. The formula should not run out,
but drip.
• NEVER PROP THE BOTTLE. Your baby could choke.
• If your baby does not finish all of the bottle, throw the rest away.
Germs can grow very quickly inside the bottle.
• All bottles need to be refrigerated if mixed in advance. They cannot be
without refrigeration for more than 2 hours.
Never prop
a bottle
i s
• Never microwave formula. You could burn your baby’s mouth.
53
b a by
m
o
h
e
s
!
e
m
o
c
Bringing baby home
E
L
P
You must have a car seat to take the
baby home. Many cities have a car
seat safety program. You will learn
how to use the car seat properly to
keep your baby safe.
Observe these rules when driving
with your baby:
• Never hold your baby in your arms
while in the car.
• Babies must ride in the back seat of
the car in a car seat that is correct
for the weight of the child, or at
least to the age of 2.
M
A
S
Keep your baby safe...buckle up!
• The car seat must face the back of the car for newborns.
∑• Everyone in the car needs to buckle up.
• Ask for help if you need it.
Where will baby sleep?
b a b y
c o m e s
h o m e !
54
You may want to have the cradle or bassinet close to
you in the first weeks. Safety for your baby is important.
Here are some things to look for when choosing a bed
for your baby to sleep:
• Look for a wide, sturdy bottom so that it does not
tip over.
• The surfaces should be smooth and have
no staples, nails or sharp objects that
could hurt the baby.
• It should have a firm mattress
that fits snugly.
Crib safety
When you move your baby to a crib, you
must know these facts:
• The space between the slats should be
spaced no more than 2 3/8˝ apart to prevent
a baby from getting stuck.
• Be careful with hand-me-downs or
antique cribs. They may have lead paint or
decorative cutouts that are dangerous for babies.
E
L
P
• Make sure the mattress is snug. If you can fit 2 fingers between the
mattress and the crib, then you need to get a new mattress for the baby’s
safety.
• Consider putting the baby in a sleeper instead of using a blanket to cover
him at night.
• Do not put pillows, stuffed animals, bumper pads, quilts or comforters in
the crib. These may be a hazard to your baby.
Reminder: Install a
smoke detector. Check
it monthly to
make sure the battery
is working.
Your baby’s healthcare provider may instruct you to sponge
l was so afraid to give my
bathe your baby until his umbilical cord is healed. If you have
baby a bath at first. Now
a boy, you must also wait until the circumcision (sir-cumit is easy and he loves it.
se-shun) is healed. Your healthcare provider will give your
Denita R.
instructions before discharge from the hospital. Call and ask
questions when you need to do so. The first bath you give your
baby when you get home from the hospital may be scary. Please know that
in no time you will be able to do a sponge bath in minutes. Your confidence
and skills as a new parent will kick in rather quickly.
You may be
nervous when
you give your
baby his first
bath.
Relax, you will
get the hang
of it soon.
c o m e s
M
A
S
Sponge Bath
b a b y
Bathing baby
h o m e !
• Always place your baby on his back in a crib with a firm, tight-fitting
mattress.
55
the baby to learn you
r
o
f
r touch
Bat
e
h time is a wonderful tim
The first step is to clean baby’s eyes and face.
E
L
P
Be sure to clean all the folds and creases.
Some steps to help you with a sponge bath:
Stay with
your baby!
b a b y
c o m e s
h o m e !
56
• Bathe the baby before a feeding.
• Pick an area in the house where you will be comfortable bathing him.
• Make sure all of the bath supplies are in reach. Keeping everything
in a basket is very helpful. Make it a rule to never leave your baby
unattended.
• Choose an area that is draft free.
• Lay your baby on a towel and undress him. Cover up with a second
blanket and only expose the area you are washing.
• Start with the eyes. With a clean corner of a washcloth without soap, wash
from the inner corner of the eye to the outer edge using warm water.
Repeat with the other eye, this time using another corner of the washcloth.
• Wash the baby’s face with clean water. You may choose to use a washcloth
or your hand.
• Wash around the nose and ears. Never insert a cotton swab up your
baby’s nose or into his ears. You are only asking for problems if you
attempt to do this. You can cause damage, especially to the ear drum.
• Wash the baby’s body making sure you get into every fold and crease.
• Check the umbilical cord for proper healing. Cleanse the area with
clean, warm water and apply alcohol only if instructed by your baby’s
healthcare provider. If you notice a bad odor, call the healthcare provider.
• When you change the diaper, fold it down below the cord. The cord will
fall off and the area will heal.
• Babies are born with fingernails that are tissue-paper thin, but can be
sharp and scratch your baby’s face. Right after birth it may be difficult to
tell where the nail ends and the skin starts when using baby clippers or
scissors. You may want to start with an emery board at first and file the
nails when he is sleeping. Plan to trim the nails about once a week.
M
A
S
E
L
P
h o m e !
Hold baby in “football” hold
to wash his hair.
Remember that in order to allow
healthy hip development when your
baby is swaddled, his legs should
be able to bend up and out at the
hips. He should not be wrapped so
his legs are straight and unable to
bend or move. When your baby’s
legs can move freely, the hip joints
can develop naturally.
c o m e s
• Use clean water on the genitals. Little girls will have a lot
of discharge. Always wash from front to back so you do
not introduce germs into the bladder. Little boys that are
circumcised need the penis cleaned with clean, warm water
until the area is healed. Your baby’s healthcare provider will
give you instructions on how to care for the penis before you
are discharged. If your son was not circumcised, do not force
the foreskin back to clean the penis. Warm water and soap
is all that is necessary. Ask your baby’s healthcare provider
about the care if you have questions.
• If the baby has soiled his diaper, take an unsoiled corner of
the diaper and wipe away the excess stool. Using a washcloth,
wash the baby’s bottom with warm water to cleanse
thoroughly.
• To wash his hair, save a little container of clean water. Wrap
him in a towel and place him in a “football” hold. Pour some
of the clean water over his scalp. Place a small amount of
shampoo on the scalp and wash making sure you rub the
entire scalp even over the soft spots. By avoiding the soft
spots and not rubbing the skin for the blood to circulate your
baby can get cradle cap. This is a scaly patch that can appear
on your baby’s scalp. Your baby’s healthcare provider will
advise you on the care of cradle cap, if needed.
• Your baby’s delicate skin may be very sensitive to certain
lotions or products that are highly perfumed. There are
plenty of gentle skincare products on the market. If you are
concerned about your baby’s skin you should consult his
healthcare provider.
• Dress your baby and swaddle him in a blanket to prevent him
from becoming chilled.
M
A
S
Do not be afraid to rub the
scalp when shampooing.
b a b y
If baby has a dirty diaper, use a clean corner of the diaper
to wipe and then wash with washcloth.
57
you are
n
t
e
now
r
a
p
e
th
It is hard to be a teen and even harder being a teen who is a parent! If you
are in this alone and the father of the baby is not around, it puts even more
stress on you.You may find that your friends may pull away and you no
longer have a social life. It can be a very lonely and frustrating time for you.
With that said, it is important for you to be prepared for bumps along
the way and have a plan in place to call someone who will help you.
E
L
P
Your baby is quick to pick up on whether you are in a good mood or sad. If
you can be happy and positive, your baby will be more relaxed in his home.
On the days that you are stressed and feeling out of control, think about
these things:
• Find and develop a good support system for yourself. Friends, family and
even your local church or school can provide you with some help.
M
A
S
• Everyone needs some alone time! Get someone to watch your baby and take
a long bath to relax.
• Make some time to “work in a work-out.” Keeping your body fit allows you to
feel better about yourself.
• Eat well! Do not rely on fast food. Healthy foods will help you to fight fatigue.
• Cook and freeze meals ahead of time or buy foods that are quick to prepare.
• Nap when you can while your baby is safe in his crib.
b a b y
c o m e s
h o m e !
58
Never shake
your baby!
• No matter how much you love your baby, you may feel tired and become
angry. Put the baby down in a safe place like the crib and step away. Take
a breath and calm down before you pick him up again. Parents sometimes
need a time out!
Remember - NEVER SHAKE YOUR BABY OR TOSS HIM INTO THE AIR.
• Ask for the help you need. Call a hotline or hospital if you need help.
• When a baby cries he may need you to change his diaper, feed him, or to be
held. These quick responses build a lifelong trust between parent and child.
• The most important thing to remember about parenting is to understand
the love that you feel towards this little baby. He is a part of you and there
is a bond that is strong from the very beginning. Show your baby your love.
Talk with him and take care of his needs. When you show your baby love and
respect, he will grow up having those manners, too. Your child learns by
watching you.
Let your partner lend a hand
Your partner can be a great help to you when the baby is here.
Here are some things that they can do:
• Feed the baby, if you are using pumped breastmilk or formula.
• If you are breastfeeding, your partner can change the baby’s
diaper and bring the baby to you to nurse.
• Your partner can get you a drink while you nurse.
• Read parenting books.
• Comfort and hold the baby.
• Take the baby for a walk.
Your partner is going through changes,
too. He may worry about the cost of a
baby and how to provide for the both of
you. It is important that the each of you
talk about how you feel and try to see
each other’s point of view.
M
A
S
Word find
N
U
T
R
I
T
I
O
N
P
Q
S
U
R
E
T
U
S
S
A
R
T
R
I
M
E
S
T
E
R
C
A
R
E
E
R
B
T
H
E
S
L
L
N
W
Z
R
T
E
N
U
O
B
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Y
O
L
W
R
T
D
O
X
T
P
A
J
A
U
B
N
H
F
P
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R
A
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L
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G
U
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F
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I
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F
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E
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P
Circle these words:
health
care
boy
baby
uterus
girl
parent
school
support
fundus
career
future
feelings
trimester
nutrition
h o m e !
• Bathe the baby.
c o m e s
• Pack the diaper bag.
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• Diaper and dress the baby.
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keeping
b
y
a
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safe
r
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o
y
The best way to relax and enjoy these early months with your baby
is to make sure your home is safe from things that could harm him.
As your child begins crawling and getting into more stuff, you will
have to use more of these safety rules. You are now responsible for
protecting this new life you have created.
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Here is a list of safety measures.
Infants:
• Never leave an infant (even when sleeping) alone on a bed, table or surface
where he could fall off.
• A baby should have a safety car seat for the very first ride from the hospital.
Although the tendency is to hold a new baby in your arms,
this is NOT at all safe, especially if there is an impact.
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• NEVER place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat or near a passenger side
airbag.
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Be sure to have
safe, reliable
childcare and
emergency back-up
help arranged.
•The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children
should ride in rear-facing child safety seats as long as possible. New
research indicates toddlers are more than 5 times safer, according to the
AAP, riding rear-facing in a convertible car safety seat until they reach the
maximum height and weight recommendation for that particular model, or
at least to the age of 2.
• Never leave an infant or small child unattended in a car, not even
for a moment.
• Avoid direct sun exposure during the first few months of life.
• Do not hold baby while cooking. Hot food or liquid could splash on the
baby or a hot pan could touch his skin.
• Never have baby near a burning cigarette. Hot ashes from cigarettes
can burn baby’s skin and smoke can be harmful to his lungs and yours.
Never smoke in the car when your baby is with you. Healthcare providers
recommend that you do not smoke. If family or friends smoke, ask them to
go outside.
• Any small object can pose a threat to a baby. This includes edible items like
nuts, hot dogs, carrots or candies, as well as buttons, beads or anything
that could come loose and be swallowed.
• Check the air flow and temperature of baby’s room, particularly if it is
heated.
• A baby’s sleeping area should be free of strings on bedding items and
sleepwear.
• Always double check the temperature of baby’s bath water to be sure it is
not too hot and, of course, never leave baby alone at bath time.
• During the past twenty years, evidence about the dangers of shaking or
tossing babies has increased. NEVER SHAKE YOUR BABY!
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REMEMBER...no matter how tired, angry or frustrated you may feel,
NEVER SHAKE OR TOSS YOUR BABY INTO THE AIR even when playing.
Any of these can cause brain damage, blindness or even worse, death.
Always protect your baby’s head from any jerking movements.
Toddlers:
• Install gates at stairwells.
• Plastic garbage and garment bags should be out of reach.
• When baby is ready for a high chair, be sure to select one
with a sturdy base that cannot tip over.
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• Always keep the car window closed and
the door locked nearest the baby.
• Keep guns locked away, unloaded and
out of reach.
• Make sure knives are out of baby’s reach.
• Safety locks should be installed on all
doors to any pool area or wading pool.
b a b y
• Put soft protectors on furniture's sharp edges and corners.
y o u r
• Install safety latches on cabinet doors.
k e e p i n g
• Be sure all unused wall sockets are capped with safety
plugs. Sockets are objects of great curiosity for the crawling
baby and are very dangerous.
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• Anything sharp should be kept in child-proof containers,
put out of reach or in some cases removed from the home.
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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and
Safe Sleeping Environment
Sudden Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death of an
infant under one year of age, which remains unexplained after a thorough
investigation. One of the best ways to reduce the risk of SIDS is to place
healthy infants on their backs when putting them down to sleep at nighttime
or naptime. Since the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended
all babies should be placed on their backs to sleep in 1992, deaths from SIDS
have dropped. Sleep-related deaths from other causes, however, including
suffocation, entrapment and being smothered, have increased. The AAP is
providing recommendations on a safe sleeping environment that can reduce
the risk of all sleep-related infant deaths, including SIDS. Always keep the
following points in mind for your infant. Be sure to share these important
recommendations with babysitters, grandparents and other caregivers.
Remove
soft, fluffy,
loose items
from crib
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• Always place your baby on his back for every sleep time – nighttime and
naptime.
• Always use a firm sleep surface. Car seats and other sitting devices are not
recommended for routine sleep.
• The baby should sleep in the same room as the parents, but not in the same
bed (room-sharing without bed-sharing).
• Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of the crib. This includes pillows and
blankets. Bumper pads should not be used in cribs. There is no evidence that
bumper pads prevent injuries, and there is a potential risk of suffocation,
strangulation or entrapment.
• Devices designed to maintain sleep position or to reduce the risk of rebreathing
such as wedges and positioners are not recommended since many have not
been tested sufficiently for safety.
• Pregnant women should receive regular prenatal care.
• Do not smoke during pregnancy or after birth and do not allow others to
smoke around your infant.
• Breastfeeding is recommended and is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.
• Consider using a pacifier at naptime and bedtime. For breastfeeding
infants, delay pacifier introduction until the baby is 1 month old to establish
breastfeeding. For all babies offer a pacifier when putting down to sleep.
Do not force a baby to take a pacifier. If the pacifier falls out of the baby’s
mouth, do not put it back into the mouth. Do not put any sweet solution on
the pacifier. Pacifiers should be cleaned and checked often and replaced
regularly.
• Keep your baby’s head and face uncovered during sleep. Use sleep clothing
with no other covering over the baby.
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• Do not let your baby become overheated during sleep. Keep the temperature
so it feels comfortable for an adult. Dress your baby in as much or little
clothing as you would wear.
• Schedule and go to all well-baby visits. Infants should be immunized.
Evidence suggests that immunization reduces the risk of SIDS by 50 %.
• Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended daily to help with baby’s
head, shoulder and muscle development and minimize the risk of your
baby’s head becoming flat.
Baby’s warning signs
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Even experienced parents may feel worried as they adjust to a new baby’s
habits, needs and personality. It is important to remember that most of the
common physical problems that occur during a given 24 hours with baby
may be normal situations or problems with simple answers.
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Things
to call your
healthcare
provider
about
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If the following symptoms of illness occur, a call to your baby’s
healthcare provider is in order:
• Blue lip color is a 911 call!
• Blue or pale colored skin.
• Yellow skin or eyes.
• Patches of white found in baby’s mouth.
• Eating poorly or refusing to eat.
• No stool for 48 hours and less than 6 wet diapers a day.
• Redness, drainage or bad odor from the umbilical cord.
• Does not urinate within 6 to 8 hours of circumcision.
• Fever of 100.4˚F or more.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Repeated vomiting or several refused feedings in a row.
• Listless or floppy.
• Extreme crying with no known cause.
• An unusual or severe rash (other than prickly heat).
• Frequent bowel movements with lots of fluid, mucus or
bad odor.
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Keep a positive attitude
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Even though some days may be hard, try to keep a positive outlook. Not
only do you have your future to think about, but your baby’s as well. The
best gift you can give him is to finish school. No, it will not be easy, but
you can do it. Talk with your teachers, school nurse, guidance staff and
administration before you go back to school. See if your school has a teen
parent program to help you. Let them know you want to do well. Most
teachers will respect the fact that you reached out to them first. That shows
them you are growing up and making good decisions.
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You
L o o k i n g
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are the most important person in your
baby’s life right now.
h ee t
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answ
fundus
placenta
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uterus
umbilical cord
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cervix
vagina
1st Stage
Early
Easy to walk and talk
Active
Contractions are
strong and 3 to 5
minutes apart
Transition
Hardest phase
of labor
2nd Stage
Baby is born
3rd Stage
Birth of placenta
Page 45
4th Stage
Recovery
s h e e t
mucous plug
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baby
Page 30
65
Quiz on Breastfeeding
1. False – Colostrum is extremely easy to digest, and is therefore the
Page 53
perfect first food for your baby. Newborns have very small digestive
systems, and colostrum delivers its nutrients in small amounts and is
plenty until your mature milk is in greater supply.
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2.True – Colostrum is rich in antibodies. Antibodies give protection to
the newborn against harmful viruses and bacteria.
3.False – NO! You do not have to quit. Breastfeeding keeps you
connected to your baby, even when you are away. You can pump
your milk and have a supply ready for when you are at school and
breastfeed when you are at home. Breastfeeding benefits moms and
babies. You often need less time off for sick babies. 4.True – Breastfeeding helps some women lose weight after the baby is
born. The weight will not just fall off, but you may lose it faster. You
should not diet during breastfeeding. Your body needs nourishment
to feed your baby. You need 500 additional calories each day for milk
production. The best way to get back in shape while breastfeeding is
to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Choose healthy meals and
snacks and be sure to get enough calories and the right nutrients.
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5.True – Tracking your newborn’s feeding and diaper patterns is a
helpful way to make sure your baby’s growing and on a healthy path.
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N
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Q
S
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T
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I
M
E
S
T
E
R
C
A
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E
E
R
B
T
H
E
S
L
L
N
W
Z
R
T
E
N
U
O
B
O
Y
O
L
W
R
T
D
O
X
T
P
A
J
A
U
B
N
H
F
P
E
R
A
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T
A
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C
U
H
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R
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B
F
S
G
N
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s
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r
wo
Afterbirth: The placenta and membranes where the fetus is connected and
which come away after birth. (pages 38, 44)
Amniotomy: (am-nee-ah-t0e-me) The artificial rupturing of the amniotic sac
surrounding the baby. (page 40)
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Amniotic fluid: (am-nee-ah-tik) Water-like fluid that surrounds the baby in
the mother’s uterus. (page 21, 24)
Amniotic sac (bag of waters): (am-nee-ah-tik sak) Thin membrane that
encloses the developing fetus and contains the amniotic fluid. It prevents
bacteria from reaching the baby. The bag tears when the “water breaks” and
releases the amniotic fluid to the outside of the mother’s body through the
vagina. (page 40)
Analgesics: (an-al-gee-siks) Pain relieving medications. (page 41)
Anesthetics: (an-as-thet-iks) General or localized pain relief. (page 41)
Antibodies: (an-tee-bod-ees) Substance to protect your baby from illness.
(page 50)
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Apgar score: A rating or score given to newborns at 1 and 5 minutes of age.
The score is based on 5 categories: color, cry, muscle tone, respiration and
reflexes. There is a possible 0 to 2 points for each or a maximum total score
of 10. (page 46)
Areola: (air-e-o-la) The dark area around the nipple. (pages 50, 51)
Breast engorgement: Filling of the breasts after birth with milk that causes
both pain and swelling of the breasts. (page 50)
Cervix: (ser-viks) The neck of the womb, consisting of a narrow passage
leading to the vagina. (pages 23-26, 28, 39, 41, 42)
Cesarean birth: (ce-sar-e-an) The method used to deliver a baby through a
surgical incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. (pages 41, 44, 45, 48)
w o r d
Braxton-Hicks contractions: The tightening of the uterus. It is preparing and
exercising for real labor. (page 18)
l i s t
Back labor: A condition that normally occurs in approximately 25% of all
labors. The position of the baby’s head is such that the back of the head is
directed to the mother’s back. Extreme back discomfort can be felt by the
laboring mother. (page 28)
67
Circumcision: (sir-cum-se-shun) The removal of the foreskin of the penis.
(pages 55)
Colostrum: (ko-los-trum) The first milk secreted from the breast. Rich in
immunities to protect baby. (pages 18, 50)
Contractions: (con-trak-shens) Tightening of the muscles of the uterus that
occurs at increasingly frequent intervals immediately before childbirth and
eventually pushes the baby out of the uterus.
(pages 18, 24-26, 28, 29, 32-34, 35-41)
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Dilation: (die-lay-shen) The gradual opening of the mouth of the womb
(cervix) to permit passage of the baby into the vagina. It is measured in
centimeters from 0 to 10. (page 26)
Effacement: (e-face-ment) The gradual thinning, shortening and drawing up
of the cervix. This is measured in percentages from 0 to 100. (pages 25, 26)
Fetal monitor: A machine that records baby’s heartbeat and mother’s
uterine contractions. (page 40)
Embryo: (em-bree-o) What an unborn baby is called up to 8 weeks of
development. (page 20)
Epidural anesthesia: (ep-e-dur-al) Regional anesthesia administered through
the patient’s back by a thin flexible tube placed in the epidural space. It
numbs the lower part of the body. (pages 40, 41)
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Engorgement: (in-gorge-ment) When your breasts fill with milk after birth.
(page 50)
Episiotomy: (e-pee-zee-ah-toe-me) A surgical incision into the perineum and
vagina to prevent tearing during birth. (pages 41, 43)
Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak. (pages 14, 38, 58)
Fetus: (fee-tus) What an unborn baby is called after 8 weeks of development.
(pages 16, 20, 23)
Folic acid: This is a B-vitamin that may prevent birth defects. (page 9)
Forceps: Instruments used while the mother is pushing to assist the baby
through the birth canal. (page 43)
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Fundus: (fun-des) Top of your uterus. (pages 23, 25, 48)
Induced labor: The use of medications or amniotomy (rupture of
membranes) to stimulate labor contractions. (page 40)
Insomnia: (in-som-nee-a) The inability to sleep. (page 8)
Local anesthesia: The numbing of the perineum with anesthetic medication.
(page 41)
Lightening: When the baby drops down into the pelvis. (page 18)
Lochia: (low-key-ah) The vaginal discharge that takes place during the first
week or 2 after childbirth. (page 48)
Meconium: (me-co-nee-um) A greenish-brown material that collects in the
bowels of a developing baby that is normally expelled after birth. It can stain
amniotic fluid if expelled before birth. (page 51)
Molding: The shaping of the fetal head during labor to adjust to the size and
shape of the birth canal. (page 47)
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Morning sickness: The sick feeling you may get during pregnancy,
especially in the first trimester. (pages 14, 16)
Mucous Plug: (mew-kus) A thick piece of mucus that sits in the cervix.
(page 23, 24)
Old Wives’ Tale: A traditional belief or story, passed down by word of
mouth, which is now considered untrue or superstitious. (page 21)
Oxytocin: (ox-e-toe-sin) A hormone in a woman’s body that contributes to
the start of labor and later stimulates the “let-down” response. (page 40)
Pelvis: The basin shaped ring of bones at the bottom of the body that
connects the spinal column to the legs. It is composed of 2 hip bones (iliac)
that join in the front (pubic bones) and back (sacrum). (pages 28, 45)
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Perineum: (pear-a-nee-um) The layers of muscles and tissues between the
vagina and rectum. (page 48)
Phases of labor:
Early: 0 to 6 centimeters dilation. (page 38)
Active: 6 to 8 centimeters dilation. (page 39)
Transition: 8 to 10 centimeters dilation. (page 39)
Pitocin: (peh-toe-sin) A synthetic oxytocin used to induce or enhance labor.
Also given after birth of the placenta to contract the uterus. (page 40)
Placenta (afterbirth): (pla-sen-ta) An organ that develops inside the uterus
of a pregnant woman to supply food and oxygen to the fetus through the
umbilical cord. (pages 21, 23, 24, 38, 44, 45)
Preterm Labor: Labor before completion of a pregnancy of normal length.
(page 31)
Pushing: Reflex effort by the mother that helps the uterine contractions
move the baby down the birth canal just prior to birth.
(pages 38, 42, 43)
w o r d
Preterm infant (premature): An infant born before 37 weeks gestation.
(page 31)
l i s t
Prenatal: (pre-na-tal) Time before birth. (pages 9, 11, 22)
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Quickening: (kwik-en-ing) First baby movements felt in the uterus. (page 16)
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): An infectious disease that can be
passed from one person to another. They are spread by sexual activity
including oral and anal. (pages 8, 11, 45, 46)
Show: Pink or blood-tinged mucous discharge from the vagina that can
occur sometime before or during labor.
Stages of labor: (page 38)
First: From onset of labor contractions to complete dilation and
effacement of the cervix (10 cm). (pages 38-40)
Second: From the complete dilation and effacement of the cervix to birth
of the infant. (pages 42, 43)
Third: From the birth of the baby to the birth of the placenta.
(page 44)
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Station: Indicates the location of the baby’s head in the pelvis. (page 28)
Trimester: A period of 3 months. Pregnancy is divided into 3 month periods.
(page 13)
Umbilical cord: (um-bil-i-kel) The flexible, often spirally, twisted cord that
connects the abdomen (belly button) of a fetus to the mother’s placenta in
the womb, and through which nutrients are delivered to the baby and wastes
removed. (pages 23, 44, 55-56, 63)
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Urinate: (your-in-ate) To pass water or urine from the bladder.
(page 14, 63)
Uterus: (you-ter-us) Also called the womb. A hollow organ in the pelvic cavity
of women. This is where the baby grows and develops for 9 months.
(pages 18, 21, 23-25, 33, 44, 48)
Vacuum extractor: The use of a special instrument that is attached to the
baby’s head to help guide it out of the birth canal during birth.
(page 43)
Vagina: The lower part of the birth canal that is normally 5 to 6 inches long.
(pages 18, 24, 25, 31, 33, 41, 43, 48)
Vernix: (ver-niks) A greasy, white material that coats the baby at birth.
(page 47)
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b
m
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c
emergen
EMERGENCY
DIAL 911
POISON CONTROL 1-800-222-1222 (national)
GRANDMOTHER_________________________________
Address_ _____________________________________
YOUR LOCAL POISON CONTROL_____________________ Home Phone___________________________________ FIRE DEPARTMENT_______________________________ Cell Phone_____________________________________
POLICE DEPARTMENT____________________________
Work Phone_ __________________________________
BABY’S HEALTHCARE PROVIDER____________________
GRANDFATHER_ ________________________________
Address_ _____________________________________
Address_ _____________________________________
Phone________________________________________
Home Phone___________________________________ E
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Cell Phone_____________________________________
HEALTHCARE PROVIDER___________________________
Work Phone_ __________________________________
Address_ _____________________________________
Phone________________________________________
FRIEND_______________________________________
Address_ _____________________________________
MOTHER OF BABY_______________________________
Home Phone___________________________________ Address_ _____________________________________
Cell Phone_____________________________________
Home Phone___________________________________ Work Phone_ __________________________________
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Cell Phone_____________________________________
Work Phone_ __________________________________
FRIEND_______________________________________
Address_ _____________________________________
FATHER OF BABY________________________________
Cell Phone_____________________________________
FRIEND_______________________________________
Address_ _____________________________________
GRANDMOTHER_________________________________
Cell Phone_____________________________________
Cell Phone_____________________________________
Work Phone_ __________________________________
FRIEND_______________________________________
Address_ _____________________________________
GRANDFATHER_ ________________________________
Cell Phone_____________________________________
Cell Phone_____________________________________
e m e r g e n c y
Work Phone_ __________________________________
n u m b e r s
Cell Phone_____________________________________
Work Phone_ __________________________________ 71
Notes:
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