Delivery can be one of the scariest parts of having a baby. It is completely normal to be excited to finally see your baby but very nervous about the discomfort of labor and the possibility of complications. There are many things you can do to be better prepared and less scared. First, find out about birthing classes. Most hospitals/birthing centers offer some type of birthing classes. Sometimes these are called LAMAZE classes. During class, you will learn special breathing techniques and ways of positioning your body to help you to relax during labor and delivery. You also will learn the difference between a vaginal birth and a Caesarean section(C-section) or surgical birth. Some women are unable to have a vaginal delivery for a variety of reasons. Your doctor may suggest a C-section if avaginal delivery is not a good option for you.

 

You also should choose a birthing partner. Ideally, this will be the baby’s father. But it could also be a trusted friend or relative. It is your birthing partner’s job to support you during labor and delivery. This person will attend birthing classes with you and coach you during labor and delivery. Another way to prepare is to pack a bag of things you’ll want to bring to the hospital/birthing center with you. You should consider bringing the names and phone numbers of all of the people you plan to call once the baby arrives. Make sure you bring clothes for you and your baby to wear home from the hospital/birthing center, and a soft blanket and diapers for the baby. It is a good idea to come up with several plans forgetting to the hospital/birthing center. How will you contact your birthing partner to let him or her know you are in labor? Is this person close by? How will you be transported to the hospital/birthing center? If your birthing partner is not available, what will you do? Do you have other children? If so, who will watch them while you are away? Do you need to call the doctor before leaving? If so,what is that phone number? Planning ahead lets everyone know what to expect and reduces the stress level of every one involved, especially you! Knowing your due date is very important. How far along you are in your pregnancy determines your baby’s stage of development and will make a difference in the treatment you receive. Going into labor earlier or later than your due date may impact delivery. Rest assured, however, that your doctor will work with you to ensure that you have the safest delivery possible and that you and your baby are healthy.

 

 

What to expect during delivery

Discuss your delivery with your doctor. Ask questions. Make your concerns known. Your doctor will try very hard to eliminate many of your fears. He or she also may be able to suggest alternate treatments to ease your concerns and make you more comfortable.Every woman has her own unique birth experience. Even if you’ve already given birth to a child, every delivery is different. It can be a wonderful experience. But, it also can be a tiring experience. Support from a trusted friend, family member or your baby’s father can help make the birth experience more comfortable. Remember to be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan. Your doctor and the nurses who assist you will do their best to make your delivery experience as comfortable as possible. It is their job to guide you through the process. A C-section may be an option for your delivery. It is usually done for the health of the baby and/or the mother. Since this delivery option is a surgical procedure, you may have a longer recovery time than a woman having a vaginal birth. Your doctor will help you understand what to expect. Every hospital/birthing center has different rules concerning how many people you can have with you during delivery. You can invite several friends and family members to the birth, but they may have to rotate in and out of your room during your labor. Once you start to deliver, the number of nurses and doctors in your room will increase. At that time, some of your visitors may be asked to go to a waiting room.Your birthing partner will be allowed to stay. Every hospital/birthing center is different and will have its own set of rules you must follow.