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Chapter 1: Whats Labor Like?
Chapter 2: Stages of Labor
Chapter 3: Signs of Labor
Chapter 4: Birth Stories
Chapter 5: Banishing Labor Myths
Section I: Understanding Labor
1
Most common questions:
- What will labor be like?
- Will it be the worst pain Ive ever felt?
- Can I really do this?
No way to predict how itll be for you
Labor is different for every woman
Meeting your baby at the end makes it all worthwhile
Chapter 1: Whats Labor Like?
2
What are the main types of
labor?
Labor and birth can happen in
three basic ways: Vaginal birth with pain medication
C-section (always involves pain
medication)
Vaginal birth without pain medication
Chapter 1: Whats Labor Like? Med-Speak
epidural = pain reliefprocedure that blocks pain in
your lower body
cesarean section (c-section)= surgical procedure used todeliver a baby through the
abdomen
3
How long does labor last?
A 2006 survey of U.S. women
showed: Never given birth before
- Median length of labor: 11 hours
Given birth before
- Median length of labor: 6 hours
Chapter 1: Whats Labor Like?
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Where do women give birth?
Chapter 1: Whats Labor Like?
5
What type of caregiver do women choose?
Chapter 1: Whats Labor Like?
6
How many women use pain medication?
Chapter 1: Whats Labor Like?
7
What do contractions feel like?
How some women have described them:
Strong menstrual cramps
A charley horse
Pressure, tightness, achy throbbing
Gas pains
Backache that wraps around to abdomen
Chapter 1: Whats Labor Like?
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Stage 1: From early contractions until its time to push
Stage 2: Pushing and delivery
Stage 3: Delivering the placenta
Chapter 2: Stages of Labor
9
What happens to my body
during labor?
Your body does two main things:
Pushes your baby down and out withcontractions of the uterus
Opens the cervix to give your baby away out
Chapter 2: Stages of Labor
Med-Speak
dilation= opening
effacement= thinning
10
First stage of labor
Lasts from early contractions until its time to push
Longest stage (average of 10 to 14 hours for first-time moms)
Three parts: Early labor
Active labor
Transition
Contractions get longer, stronger, and more frequent
Your cervix opens all the way up
Chapter 2: Stages of Labor
11
First stage: Early labor
Contractions get longer, stronger, and
closer together
Might be painful or just slightly
uncomfortable
Eventually contractions last 40 to 60 secondseach and come every 5 minutes
Early labor may take 6 to 12 hours
Once your cervix is 4 cm dilated (the size of a Ritz cracker),you move into active labor
Chapter 2: Stages of Labor
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First stage: Active labor
Youll stop being able to talk through contractions
After an hour or two, call your doctoror midwife
Active labor lasts 4 to 8 hours, on average
Medication and natural pain management can help
Epidurals are typically given at this stage
Once your cervix is 8 cm dilated (a little larger than a soda can),
you enter transition
Chapter 2: Stages of Labor
The 5-1-1 Rule
To help you rememberwhen its time to call yourcaregiver, use the 5-1-1
rule. That stands forcontractions coming
about 5 minutes apart,
lasting about 1 minuteeach, and patterned this
way for about 1 hour.
13
First stage: Transition
Usually the most painful part of labor
Cervix opens from about 8 cm to 10 cm
(about the size of a bagel)
Very strong contractions that last a minute ormore
If you have an epidural, you should be numb
If you dont, you may feel shaky, nauseated
Transition can take minutes or hours
Chapter 2: Stages of Labor
14
Second stage: Pushing
Begins when youre fully dilated
Contractions do a lot of the work for you
Can last from a few minutes to several hours
Bear down with your abdominal muscles
You might be coached to push during each contraction
You might wait until you feel a spontaneous urge to push
Epidural can reduce the urge to push
Different positions can help
Chapter 2: Stages of Labor
15
Second stage: Crowning & birth
Your babys head will become visible and push against
your perineum
May feel the ring of fire
Crowning is when the widest part of your babys head becomesvisible
Most painful part is over
Baby is turned sideways and slips all the way out
Chapter 2: Stages of Labor
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Third stage: Delivery of placenta
Uterus contracts again, causing placenta to detach
Gently push to deliver placenta
Can take 5 to 10 minutes and usually doesnt hurt
Youre done with labor!
Chapter 2: Stages of Labor
17
What happens to my baby after delivery?
Baby is dried and handed to you
Skin contact helps him stay warm and is good for bonding
May want to breastfeed
Umbilical cord is clamped, then cut
Chapter 2: Stages of Labor
18
What happens to me after delivery?
Youll probably be emotional or in a bit of shock
You may be shaky or have chills
Uterus becomes firm
Any tear or incision is stitched up
Epidural removed
After-birth pains may continue
Chapter 2: Stages of Labor
19
Your body starts preparing for labor up to
a month before your baby is born
In labor: contractions are getting longer,
stronger, and closer together
Know the key signs of labor
Chapter 3: Signs of Labor
Fast Fact
Only 1 in 20 womendeliver on their due date.Youre more likely to go
into laborwithin a weekor two before or after.
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Signs that labors coming
Your baby drops
You feel more Braxton Hicks contractions
Your cervix starts to ripen
You pass your mucus plug
Your water breaks call your doctor or midwife!
Chapter 3: Signs of Labor
Med-Speak
ripen = soften, thin, and open
21
When to call your doctor or
midwife
You spend an hour feeling
regular, painful contractions
that last about a minute each
and come every five minutes
If you think you might be in
labor and have concerns
about whether you need care
yet
Chapter 3: Signs of Labor
22
Call your caregiver immediately if
Your water has broken, especially if
the liquid is discolored
Your baby seems less active
You have heavy vaginal bleeding,
severe abdominal pain, or fever
You have contractions or signs of
labor before 37 weeks
You have severe headaches, changes in
your vision, unusual swelling, or tendernessin your upper abdomen
Trust your instincts
Chapter 3: Signs of Labor
23
Jackie: Stalled labor leads to a c-section
Purvi: Giving birth before the baby shower
Colleen: An epidural offers major relief
Melylah: Drug-free birth and a surprise daughter
Leslie: Induced labor and a long recovery
Breanna: Hoping to avoid an epidural
Scott: A dad's view of a c-section
Shino: A big baby and a painful tear
Kelly: Speedy birth in the family car
Chapter 4: Birth Stories
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Myth #1: Labor pain
Myth: It will be the worst pain Ive ever felt.
Fact: Maybe or maybe not. Be prepared for
anything.
Chapter 5: Banishing Labor Myths
25
Myth #2: Coping with pain
Myth: Medication is the only way to ease
labor pain.
Fact: Medication is the easiest way to dramatically
reduce pain, but natural techniques help too.
Chapter 5: Banishing Labor Myths
26
Myth #3: Pain medication
Myth: Theres no downside to using pain drugs.
Fact: Pain drugs are safe, but they can have sideeffects for you, your labor, and your baby.
Chapter 5: Banishing Labor Myths
27
Myth #4: Laboring in bed
Myth: The best way to labor is lying in bed.
Fact: Laboring in bed isnt your only option. Stayingupright and moving around can help labor along. In
some cases, youll need to stay in bed.
Chapter 5: Banishing Labor Myths
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Myth #5: Eating and drinking
Myth: I shouldnt eat or drink during labor.
Fact: Drinking clear liquids is fine. Eating in early
labor is okay, but talk to your caregiver about eating
in active labor.
Chapter 5: Banishing Labor Myths
29
Myth #6: Baths
Myth: I shouldnt soak in a tub after my water breaks.
Fact: Its safe to soak in a tub during the first stage of
labor. Make sure you dont overheat or slip.
Chapter 5: Banishing Labor Myths
30
Myth #7: Doctors and nurses
Myth: My primary caregiver will coach me through labor.
Fact: Some caregivers will, some wont. Its wise tohave your own support person: a loved one, midwife,
or doula.
Chapter 5: Banishing Labor Myths
31
Chapter 6:Where to Labor and With Whom
Chapter 7:Pain Management
Chapter 8:Medical Interventions
Chapter 9:AfterYour NewbornArrives
Section II: Key Decisions to Make
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Where can I deliver my baby?
Hospital
Birth center
Home
Chapter 6: Where to Labor and With Whom
33
At the hospital
Equipped to handle everything
Most options for pain management, including epidurals
Less personalized care
More routine interventions
Ask about the things that are important to you
Chapter 6: Where to Labor and With Whom
34
At a birth center
An option for low-risk pregnancies
Can move freely
Minimal interventions
No epidural
Personal attention and support for drug-free birth if you want one
Doctor and hospital available in case of complications
Chapter 6: Where to Labor and With Whom
35
At home
An option for low-risk pregnancies
Safe with a skilled caregiver
Need backup plan for getting to hospital
No pain medication
Greatest control over your experience
Chapter 6: Where to Labor and With Whom
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Who will help me?
Obstetrician
Family physician
Midwife
Doula (labor coach)
Chapter 6: Where to Labor and With Whom
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Doctor
Most U.S. births are attended by a doctor: an obstetrician
or family physician
High-risk pregnancies usually require an obstetrician
Doctors most available type of caregiver in hospital
Covered by health insurance
May be busy, not with you until youre pushing
Chapter 6: Where to Labor and With Whom
38
Midwife
More personal and holistic approach
Can spend more time with you
Focus on providing emotional support
Good coach if you want to avoid pain medication
Different types of midwives: Most common is certified nurse-midwife,
or CNM (can deliver babies in any setting)
If your pregnancy is low risk, just as likely to have an excellent
outcome with a midwife as a doctor
Chapter 6: Where to Labor and With Whom
39
Doula
Serves as a labor coach
Provides personalized, one-on-one attention and support
Costs extra
Can be main coach or work with your partner
Helps before labor
Can assist in hospital, at birth center, or at home
Doulas shown to improve labor experience
Chapter 6: Where to Labor and With Whom
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Family and friends
Continuous support can help you feel more
satisfied with your birth experience
Think about whether a loved one can be
there for you
If you dont have support, ask about
volunteers at hospital
Consider who you dontwant in the room
Chapter 6: Where to Labor and With Whom
Fast FactAmong women who had supportduring labor, 82% got supportfrom their partnerand 38% got
support from another lovedone. (Some women got support
from more than one person.)
41
Chapter 7: Pain Management
How your body can help you
Expert FAQ
NameCredential
42
Pain isnt constant
Contractions are intermittent
Take them one at a time
The most intense contractions
last 60 to 90 seconds
Relax between each one
Chapter 7: Pain Management
Pain comes in waves
43
Little things can help
Create an environment that helps you through labor
Think about the details youd like to set the stage
Setting things up to your taste can help you feel more
in control and positive
Chapter 7: Pain Management
44
Feel-good hormones
High levels reduce pain
Boost your levels by staying calm
and confident
Stress hormone Hi gh levels slow labor, increase
pain R educe your levels by avoiding
fear and panic, having a support
person close by
endorphins
adrenaline
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Natural methods
Can help any woman
Four basic techniques
Chapter 7: Pain Management
Smart Tip
If youre planning an unmedicatedbirth, your nurses will ask you about
your pain levels throughout labor notbecause theyre nudging you to take
pain medicine, but because its arequirement of hospital accreditationand has to be documented.
If youd rather not be asked to report
on your pain levels, you can requestthat your nurse ask instead, How areyou coping with your contractions?
45
Breathing
Many breathing techniques can help
One type: slow, deep breaths Can calm and relax you
May help distract you You can do them alone or with your partner
Sends more oxygen to your baby and uterus
Another type: patterned breathing Your caregiver can help you try it
Helps to distract you
Chapter 7: Pain Management
46
Movement
You may feel the urge to move
Eases discomfort
Can get your baby in a good position
Movements and positions to try: Walk, stand, sway, lean, kneel, rock, lie on your side, straddle
Some can be tried in or near bed
Certain positions can also help when pushing
Your support person can suggest options during labor, or youmight intuitively find what works for you
Practice during pregnancy
Chapter 7: Pain Management
47
Massage
Physical touch can comfort
Strong, sustained pressure against lower back
(low back squeeze) or hips (double hip squeeze)
can lessen pain
Massage on your face or head can help with
all-over relaxation
Chapter 7: Pain Management
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Water
Water can help (hydrotherapy)
Shower or tub
Can work like a massage, ease pressure, relax muscles
Stay hydrated
Water shouldnt be too hot
Tub is safe in first stage of labor, even after your water breaks
Chapter 7: Pain Management
49
Alternative techniques
These include:
Visualization
Self-hypnosis
Acupuncture
Chapter 7: Pain Management
50
Limits on natural pain relief
With an epidural or certain interventions, you may not
be free to move around or get in the water
Will help you cope with pain, but wont eliminate it
Chapter 7: Pain Management
51
Pain medication
Most U.S. women opt for pain medication
Usually need to decide during first stage of labor
whether you want drugs
Some medications dull pain, others block it Four main options
Chapter 7: Pain Management
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Systemic medication
Dulls your pain
Affects your whole body
Usually delivered through IV or injection
Doesnt require an anesthesiologist
Many birth centers can offer it
Commonly used in U.S.: Demerol (meperidine), Stadol (butorphanol),Nubain (nalbuphine), Sublimaze (fentanyl)
Can make you sleepy, dizzy
Can reach your baby
May have to stay in bed at first
Unlike epidural, doesnt make other medical interventions more likely lateror interfere with ability to push
Many women start with systemic drugs then use an epidural later
1 in 5 women who use drugs during labor use systemic narcotics
Chapter 7: Pain Management
53
Epidural
Most common form of pain relief
during labor
Delivers continuous pain medicationthroughout labor
Blocks pain in lower body
How it works: numb your back, insert
tiny tube, deliver medication through
tube
Can take about 15 to 40 minutes to
feel full relief
Chapter 7: Pain Management
54
Epidural
Pros
Effective, long-lasting relief
Can help you rest
Stay alert
Dose can be adjusted Little medicine reaches baby
Cons
Lose sensation and strength in legs
May need to stay in bed
Will need IV and monitoring Can make pushing stage longer, make pushing more difficult,
lead to assisted delivery
May feel spotty pain relief, itchiness
Rarely, leads to bad headache
Chapter 7: Pain Management
55
Spinal block
Blocks pain in lower body
Takes effect within a few minutes
Lasts only a few hours
Only tiny amount of medication
reaches baby Easier to administer than epidural
Good option if youre short on time
Recommended if youre having a
planned c-section
Will need IV and continuousmonitoring
Cant get out of bed
Can make pushing more di fficult
and lead to other interventions
Chapter 7: Pain Management
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Combined spinal/epidural
Blocks pain in lower body
Swift relief of a spinal
Long-lasting relief of an epidural
Has drawbacks of both spinals
and epidurals
Not done at all hospitals;
check with yours
Chapter 7: Pain Management
57
What pain medication is right for me?
Best person to help you is your caregiver
Ask what your options are
Talk through the pros and cons
Get personalized advice
Chapter 7: Pain Management
58
Fetal monitoring
What it is:
Tracks your babys heart rate
Most hospitals do continuous monitoring
Transducers strapped to your belly with wide, stretchy bands
Internal monitor used for more accurate reading
Intermittent monitoring uses transducers on belly or handheld device
Intermittent monitoring done at birth centers and some hospitals
Chapter 8: Medical Interventions
59
Fetal monitoring
What to know about it:
Wires limit your movement
Wireless or waterproof monitors may be available
Transducers can be bothersome
Reduces seizures but not mortality or long-term problems
Continuous monitoring required with epidural, induction, complications
Continuous monitoring can create false alarms
Intermittent monitoring can be just as effective
Chapter 8: Medical Interventions
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Inducing labor
What it is:
Your caregiver uses medication or other techniques
to kick-start your labor
Getting more and more common
More than 1 in 5 U.S. women induced
You might be induced if:
Youve gone 1 to 2 weeks past your due date Its been 12 to 24 hours since your water broke
You have preeclampsia
Your placenta isnt working properly You have low amniotic fluid Your babys health or yours is at risk
Chapter 8: Medical Interventions
61
Inducing labor
How it works:
Several ways to do it Ripen cervix with medication or other technique
Contractions may start on their own
If not, start contractions with Pitocin (synthetic form ofoxytocin)
Induction methods include: Medication inserted into your vagina
Small, water-filled balloon against cervix
Stripping or sweeping the membranes Breaking your amniotic sac (bag of waters)
Pitocin
Many women experience more than one of these
Chapter 8: Medical Interventions
62
Inducing labor
What to know about it:
Youll need continuous fetal monitoring
Some induction methods can make contractionscome on too strong and fast
Rarely, can cause more serious complications
Induction recommended only when necessary
If induction doesnt work in timely manner, youllneed a c-section
Chapter 8: Medical Interventions
63
C-section
What it is:
Surgical procedure; baby deliveredthrough abdomen rather than vagina
Quickest way to deliver when vaginal birth isnt
progressing well Can be a planned procedure 1 in 3 U.S. babies delivered by c-section
Major abdominal surgery Usually awake, with anesthesia
Procedure: Small incision, usually horizontal
Cut through skin, uterus, amniotic sac Remove baby and placenta
Chapter 8: Medical Interventions
Fast Fact
What are your chances of ending upwith a c-section? Not too high
unless your doctor tells you duringpregnancy that you'll need one.
Less than 2 out of 10 women whogo into labor planning to delivervaginally end up with a c-section,
according to Yale Universityresearchers.
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C-section
What to know about it:
Riskier than vaginal delivery
Higher risk of:
Infection
Excessive bleeding
Blood clots
More severe postpartum pain
Longer hospital stay and recovery
Partner can be with you
Chapter 8: Medical Interventions
65
C-section
What to know about it:
Planned c-section:
If you shouldnt labor or deliver vaginally
Previous uterine surgery
Twins or multiples
Placenta previa
Baby is breech or transverse
Baby is ill or has abnormality
Unplanned c-section:
When problems arise during labor
Labor stalls
Babys heart rate worrisome
Umbilical cord slips
Placenta separates
Herpes outbreak
Y
ou or your baby is in distress
Chapter 8: Medical Interventions
Fast Fact
Some moms choose to have a c-sectionwithout any medical reason. These
controversialelective c-sections getattention, but they aren't too common
Yale University researchers estimate thatthey're less than 2% of all c-sections and
less than 0.5% of all births.
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Episiotomy
What it is:
Surgical cut in the perineumto enlarge the vaginal opening
Helpful if: Your baby needs to be born quickly.
Your doctor or midwife needs moreroom to pull your baby out.
Youll be numbed before the procedureand before you get stitched up
Becoming less common
Chapter 8: Medical Interventions
67
Episiotomy
What to know about it:
Was thought to help reduce risk of tearing orincontinence
May actually cause problems
Can make recovery longer and more painful
Most experts say episiotomies should be done only
when necessary, not routinely
Best protection against episiotomies is a caregiverwho
tries to avoid them
Chapter 8: Medical Interventions
Fast Fact
About 35% of women whogive birth vaginally get an
episiotomy but studiesshow that only about 7%
truly need one.
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Assisted delivery
What it is:
Happens when your baby is almost out
Caregiver uses a vacuum or forceps tohelp pull your baby out
Happens in about 1 in 20 U.S. births
Done because baby needs quick
delivery or mom cant keep pushing
Vacuum: Flexible, curved cup stuck to
babys head
Forceps: Curved surgical tongs grasp
babys head
Chapter 8: Medical Interventions
69
Assisted delivery
What to know about it:
Can leave bruising or blisters on your babys head
You might need an episiotomy
Higher risk of tearing
If it doesnt work, youll need a c-section
Chapter 8: Medical Interventions
70
How can I avoid unnecessary interventions?
Interventions carry some risk and lead to more interventions
To avoid unnecessary interventions:- Choose a caregiver you trust and whose views ring true to you
- Have a dedicated advocate- Practice natural pain management techniques
-Ask questions
Consider asking:- For a clear explanation of what your caregiver wants to do- Why its necessary-About the risks and benefits- Whether it could lead to further interventions
- If there are alternatives- If it can wait
Chapter 8: Medical Interventions
71
Newborn screening tests
States require various screening tests
1 in 1,000 babies has something amiss
Catching conditions early allows treatment
before lasting harm is done
Tests cause little discomfort
Chapter 9: After Your Newborn Arrives
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Newborn treatments
Antibiotics in eyes
Vitamin K injection
Hepatitis B vaccine
Chapter 9: After Your Newborn Arrives
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Feeding your baby
Think about whether you want to breastfeed
Recommended by many experts
If you cant or dont want to breastfeed, your baby
will drink formula
Pros and cons to every approach
Decide whats right for you and your family
Chapter 9: After Your Newborn Arrives
74
Reasons to breastfeed
Strongly recommended by experts
Provides all vitamins and nutrients
Helps protect babies from disease
Can be good for you, too
Much cheaper than formula
Chapter 9: After Your Newborn Arrives
75
What if I have trouble breastfeeding?
Almost three quarters of U.S. moms plan tobreastfeed
Some women and babies have trouble
Many sources of help
Can use a breast pump and a bottle
Worth trying right after birth
Youll be producing colostrum
Breastfeeding doesnt have to be all or nothing
Chapter 9: After Your Newborn Arrives
Med Speak
lactation consultant =breastfeeding specialist
colostrum= first milk,
with powerful immuneproperties
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Reasons to formula feed
Formula is specially prepared to meet babies needs
Can ask pediatrician for help choosing one
Reasons to formula-feed include: Poor sucking reflex
Excessive pain during breastfeeding
Returning to work
Baby not getting enough milk
Being away for a long time
Medication that shouldnt be passed through your breast milk
Desire to involve other loved ones
Chapter 9: After Your Newborn Arrives
77
Rooming in
Having your baby stay with you instead of in the nursery
Nice way to bond and get to know your baby s signals
Can have your baby with you as much as possible
or just when youre awake
You might want your baby in the nursery so you can rest
Chapter 9: After Your Newborn Arrives
78
Cord blood banking
Saving your babys cord blood to later treat disease
Cord blood is different than regular blood:
a rich source of stem cells
Can treat dozens of diseases
Collecting cord blood doesnt cause any pain
or discomfort
Chapter 9: After Your Newborn Arrives
79
Cord blood banking
Private banking: Pay for your own familys use
Public banking: Donate to a public bank
Private banking:- Expensive
- Many families dont end up needing the
cord blood
- When baby has a condition, cord blood likely
to be affected (and useless)
Public banking:
- Not available at all hospitals
Chapter 9: After Your Newborn Arrives
Fast Facts
About 5 percent of familiesbank cord blood
80 percent of collected cordblood is banked privately; 20
percent publicly Researchers estimate thatanywhere from 1 in 2,500 to 1 in
200,000 families end up usingtheir privately stored cord blood
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Circumcision
Surgical removal of the foreskin at the end of the penis
Practice is controversial
AAP says parents should decide
Chapter 9: After Your Newborn Arrives
81
Circumcision
Potential benefits Slightly lower risk of UTIs, cancer of the
penis, and HIV May help prevent infection
Religious beliefs, cultural reasons, personalpreference
Potential risks Complications like bleeding, infection,
injury, improper healing
May reduce sexual pleasure
If youre planning to breastfeed andcircumcise, consider delayingcircumcision until breastfeeding isgoing well
Chapter 9: After Your Newborn Arrives
Fast Fact
U.S. circumcision rates
Northeast: 64%
Midwest: 78% South: 55%
West: 34%Across all regions: 56%
These percentages reflect thenumber of baby boys circumcised
in a hospital. Some boys arecircumcised in doctor's offices andother nonhospital settings, so the
actual numbers are higher thanwhat you see here.
82
Chapter 10:YourTo-Do List
Section III: Things to Do Before Youre Due
83
Consider your options
Chapter 10: Your To-Do List
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Create a birth plan
Helps you focus your
thoughts about
what you want
Spells out your preferencesso everyones
on the same page
No guarantee things will go
according to plan!
Chapter 10: Your To-Do List
85
Create a birth plan
Review your options
Think about your goals
Ask your partner for input
Plan for the unexpected
Write it down
Review and revise, then finalize
Chapter 10: Your To-Do List
Fast FactIn a BabyCenter poll, 42% ofmoms say labor and birth didn't
go at all as they planned butonly 12% were really
disappointedby the experience.
86
Review insurance coverage
Understand whats covered and whatisnt
Find out how and when to add your
baby to your planAsk about coverage for your babys stay
in the nursery
Chapter 10: Your To-Do List
Smart Tip
If you plan ahead, you can get agreat tax break on the money you'll
spend on medical care for yourselfand your baby. Healthcare flexible
spending accounts allow you to setaside money ahead of time, tax-free,
for certain medical expenses.
Be careful to put aside only what
you're sure you'll spend, because ifyou don't use the money by the endof the year, you lose it. Talk to your
tax professional or human resourcesrepresentative for details.
87
Arrange maternity leave
Find out what youre eligible for
Fill out all the paperwork you can
Understand your options in case of complications
Chapter 10: Your To-Do List
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Take a tour
On your tour, youll:
Find out where to park, enter,
and check in
See the rooms
Visit the nursery
Ask questions
Chapter 10: Your To-Do List
Smart Tip
You may be able to preregisterat the hospital when youre
visiting. (Who wants to fill outpaperwork while having
contractions?)
89
Chapter 10: Your To-Do List
Photo courtesy of: Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla
Take a tour
90
Plan your trip
Map most direct route to hospital or birth center,
as well as alternates just in case
Have plenty of gas in the tank
Chapter 10: Your To-Do List
91
Install car seat
You cant drive your baby home without one
Chapter 10: Your To-Do List
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Pack your bag
Make sure to include: Drivers license or ID
Insurance card
Hospital paperwork
Birth plan, if you have one
Cell phone and charger
Glasses
Toiletries
Camera
Nursing bra
Comfortable clothing for trip home
Chapter 10: Your To-Do List
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Line up help
Ask for help with food and housekeeping
Many women ask for this as a baby shower gift
Try to spread out the help over the first few months
Chapter 10: Your To-Do List
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Chapter 10: Your To-Do List
Practice natural pain management
If you practice, more likely to come easily
Practice with your partner
Can ease pregnancy discomfort
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Chapter 10: Your To-Do List
Enjoy some quality time
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