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Labor Initiation: Getting It Going
Introduction to Stages of Labor
Stage 1 of Labor: Contractions, Dilation, Effacement of Cervix
Stage 2 of Labor & Birth: Pushing The Baby Out
Stage 3 of Labor & Birth: Delivery of the Placenta
STAGE 4 OF LABOR & BIRTH
This encompasses the first hour (or two) after the placental expulsion. The mother's risk of hemorrhaging, urinary retention and hypotension increases. This is also the time necessary for family bonding to occur.
A warm blanket should be placed on both the mother and baby to keep them warm. The mother's pulse rate and blood pressure is monitored every 15 minutes or so to check for complications.
If the woman complains of intense pain when a perineal pad is applied or a blue-black skin is seen in the perineal area, suspect a hematoma.
If the woman has received drugs during her labor and birth, observe both the mother and the infant for anesthetic side effects and complications.
Encouraging the mother to urinate, so her bladder will not interfere with uterine involution is important.
A relaxed setting for the parents, family (especially if there are other children in the household) and baby is important for family bonding. Assessment of the emotional responses between infant and family are noted.
The mother may feel hungry, thirsty or both. A light meal or soup and other fluids is recommended unless she has received anesthesia... then she will need to wait until she is fully alert.
If breastfeeding has not been initiated yet, this would be the time to encourage the infant to her breast. Breast stimulation enhances uterine contractions and involution, preventing postpartum hemorrhaging.
Breast-feeding the infant.
In a homebirth, the midwife will usually stay in the home at least an hour, sometimes up to 3 hours or so, after a normal, uncomplicated delivery. During this time she continues to assess the mother and infant. The baby will be examined and weighed. The mother will be examined and if she needs any stitches, the midwife will give her sutures. The mother usually takes a shower after the birth and settles into a clean bed with her new baby. The midwife makes sure that the mother is urinating and eating. Breastfeeding has been initiated and the baby is feeding well. In a complicated or difficult homebirth, the midwife may stay longer to continue assessment of either the mother or the infant or both until such a time that both have stabilized and are doing well.
Placenta Site Healing: Uterine Involution After Childbirth.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member has questions or concerns about labor and delivery.
If you have postpartum problems and feel you need medical assistance.
If the baby has difficulty breathing or other life-threatening situations arise, call for emergency help (9-1-1) immediately and begin emergency techniques (CPR, Respirations, etc.).
Labor Initiation: Getting It Going
Introduction to Stages of Labor
Stage 1 of Labor: Contractions, Dilation, Effacement of Cervix
Stage 2 of Labor & Birth: Pushing The Baby Out
Stage 3 of Labor & Birth: Delivery of the Placenta
Some photos obtained from "Attending Ob/Gyn Patients" Nursing Photobook by Nursing Books, Intermed Communications, Inc. and from the MoonDragon Client Archives.
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MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Pregnancy Information & Survival Tips
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