C-Sections and The Health of Your Baby

C-Sections and The Health of Your Baby

June 15th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Old Title: Is It True That Having a C-Section May Affect My Baby’s Immune System?

There is a great deal of anticipation when it comes to the birth of your baby. If you take a birthing class, then they tell you to create a birth plan. Even if you have one, there are always the unforeseen circumstances that you can’t quite plan for. Giving birth to a child is a very intense process and involves a great deal of factors to be lined up. If you go in assuming that things will go one way, they will almost certainly go another way. It just goes to show that when it comes to delivering your baby, you should be prepared for anything. There are many moms out there that worry about a C-section, and understandably so. There are however certain times when it can’t be avoided, but you do want to know what it means for your baby.

The Potential Risks

Though there is contradictory evidence, you can find information to support that a C-section could somehow create health problems for your baby down the line. What many believe happen is that the DNA is somehow compromised using a C-section as a method of delivery. When that happens, it can lead to a potentially weakened immune system or may even make them susceptible to health problems such as diabetes or asthma later on. This doesn’t become a certainty, but as you can see that the potential risks are there.

It is believed that babies delivered via C-sections don’t have time to properly prepare for birth. This means that it can put additional stress on the birth and the experience overall. While some may debate this, others believe that this is what can lead to all of the potential problems down the line. It’s important to talk to your doctor to see if this is the best delivery method for you. It is also important to talk to your doctor to understand when it is safe to plan for a C-section if that is deemed necessary. Anything before 39 weeks of pregnancy should be seriously questioned as baby’s full development isn’t complete.

There Are Instances Where It’s Safer

It is important however to remember that there are instances where a C-section may not only be desirable, but actually recommended as well. When the baby is breech and shows no signs of flipping in time for delivery, then the C-section creates a much safer delivery for mother and baby. When the woman has had another C-section in the past, there are many conditions that must be in line to ensure that vaginal delivery is even possible. Therefore a planned C-section may be the best possible option for a woman in this situation. If there is any distress within the baby or anything that could cause potential harm to mother or baby during delivery, then this too is an instance where a C-section is recommended.

The timing of the birth is an important factor, and many will find that the baby will respond much better to a planned C-section over an emergency one. So while there may be potential risks that can be scary to mom, doing whatever is best for the baby is what rules out in the long run. If a C-section is recommended, just ask a lot of questions and be sure that everything is happening as it is meant to so that there is no worry of potential health problems down the road.

Taking the Stress Out of the Last Days of Your Pregnancy

Taking the Stress Out of the Last Days of Your Pregnancy

June 11th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Early on in your pregnancy you may feel as though you can’t wait for your due date to arrive. You are inundated with symptoms of all varieties, and you may feel as though nine months is an eternity away. You make it through your pregnancy, your series of doctor’s appointments, tests, and ultrasounds to arrive at the big day. You had such high hopes and anticipations for what it would be like to get to the end, and you initially feel excited.

Once the reality that your due date is near hits you, it’s likely that you are feeling a whole host of other things. Many women feel a great deal of stress as they approach the final days of their pregnancy. It’s not that they’re not excited to meet their little babies, it’s just that they know their lives are about to change. Additionally they may feel as if they aren’t quite ready for labor, and so it’s important to take the stress out of this final stage of pregnancy.

Getting Your Head on Straight at the End

The problem for most women is that they feel as though they have so much to do. They feel like they are grossly unprepared for the birth and arrival of their little baby. Though you’ve likely been planning for the birth for nine months now, it can still feel like it comes at you rather quickly. One of the most important things you can do to take the stress out of your final days of pregnancy is to relax. This means that you should try to get in all of the naps and restful nights of sleep that you possibly can. There is nothing wrong with putting your feet up and closing your eyes for a few minutes – as a matter of fact that may be a good recommendation. This can help you to get your head on straight and to decompress as your due date approaches.

Get Ready and Then Wait

The final few days of a pregnancy are almost a game of “hurry up and wait” so just be prepared for this. The best thing that you can do is to be prepared in every sense of the word. Take your preparation time very seriously and take your time with it. Avoid the temptation to pack everything in at the last minute, as the baby may arrive faster than you thought. Take your time along the way to get baby’s room ready for their arrival. Also be careful to get your overnight bag packed well in advance of your due date as this can always work to your advantage. There is no such thing as too prepared when it comes to your due date, and this really helps to take a lot of the stress out of your final days.

Once you have learned to embrace relaxation and done everything you possibly can to get prepared, then it’s time to sit back and wait for that little baby. Try not to let your mind wander and let all the bad or scary thoughts in. You will be just fine and you will give birth as millions of women have done before you. Doing your part in advance and learning to embrace relaxation can do wonders for your final days of pregnancy, and of course for your labor and delivery as well.

What Daddy Should Pack for the Hospital

What Daddy Should Pack for the Hospital

June 7th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

There’s so much emphasis on the mother-to-be throughout pregnancy, and often the dad is overlooked. As he is just as important a part of the process, there should be some thought put into the role that he plays. Without the dad or a similar system of support, the entire experience is made much more difficult for the mom. Both partners need each other and that’s why it’s so important to ensure that dad is available and present.

The dad wants to be a part of the birthing process just as much as anybody. He can offer comfort and support as the mom makes it through all of the different stages of labor. Every dad wants to be there to meet their new little bundle of joy for the first time, as it’s one of those precious moments in life that you will always treasure. So just as the mom has to get ready for the big arrival, the dad should be prepared and packed for the hospital stay as well.

Playing the Support Role

Though this role is crucial to the birth of his child, the dad will ultimately play a support role. As he packs for the hospital, he should ensure that many of the items on his checklist reflect this role and are in place to help mom through the stages and get everything in order after the birth. Take a look at this checklist for example whereby many of the items recommended for daddy to bring include those which will support his partner. Consider bringing items such as a stop watch and a pad of paper to write down contraction times and track the labor overall. Be sure to bring along a video camera, regular camera, and anything else that can be used to capture every aspect of the birth that you will surely want to remember later on.

Bring whatever is necessary to keep your partner comfortable and focused. This can include massage oils, scented items to keep her calm, pillows, special comfort items, and of course music. Talk to your partner in advance and be sure that you know what she would like to help keep her calm and as happy as can be throughout the birth process. This is where your support role becomes very important and therefore you want to be prepared to help out in any way that you can.

Getting Yourself Comfortable

Chances are that you’re going to be in the hospital for a while. Either the labor may carry on longer than you had anticipated, or you may be staying with your partner throughout the duration of her hospital visit. Either way you want to be sure to pack a change of clothes and even something comfortable like pajamas for the occasion where you spend the night. Bring some pillows along for you as you can’t always be sure of what the sleeping arrangements will be.

Pack some snacks for yourself as you need to keep your energy up during the long birthing process. Also be sure to bring some money as you will surely have to grab a meal or a snack from the cafeteria during your stay. Along with the camera and any other items that you bring to capture the precious moments, be sure that you bring along the phone numbers of anybody that you’ll want to contact with the good news after the birth. All of these things will make your stay more comfortable and allow you to focus on your partner and your new baby.

Preparing for Your Baby with Childbirth Classes

Preparing for Your Baby with Childbirth Classes

May 27th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

You hear all about the things that you have to do during pregnancy in preparation for your new baby. Though there are some things that may seem more pertinent and pressing than others, there are some things that are fundamental and can be quite helpful.

One thing that seems to be on every new parent’s checklist is childbirth classes. Though parents that have been through the process will often say that they didn’t necessarily use much of the knowledge when the time came, they are a valuable part of pregnancy. Not everybody signs up for these classes as they certainly aren’t a requirement, but they can be of great help in getting you and your partner as prepared as possible. So what can you possibly learn? How valuable can they really be? Understanding what goes on in childbirth classes can be of great value in advance.

What Value Do They Bring?

There are so many different kinds of childbirth classes out there. Each offers a unique perspective and many different preparation methods for your new baby. The point of these classes is to help a parent understand certain aspects of the birthing process and of parenthood in general.

The most common type of childbirth class is one that focuses on what it really means to go through the childbirth process. This will walk you through all of the ins and outs of the process, and gives you a very real accounting of what one can expect. This is good for both the man and the woman in so many different ways. For the woman, it can help her to see what her body will naturally do. It can outline what happens in the various types of birth, and what will happen if things go in a manner that wasn’t predicted. Sometimes preparing for the unpredictable is the most beneficial thing that a woman can see.

These classes can be quite valuable to the man as it helps him to mentally prepare for his role as a coach. He will likely be there with his partner every step of the way and will help her through the birthing process. This is an important role and requires a great deal of time and attention so that he knows how to keep her calm and focused. This can be a great bonding experience for both parents as they can share the excitement for the upcoming birth of their baby. As you can imagine, this all provides some great value and is something that helps in the full preparation.

Additional Resources to Consider

As part of the childbirth classes at some hospitals or medical facilities, parents can sign up for additional classes. They can take a tour of the hospital so that they can see where they will deliver, where the rooms are located, where the nursery is, and generally see the layout of the hospital overall. Many parents often wish to get involved in childbirth classes that focus on breastfeeding, caring for their baby, or even on CPR. There are many different derivations of these classes, and they are all aimed at preparation and helping to make the best parent possible. Though this may seem like a lot to take in, if you carry away just a few lessons with you over time then it’s well worth it.

What to Pack for the Hospital

What to Pack for the Hospital

May 18th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

It’s time! You are about to become a parent, and you want to be sure that everything is perfect. There’s probably a part of you that can envision every single second of the labor and delivery experience. There’s also another part of you that probably wants to be sure that you don’t forget a thing. Being prepared well in advance can really help to take some of the anxiety out of things later. Whatever you can do in advance will help you to stay calm when the big day arrives.

One of the most important things that is advised to do in advance is to pack for the hospital. As you are likely never going to know when the big moment will arrive, you want to be prepared so that you can pick up the bag and go when it’s time. Though every woman has individual items that she wants to take with her, there are a few fundamentals that are worth considering throwing in your bag.

What Will You Need to Keep You Calm and Comfortable?

You want to be sure to consider the items that you want to take not only for after the baby’s birth, but everything leading up to it as well. Consider any items that will be sure to keep you calm and focused throughout the birthing process. Is there any music that you want with you? Do you need to take an iPod or a DVD player? Is there something that can help you to focus? Considering any scented items or comfort items that can help to relax you are crucial to your comfort and to a healthy and happy delivery.

Be sure that you bring whatever you need to stay comfortable throughout your hospital stay. Though you may very well be in hospital attire throughout the birth, you may have the option of changing into comfy clothes at some point. Take along a couple of sets of pajamas and anything else that you feel comfortable with. Always bring an extra set or two as birth can sometimes be a messy experience.

Bring What You Need to Feel Like Yourself

We are all creatures of comfort, so be sure that you have the items you need to make you feel like yourself. Birth can take a toll on your physical appearance, at least temporarily. Bring along any toiletries that you use on a regular basis such as shampoo and conditioner, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, and of course makeup. Don’t ever underestimate how good a shower and a bit of freshening up can help you to feel after a long labor and delivery. Remember too that you may have your fair share of visitors, so bring the items that you need to help you feel like a human again be it hair products, a bit of jewelry, or cute and comfortable clothes to wear.

Bring the Essentials

If you absolutely must sleep with a certain pillow or blanket, then be sure to bring that with you. Bring your video camera, regular camera, and anything else you can use to capture the first few precious moments. Also be sure that you make a call list in advance that your partner or close family member can use to contact those close to you to let them know about your baby’s arrival. Bring your cell phone too as well wishers may want to get in touch with you after the birth.

Bring along an outfit for the baby and one for you to travel home in. Many women tend to forget this and are sorry later on. This is a big picture opportunity and an important moment, so be sure that you are both ready for it. Always pack a few extras for both you and baby so that you are never left without some of the items that you may need.

Understanding a C-Section Delivery

Understanding a C-Section Delivery

May 17th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

There is often much anxiety and ill feelings surrounding a C-section delivery. Most women go into the birthing process expecting to have a natural or vaginal delivery, and sometimes that’s just not possible. Though there are a number of viable reasons why a woman would have a C-section, there is a great deal of worry when it comes up as a topic of conversation.

As it is a major surgery, it’s understandable that moms-to-be would not be necessarily excited to have such a delivery method performed. However it is important to know that a C-section can not only be necessary but preferred in light of a few key circumstances. It’s important to understand what these are and how the process works. Then if the situation ever comes up or you find yourself facing a C-section, it might not be so scary.

Reasons for a C-Section Delivery

The reality is that there are a number of reasons that a woman may find it necessary to have a C-section to deliver her baby. There’s the planned type of C-section and then the emergency C-section.

In an emergency C-section, a woman may be forced into this type of delivery if the baby won’t turn, if the baby’s heart rate is dropping, if the cord is wrapped around the baby, or a number of related factors. This is not an optimal situation as there is potential danger towards the baby, but it can be a real lifesaver to ensure that the baby is healthy and delivered quickly and safely.

In the instance of a planned C-section, there are a number of factors that this may be done. A woman may have had a previous C-section and may be asked to consider this as a method for delivery the second time around for a safe delivery. The baby may be breech and won’t flip the proper way, or the baby may just be too big to deliver the old fashioned way. There may be certain health conditions associated with the pregnancy that may make a vaginal delivery difficult such as placenta previa where the placenta is low and covers the cervix making vaginal delivery virtually impossible. As you can see there are many reasons for a planned C-section. Sometimes a planned C-section gives the woman a bit more time to mentally prepare for this surgery.

Knowing What to Expect

A C-section works like any other surgery in certain respects. The woman will be put under anesthesia so that she can’t feel the incision or any of the pain that may occur during the surgery itself. Her partner will be allowed into the room with her after she has been prepped and they will be able to sit next to them the whole time. What may be different about this type of surgery however is that the woman is likely awake the entire time. She is aware of what’s going on, but feels no pain. She may feel a bit of pressure or pulling as they reach in and grab the baby out, but that’s usually it. She can hear her baby cry for the first time and if all goes well, she can even hold the baby immediately after delivery.

There is a longer recovery associated with a C-section than a vaginal birth since a major surgery has taken place. The woman will need to take it easy for a few weeks and limit driving or physical activity, but nothing that would interfere with her ability to care for her new baby. Though a C-section may not be how a woman envisioned her birth experience, knowing the facts can take a bit of anxiety out of things.

Thinking Ahead for Your Stay in the Hospital

Thinking Ahead for Your Stay in the Hospital

May 16th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

It’s almost time for the baby’s arrival and you have a lot to do. You want to get the house ready and be sure that everything is just perfect for you to bring your little bundle of joy home. Though you’ve probably planned out every little detail of your pregnancy and are sure that you’ve anticipated everything for baby’s arrival, there is often one major thing that is overlooked.

You’ve probably considered everything after the birth, but have you thought through all the details for your actual hospital stay? Many women get so consumed with the actual birth and arrival, that they often forget to plan ahead for this major hospital stay. Thinking through a few major details can take a great deal of stress out of things later on.

Think Of Who You Want There

One thing that can really stress a lot of women out is who they have there at the hospital. If you think this through in advance and then consider your options, this can be easily communicated in advance.

  • Do you want just your partner there with you when it comes time for the delivery?
  • Are there any other family members that you want present?
  • Do you wish for others to be there in the room with you or wait in the waiting room?

These are all areas that can tend to be stressful if not planned out in advance, so giving some thought can alleviate much of that. You also want to consider visitors after the baby is born. Many family members and close friends will have the best intentions and wish to visit you in the hospital. Consider if this is something that you are comfortable with, or if you’d rather wait until you get home to welcome visitors in to see the new baby.

Making Arrangements Beforehand

Anything that you can do in advance will help you to relax and enjoy the new baby once it has arrived. Take the time to pre-register for your hospital stay while you are still pregnant. If you have any other children, consider who will watch them while you are in the hospital. Work it out with your spouse if you want them to be there with you in the hospital the whole time. Consider who can be there quickly when labor comes on and who can stay with your child while you are in the hospital. These are all important considerations that should really be thought out in advance. Not only can this help you to sit back and relax a bit, but it can ensure that you make the proper arrangements. Be sure that you work out similar arrangements if you have a pet that must be cared for while you are in the hospital so that Fido isn’t left at home without food or water for a couple of days.

Think Of How You Want The Hospital Experience To Be

Though things don’t always go the way that we plan, you do want to think about what you’d like to happen while you are in the hospital. Do you want to keep the baby in the room with you at all times? Are you interested in sending the baby to the nursery at night so you can get some sleep? Do you want a lactation consultant to visit you if you plan to breastfeed? Think through anything that is important to you so that you can plan for it in advance. All of the plans that you make can allow you to focus on the beautiful new baby that you have, and take the guesswork out of things later on.

Taking the Stress Out of the Labor Experience

Taking the Stress Out of the Labor Experience

May 15th, 2010 by admin  |  No Comments

Even if you are lucky enough to experience a healthy and happy pregnancy, there’s always something on your mind. If you are a first time mom, you are likely worried about the labor and delivery experience. If you have been through it before, then you may be worried about the pain that you know to be true. Though the birth of a child can be one of the most beautiful experiences in life, there is also a great deal of pain associated with it. Though you may try your best to avoid thinking about it, that big day is coming. It can be quite helpful to think through the best ways for managing your labor experience. Whether you are worried about the pain or just have anxiety about the experience itself, there are some excellent ways to take the stress out of everything.

Consider Your Options

First and foremost, you want to think through your options for pain management. If you take a look at a resource such as this from the respected ‘What To Expect’ series, then you can see that there are many different routes you can take to get the pain out of the experience.

Every woman is different, every pain threshold is different, and every birthing experience is different. It can really pay off to consider all of your options beforehand and see what you think works for you. Though most women get an epidural to deal with the pain of labor, other routes may work better for different women. It’s a very personal choice as some women opt to go the natural route, and so you may want to stop and consider this before the big day arrives. Talk to your doctor and see what options and insight he can offer. Take the guesswork out of the equation so that you know what you can expect and know how you want to manage the pain.

Stay Calm and Think of the End Result

Though childbirth is definitely an experience that doesn’t come without pain, it’s important to think about the end result. This is not like anything else you will experience in your life. After all of the pain and potential anxiety, you will end up with a baby. You will most certainly forget about all the pain and any of the other negatives once you hold the baby that you have carried for nine months. So if you can get into that mindset before you go into the hospital, it will really serve you well when the time comes to go through the delivery itself.

You may also want to turn to some very natural or alternative ways of coping with the pain and anxiety. Not only can this take much of the stress out of things, but it can also allow you to do so naturally. Breathing techniques can work wonders for getting you through any painful bouts. Never underestimate what a clear head and deep breathing can do for helping you through even the most challenging circumstance.

Many women also find that turning to aromatherapy can be of great help too. This doesn’t have to be anything extensive, but can be something as simple as bringing along various objects that are contain scents that are calming to you. Turning to calming music can also help to keep you calm throughout the birthing process. Think through whatever helps to calm you down and ensure that you have it on hand to help take the stress out of the birthing experience.