Register for prenatal sessions
Mount Lebanon Hospital
+961 5 957 000 – 15271

 

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Mount Lebanon Hospital’s highly trained obstetricians, maternal fetal medicine specialists, and certified midwives prepared this booklet for all expecting mothers, to help them prepare themselves, their spouse and family for the baby’s arrival. 

We offer delivery rooms, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit – NICU and Blood bank. Our Obstetrics and Gynecology department is offering Prenatal and Postnatal Education sessions. These classes are given by a highly trained team of midwives and physical therapists, benefits include:

 

• Help build your confidence in your body’s ability to give birth;
• Calm your fears and prepare you for birth;
• Opportunity to openly discuss curiosities and concerns;
• Knowledge of options and choices available;
• Your partner will learn about childbirth and how to support you on the big day;
• Information about:
  1. Nutrition and exercise importance,
  2. Healthy lifestyle,
  3. Labor: Step by step medical procedures,
  4. Pain management breathing and relaxation techniques,
  5. Breastfeeding,
  6. Postpartum care: mother & baby.

We are excited to be a part of your birthing and family healthcare team and hope you will continue to rely on us for all your healthcare needs

Additional references:

• Prevent Covid-19 Spread
• Self-quarantine Guidelines
• WHO recommendations for breastfeeding

 

Part 1: Guide for expecting mothers

What to expect during pregnancy

A. Body changes

Many transformations occur during the Nine Months of pregnancy.
It is important to know that all changes will return to normal 2 months to 1 year after giving birth. 

 

 i. Mouth and oral health

Bleeding Gums and swollen gums are common pregnancy complaints, caused by the increase in your circulation volume and certain hormone supply and may lead to an infection. It is very important to take good care of your oral hygiene to prevent gingivitis or gum inflammation. To insure healthy teeth and gums:

• Brush and floss regularly
• Get a dental checkup early in your pregnancy
• If you experience any problems consult your dentist

 

ii. Skin

Stretch marks: Pinkish lines, forms when the normal skin is not elastic enough for stretching required during pregnancy, typically seen on a woman’s abdomen, breasts, backside or thighs and they tend to itch. They most likely occur among women who are obese. While they won’t disappear completely, stretch marks will fade after delivery and are usually preventable. It is recommended to use a cream to help relieve stretch marks and itchiness (prescribed by the physician).
Pregnancy Mask: Due to an increase in Melanin hormone, brownish patches of dark skin, may appear on the face around the eyes, over the cheeks and nose.
Linea nigra: Fluctuating hormone levels can produce a dark line in the middle of the abdomen running from the belly button down to the pubic bone, usually common among women with a dark complexion.

 

iii. Hair

Estrogen increases hair growth, therefore extra hair grows not only on your head, but on your body also, such as the upper lip, stomach, back and around the areolas.

 

iv. Nails

During pregnancy your nails’ texture coarsen, therefore they become brittle and soft. That’s a result of an increased blood flow to the fingers and toes due to an increased estrogen level.

 

v. Breast

Pregnant woman’s breasts become full and tender, they may increase in size as milk glands enlarge and fatty tissue increases. The nipples become more sensitive to the touch, and the areolas surrounding the nipples will darken and enlarge and bluish veins might also appear. During the third trimester, the nipples may start leaking colostrum (milk fluid). We recommend to:

• Wear a supportive bra.
• Choose cotton bras
• Increase your bra’s size as your breasts become larger, it should fit well without irritating your nipples. Try maternity or nursing bras, which provide more support and can be used after pregnancy.
• Tuck your choice of nursing pads into each bra cup to absorb leaking fluid.
• Clean your breasts with warm water only. Do not use soap or other products.
• Use moisturizing nipple cream, twice a day, starting from the seventh month of pregnancy.

 

vi. Joints and ligaments

Relaxing, a pregnancy hormone, relaxes the pelvis ligaments preparing for labor and delivery, as it stretches joints and ligaments all over the body. It can lead to back pain and sciatica. In the lower back and runs through the backside and downwards to the leg. Relaxin is responsible for the “pregnancy waddle”, an altered walk resulting from a bigger baby bump and an increased spine curvature.

 

vii. Body temperature

Women will tend to feel warmer and sweat a lot during pregnancy due to an increased metabolic rate and sweat gland activity.

You should wear loose clothing, stay chilled, and drink a great amount of water every day.

 

 viii. Feet and legs

Swelling in the feet and ankles (edema): May occur because of hormonal changes as your body is producing extra fluids and your uterus is growing, which pressures your veins.

Varicose veins: Can appear in the legs, vagina and rectum (hemorrhoids) and are usually hereditary.

Leg cramps: Pressure from the growing uterus can cause leg cramps or sharp pains down your leg. 

We recommend you to:

• Drink plenty of fluids (at least 10 to 12 glasses a day)
• Avoid food rich in salt
• Elevate your legs and feet while sitting. Avoid crossing your legs
• Wear comfortable, low heeled shoes
• Maintain a protein rich in calcium diet (milk broccoli, cheese, etc.)
• Notify your health care provider if your hands or face swell, this might be a warning sign of preeclampsia or toxemia, a pregnancy related high blood pressure
• Avoid lying on your back, since the weight of your body and the pressure of your enlarged uterus can slow the circulation in your legs, causing cramps
• Try massaging the cramps or apply heat pads to the sore area
• Avoid standing for long periods, sit with the feet up and rotate the ankles regularly, gently flex feet to stretch calf muscles, lie down with legs elevated
• Sleep on the left side
• Wear compression socks
• Physical activity, if possible, is recommended every day: take walks, swim or walk in the pool, (the physician will recommend the exercises’ length and intensity)

 

B. Healthy diet

For a healthy pregnancy you should follow a healthy diet.

 

i. Diet recommendations

Healthy and balanced diet:

• Food: rich in fiber, and include a variety of vegetables and fruits, like carrots, cooked greens, bananas, and melons, including beans and whole grains
• Vegetables and fruits: at least 6 servings per day
• Calcium intake: 4 dairy products to prevent bone problems in the future
• Protein intake: animal or vegetable iron (100g) or supplements, to prevent anemia
• Fluids: water (at least 8 – 10 glasses per day), including fresh juice, soups, herbal tea, and sparkling water instead of soda
• Caffeine intake: maximum 2 cups of coffee or tea per day
• Vitamins: with iron and folic acid every day (prescribed by your physician)

 

Avoid:

• Soft cheese (like feta, Brie and goat cheese)
• Raw meat and fish (sushi)
• Smoking or being around smokers
• Alcohol
• Fish that contain high levels of mercury

 

Please note that cheese, milk and juice should be pasteurized.
Pregnant women with toxoplasma negative should follow the same diet recommendations as toxoplasma positive women with one additional precaution, soak fruits and vegetables in a diluted disinfectant solution, then rinse with bottled water thoroughly  before cooking/eating, to remove all traces of soil.
It is advisable to monitor ones diet during breastfeeding and avoid the following:

• Sweets and sugar: because they contain artificial sugar
• Food that can cause gas: onions, garlic, cauliflower, radish, beans (lentils, chickpeas…), because they might cause colic and discomfort for the baby
• Dieting while breastfeeding, unless it was critical under a dietitian’s supervision, because it might affect your milk supply

It is also important to check with a nutritionist during all pregnancy stages and breastfeeding.

 

C. Exercise

Pregnancy is an ideal time for positive lifestyle modifications, including increasing physical activity (if possible) and consuming a healthier diet.

If your pregnancy is normal with no complications, doctors recommend at least 15 to 20 minutes of daily physical activity. This can improve your posture and decrease some normal pregnancy discomforts such as backaches, constipation, bloating, swelling and fatigue. It can improve your mood and assist you to have a better sleep. You are allowed to do safe, mild to moderate exercises at least 3 times a week unless your physician advised otherwise.

It is not advised to exercise in case you are experiencing:

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Low placenta
• Weak cervix
• Premature rupture of membranes
• Previous premature births or early labor history

 

Can do:

• Swimming
• Brisk walking
• Indoor stationary cycling
• Prenatal yoga
• Low-impact aerobics

 

Avoid:

• Contact sports (softball, football, basketball and volleyball…)
• Any exercise that might cause abdominal trauma
• Activities that require extensive jumping, hopping, skipping, bouncing or running

 

i. Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises (pelvic floor exercises) help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, uterus and bowel.

By strengthening these muscles during pregnancy, you can develop the ability to relax and control the muscles in preparation for labor and birth.

Kegel exercises are highly recommended after delivery to promote the healing of perineal tissues, increase the pelvic floor muscles strength, and help these muscles return to a healthy state, including urinary control.

 

How to do Kegel exercises?

• Tighten your pelvic floor muscles for 10 counts then relax for 10 counts
• Repeat 10 times for 3 times a day (morning, afternoon and evening)
• Please note that you should not perform this exercise while urinating

 

D. Discomfort tips

Discomfort	Recommendation
Abdominal pain and discomfort Sharp, shooting pains on either sides of the stomach. These pains might also move to your thigh and leg.	Massage Make sure you are drinking enough fluids
Round ligament pain Sharp pain in the abdomen or hip area on one or both sides, may extend to the groin area (most common during the second trimester)	Change your position and avoid sharp movements Bend over until the tensed tissue is relieved Apply a heating pad (hot water bottle), or take a warm shower Rest
Muscle tightening The muscles in the uterus will tighten causing irregular and infrequent contractions, starting from the 4th month of pregnancy	Contact your physician if the pain is severe or constant, or if you are less than 36 weeks pregnant and you have signs of preterm labor
Backaches Usually caused by the strain put on the back muscles and posture changes	Wear low-heeled shoes (no flats) Avoid lifting heavy objects Instead of bending, squat down with your knees bent to pick up an object Sit in a chair with good back support, or place a small pillow behind your lower back. Elevate your feet Sleep on your left or right side with a pillow between your legs Apply a heating pad, take a warm shower Perform exercises, if advised by your physician, to strengthen your back muscles and help relieve soreness See a physical therapist Maintain a good posture. Stand up straight to ease the strain on your back Wear a maternity support belt Contact your physician if you have a low backache that goes around your stomach and does not go away within one hour after position change or rest. This might be a sign of premature labor
Digestive complications Constipation caused by your hormones, vitamins and iron supplements and the pressure on your rectum from your uterus	Add more fiber to your diet (such as whole grain foods, fresh fruits and vegetables) Drink plenty of fluids daily (at least 12 glasses of water and one to two glasses of fruits or prune juice), and warm liquids, especially in the morning Exercise daily Set a regular time for bowel movements. Avoid straining when having a bowel movement
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that appear as painful lumps on the anus, result from increased circulation and pressure on the rectum and vagina from your growing baby	Avoid constipation Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. Change your position frequently Avoid tight-fitting underwear and pants Apply ice packs or cold compresses to the area, or take a warm tub bath a few times a day to provide relief Consult your doctor concerning treatments available
Heartburn and indigestion is a burning feeling, during pregnancy, which starts in the stomach and rises to the throat caused by the slow mechanism of your digestive system due to changing hormone levels. Also, by your enlarged uterus that crowds the stomach, pushing stomach acids upwards	Eat several small meals each day instead of three large meals Eat slowly Drink warm liquids such as herbal tea Avoid fried, spicy or rich foods, or any foods that seem to give you indigestion Don’t lie down directly after eating Place a pillow under your shoulders to prevent stomach acids from rising into your chest
Nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of the day but might be worse in the morning on an empty stomach – morning sickness or if you are not eating enough. It is caused by hormonal changes, most often occurs early in pregnancy until your body adjusts to the increased production of hormones	If it occurs in the morning, eat dry foods such as cereals, toast or crackers before getting out of bed. Consume high-protein snacks such as lean meat or cheese before going to bed (protein takes longer to digest) Eat small meals or snacks every two to three hours slowly, rather than three large meals and chew food completely Sip on fluids throughout the day. Avoid large amounts of fluids at one time. Try cool, clear fruit juices, such as apple or grape juice Avoid spicy, fried or greasy foods If you are bothered by strong smells, eat cold food or at room temperature and avoid repellent odors Consult your physician if your vomiting is constant or so severe that you can’t keep fluids down. This can cause dehydration and should be treated immediately
Sleeping difficulties Finding a comfortable resting position can become difficult later in pregnancy	Do not take sleep medications Take a warm shower before bedtime Use extra pillows for support while sleeping. Lying on your side, place a pillow under your head, abdomen, behind your back, and between your knees to prevent muscle strain and help you get the rest you need. Try lying on your left side, this improves blood circulation throughout the body Perform relaxation and breathing exercises
Dizziness Caused by hormone levels changes and blood volume, stress, fatigue, and eyestrain	Move around often when standing for long periods of time Turn on one side before rising from a lying down position Try to move slowly when standing from a sitting position. Avoid sudden movements
Fatigue Your growing baby requires extra energy, which might make you feel tired	Get plenty of rest and try taking naps during the day Exercise daily to increase your energy level
Headaches How often headaches occur and how bad they are can vary.	Apply an ice pack to your forehead or the back of your neck Contact your physician if you have nausea with your headaches; if your headache is severe and does not go away; or if you have blurry vision, double or blind spots, if you have anemia
Frequent urination During the first trimester, the growing baby presses against the bladder, causing a frequent need to urinate. This will happen again when the baby’s head drops into the pelvis before birth	Avoid tight fitting underwear, pants or pantyhose Contact your physician if you see blood in urine, if it burns or stings. This can be a sign of urinary tract infection and should be treated right away
Vaginal discharge Increased blood supply and hormones cause your vagina to increase normal secretion. Normal vaginal discharge is white or clear, non-irritating, odorless, and might look yellow on your underwear or panty liners	Choose cotton underwear Avoid tight-fitting jeans or pants Do not douche. It is possible you can introduce air into your circulatory system or break your bag or waters in a later stage of pregnancy Clean the vaginal area with soap and water Wipe from front to back Contact your physician if you have fluid leakage between 13 – 28 weeks of pregnancy, burning, itching, irritation swelling, bad odor, bloody discharge, bright yellow or green discharge. These symptoms could be a sign of infection

 

E. Sex

Sex is definitely allowed, there is no reason to change your sexual activity during pregnancy, unless your physician advises otherwise.

Intercourse and orgasm during pregnancy will not harm your baby in any way, unless you have a medical problem.

Your physician might recommend not having sex early in pregnancy if you have a history of miscarriages. Intercourse might also be restricted if you have certain pregnancy complications, such as preterm labor or bleeding.

 

F. Airline travel

Commercial airline travel is generally safe for women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Usually fetal heart rate is not affected during flight, although airlines’ individual policies may vary. Consult  our physician for approval before travel.

Advice:

• Maintain hydration
• Periodically move lower extremities
• Use compression stockings
• Avoid tight clothing
• Wear seat belt continuously to prevent unexpected turbulence injury

 

Part 2: Pregnancy stages and recommendations

A. First trimester: (1 to 15 weeks pregnant)

i. First medical visit

The first medical visit is for determining general health and inform your physician about all the risks that might affect your pregnancy. First visit usually take longer than future ones, to determine:

• Due Date
• Health History
• Family’s medical history
• Pregnancy risk factors based on age, health and/or personal and family history

You should notify your physician about any medication taken or currently taking.

 

ii. Lab tests

In the first trimester your physician will order many lab tests including:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Rubella – immunity test (German measles)
• Toxoplasma – immunity test (Toxoplasma gondii parasite)
• HBSAG – hepatitis B (liver infection)
• Urinalysis – kidney infection and bladder infection
• Blood type and Rh factor screening – protein causes an immune system response.

 

Follow-up visits are recommended every:

• 4 weeks until 28 weeks


For a healthy pregnancy regular medical visits are required:
– Before 28 weeks (7 months): Monthly

• 2 to 3 weeks from 28 to 36 weeks


For a healthy pregnancy regular medical visits are required:
– Weeks 28 to 36 (7-8 months): Every 2-3 weeks

• Weekly from 36 weeks until delivery


For a healthy pregnancy regular medical visits are required:
– Week 36 (9th month) until delivery: Weekly

 

iii. Non Invasive prenatal testing – NIPT 

NIPT a non-invasive blood test that can detect approximately 99% of fetuses with Down syndrome and Trisomy 18, and up to 92% of fetuses with Trisomy 13, and saves the mother from undergoing other invasive tests. NIPT is recommended when:

• Depending on the woman’s age and the physician’s prescription
• Abnormal findings on ultrasound
• Previous history of a chromosome anomaly

 

B. Second trimester: (15 to 28 weeks pregnant)

i. Rh factor testing

Rh is an antigen protein found in most people’s red blood cells. If you are Rh- (negative) then you will be given a Rh immune globulin injection, during the 28th week of your pregnancy, to prevent harmful antibodies development. In case your baby is Rh+, after delivery, you will also be given a similar injection.

 

ii. Oral glucose challenge testing

This test involves rapidly drinking a sweetened liquid, containing 50 grams of glucose. 60 minutes after, a blood test is done to measure how the glucose solution was processed by the body. This test is performed usually between week 24 and week 28 of pregnancy. If the physician is concerned about gestational diabetes he might conduct this test earlier.

 

iii. Triple screen test

The triple screening is a blood test usually done at 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Its purpose is to detect if the baby is at high risk of certain birth defects.

 

iv. Morphology scan

A detailed ultrasound scan that inspects your baby’s body and observes the position of the placenta, the umbilical cord, the amniotic fluid around your baby, and your uterus and your cervix. It is also known as an anomaly scan or a 18-20 week scan.

The doctor will measure the baby’s full body to confirm the expected delivery date and often tells the baby’s sex, with about 95% accuracy. He will also check for growth or development anomalies in the heart, stomach, kidneys and limbs.

 

C. Third trimester: (29 to 41 weeks pregnant)

In the third trimester medical visits will mostly increase, your visits will increase to one per week as your physician will ask for more ultrasounds, blood tests, urine analysis and a Pap smear test screening – if you are planning for a normal vaginal delivery. In the last few weeks of pregnancy you will be put on a monitor, this will allow the physician to monitor the baby’s pulse, movements in the womb and contractions (if applicable).

 

i. Non-Stress testing

NST measures baby’s heart rate in response to the baby’s environment. Two belts will be placed on the abdomen; one has sensors to measure the fetal heart rate and the other detects uterine contractions. The baby’s movement will be counted as well. Most babies have a sleep/wake schedule of 20 to 40 minutes in the womb.

 

ii. Baby movements count

Baby’s regular movements are a sign of good health. Though babies may sleep for up to an hour, most of the time the baby is active and moving. On average, a healthy baby kicks or moves at least six to 10 times within one hour.
Contact your physician immediately if you experience noticeable changes in the baby’s movements after 28 weeks (less than 6 to 10 movements per hour).

 

iii. Signs of premature labor: (before 36 weeks pregnant)

• Four or more contractions or tightening of the muscles in the uterus in one hour that do not go away after changing your position or relaxing
• Regular constant, irregular tightening, or low dull pain in your back (is not relieved after any comfort measures)
• Pressure in the pelvis or vagina
• Lower abdominal cramping that might feel like gas pain (with or without diarrhea)
• Persistent menstrual-like cramps
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Fluid leaking from the vagina
• Vaginal bleeding

 

iv. Hypertension / Preeclampsia signs

• Headache
• Vision problems
• Pain in the upper abdomen
• Sudden weight gain
• Consult your physician

 

D. Preparing baby’s room

• Clean all surfaces using an infant formulated detergent:
  1- Room
  2- Walls
  3- Floor
  4- Crib
  5- Furniture

 

• Crib
  1- Less than 10 years old
  2-Not broken or modified

 

• Mattress
  1- Firm
  2- 2 fingers width
  3- Fitted protection pads
  4- Sheets, all washed and ironed.

 

• Install a changing table (bathtub included)
• Set up and test a baby monitor and keep the receiver close
• Wash and iron all the baby clothes before organizing the closet

 

E. Hospital bag checklist

 

Part 3: The Big Day (labor and delivery stages)

A. Labor

i. True or false labor

False labor:

• Contractions are often irregular and do not get closer together
• Contractions might stop when you walk, rest or might even stop when you change position

 

True labor:

• Contractions come at regular intervals and get closer together as time goes on. True labor contractions become longer, stronger and more intense (last about 30 to 70 seconds each)
  • Contractions continue, despite moving or changing positions

 

Tips to ease true or false labor contractions and discomforts:

False labor:

• Change position or activity
  • Drink enough fluids (at least 10 to 12 glasses per day)
  • Rest and relax

 

True labor:

• Try to distract yourself: take a walk, go shopping, and watch a movie
• Soak in a warm tub or take a warm shower. Ask a physician if you should take a tub bath if your water has broken already
• Try to sleep (if at evening time). You need to save energy for labor

 

It is essential to call your physician when you have:

• Bright red vaginal bleeding
• Continuous leaking of fluid or wetness, or if your water breaks (fluid gushing)
• Strong contractions every five minutes for one hour
• Unable to “walk through” contractions
• Noticeable change in baby’s movement (less than 6 to 10 movement in one hour)

 

ii. Labor Signs

Labor begins when the cervix starts to dilate. The muscles of the uterus contract at regular intervals. During contractions, the abdomen becomes hard. Between contractions the uterus relaxes and the abdomen becomes soft.

Some women experience very distinct labor signs, others don’t. No one knows what causes labor to start, but several hormonal and physical changes might indicate the beginning of labor.

 

• Lightning:

The process of your baby settling or lowering into the pelvis is called lightning. It can happen a few weeks or a few hours before labor. Because the uterus rests on the bladder more after lightening, you might feel the need to urinate more frequently.

 

• Mucus plug:

The mucus plug accumulates at the cervix during pregnancy. When the cervix begins to open wider, the mucus, clear, pink or slightly bloody, is discharged into the vagina. Labor might begin soon after, the mucus plug is discharged or one to two weeks later.

 

• Contractions:

Contractions come at regular intervals and increase in frequency, duration and intensity over time.
As time progresses, the contractions come at closer intervals.

This part of the first stage of labor (latent phase) is best experienced in the comfort of your home.

Contraction timing:

Record the time at the beginning of one contraction and again at the beginning of the next one.

• Time between contractions includes:
  • Contraction duration (length),
  • Minutes (interval) between one and the other.

 

Mild contractions generally begin 10 to 15 minutes apart. The contractions become more regular until they are less than five minutes apart. Active labor (time you should go to the hospital) is usually characterized by strong contractions that are 3 to 4 minutes apart.

• Amniotic membrane rupture:

 

The rupture of the amniotic membrane, which is the fluid -filled sac that surrounds the baby during pregnancy, also referred to as your “water breaking”.

It might feel either like a sudden gush of fluid or a drip of fluid that leaks steadily. The fluid is usually odorless and might look clear or straw-colored.

If your “Water Breaks”:

• Contact physician and go to the hospital’s maternity department right away
  • Record the time it happened, the color and odor of the fluid
  • Labor might or might not start soon after water breaks

 

It is also common to be in labor without the water breaking.

Cervix effacement and dilation:

Your cervix gets shorter and thins out in order to stretch and open around your baby’s head. The shortening and thinning of the cervix is called effacement and is measured in percentages from 0% to 100%. The stretching and opening of your cervix is called dilation and is measured in centimeters from 1 to 10 centimeters.

Effacement and dilation are a direct result of effective uterine contractions. Progress in labor is measured by how much the cervix has opened and thinned to allow your baby to pass through the vagina.

 

B. Choices of pain management during labor

The way contractions feel is different for each woman and might feel different from one pregnancy to the next.

There are many choices of pain management during labor such as:

Non-medicated Pain Management:

Relaxation: This technique can improve your ability to detect and release tension.

Touch: Gentle massage or light stroking, on the back, shoulders, hands and legs to relieve tension.

Hot or cold therapy: A warm towel or a cold pack may help relax tense or painful areas.

Breathing: Techniques using different breathing patterns and types to help direct the mind away from discomfort.

Positioning and movement: Many women find that changing positions and moving around during labor helps to relieve discomfort and may even accelerate the process.

Medicated pain management:

The anesthesiologist decides with the physician which type of pain management is to be used, based on the patient’s case and labor stage, while monitored through the whole procedure.

Epidural anesthesia: Numbing medications infused through a thin catheter, inserted into the space that surrounds the spinal cord in the lower back, causing a loss of sensation in the lower body. Infusions of medications may be increased or stopped as needed. This type of anesthesia is used during labor, vaginal and cesarean deliveries.

Spinal anesthesia. A single dose of the anesthetic agent directly injected into the spinal fluid. It acts very quickly and causes complete loss of sensation and loss of movement in the lower body. Often used for cesarean deliveries.

General anesthesia. Often used in emergency cesarean deliveries, this type of pain relief involves administering an anesthetic agent that causes induced sleep.

 

C. Normal vaginal delivery

Normal Vaginal Delivery is the most common type  of birth.

 

i. First Stage

The body is preparing to give birth, with signs such as:

• Regular, painful, stronger and more frequent contractions
  • Cervix is opening and getting ready for the baby to go through
  • Backache
  • Water breaks

 

ii. Second Stage

The woman is giving birth to the baby.

• The midwife will help to find a comfortable position;
• Take deep breaths;
• Start to push, when the cervix is fully dilated, and when the midwife or doctor tells you to during contractions;
• Give several pushes until the contraction ends;
• After each contraction, rest and get your strength up for the next one;
• The baby’s head moves down the vagina until it can be seen;
• The doctor helps with the baby’s head;
• The father cuts the umbilical cord after the doctor places 2 clamps.

 

iii. Third Stage

After the birth of the baby:

• Placenta is delivered
  • The women will be injected with a drug called oxytocin which makes the womb contract
  • Helps to prevent heavy bleeding known as “postpartum hemorrhage”

 

While labor can be a straightforward, uncomplicated process, it might require the assistance of the medical staff. This assistance can vary from use of medicines to emergency procedures. Such as the following:

Episiotomy: A surgical incision made in the perineum (the area of skin between the vagina and the anus). The incision enlarges the vaginal opening to allow the baby’s head to pass through more easily and to prevent tearing of the mother’s skin.

Amniotomy “water breaking”:
The artificial rupture of the amniotic sac, which contains the fluid surrounding the baby. Amniotomy can be done either before or during labor, and usually done to induce or augment labor.

 

D. Cesarean delivery (C-section)

Also called a C-section, is a surgical procedure performed if a normal vaginal delivery is not possible. During this procedure, the baby is delivered through surgical incisions made in the abdomen and the uterus.

Factors that can affect whether a planned or unplanned C-section is needed if following conditions apply:

• Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)
• Previous cesarean birth
• Multiple pregnancy
• Placenta previa
• Traverse lie
• Breech presentation
• Failure of labor to progress
• Cord compression
• Prolapsed cord
• Abruptio placentae
• Abnormal fetal heart rate during labor

 

What to expect before a C-section?

• You will be asked if you consent to the procedure, and in some cases might be asked to sign a consent form
• The anesthesiologist will discuss the type of anesthesia to be used
• A heart, pulse and blood pressure monitor is applied
• Hair clipping will be done around the incision area
• A catheter will be inserted to keep the bladder empty
• Medicine will be administered directly by IV

 

E. Skin to Skin

Right after the baby is born, skin to skin contact is recommended. This is done by placing the baby belly-down directly on the mother’s chest, for the first hour. This will allow the mother and baby to get to know each other.

If the baby needs to meet the pediatrician first, or after a C-section, the mother can unwrap the baby and conduct skin to skin contact shortly after birth.

Newborns require skin-to-skin contact, but it is also sometimes overwhelming for new moms, therefore it’s okay to start slowly after the mother regains her strength and is ready for this step.

 

Part 4: Guide for Mom and Newborn

A. 24-Hour rooming-in: Rest is healing

 

Benefits for the mother:

• Better quality of sleep
• Increased confidence in handling and caring for the baby
• Ability to learn what your baby’s cues are sleepy, stressed, in need of quiet time or hungry
• Identification of early feeding cues: rooting, opening mouth and sucking on tongue, fingers or hand
• Improved breastfeeding experience
• Less infant crying and distress
• Less “baby blues” and postpartum depression
• Parents are better-rested and more relaxed by the end of the first week home
• Increases opportunity for skin-to-skin contact

 

Benefits for the baby:

• Better quality of sleep
• More stable body temperatures
• Generally more content
• Stable blood sugar
• Breastfeed longer and easily
• Lower levels of stress hormones

 

B. Breastfeeding

i. Benefits

For Babies promotes:

• Immune system

 

For Babies reduces:

• Gastric problems (colic, reflux, etc.)
• Respiratory and infection problems
• Bacterial meningitis
• Retinopathy of prematurity
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – SIDS
• Hospitalization

 

For Mothers promotes

• Faster weight loss after birth
• Immunity to infection
• Breast milk is always clean and at the right temperature
• Money saving

 

For Mothers reduces:

• Postpartum bleeding
• Risk of postpartum depression
• Breast and ovarian cancer
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Osteoporosis (with age)
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease

 

ii. Positions

Breastfeeding positions allow you to rest and choose the most adequate to suit your condition and needs.

Cradle Hold & Cross Cradle Hold Position

Football Hold Position

Side-Lying Position

iii. Baby’s hunger cues

• Fingers in their mouth
• Sucking on fingers
• Squirming
• Moving arms or legs
• Licking or smacking lips
• Opening and closing mouth
• Turning head side-to-side
• Balling up fists and holding them to chest
• Rooting when touched on the chin or cheek
• Crying

iv. Baby’s satiety signs

• Open, relaxed hands
• Relaxed, soft body
• Arms lie across lower body
• Falls asleep at the breast
• Turns head away
• Has “wet burps,” where milk dribbles out of the side of mouth
• Decreases or stop sucking on nipple
• Spits out the nipple on a bottle

 

v. How to help the baby burp

When burping your baby, repeated gentle patting on the back should do the trick.

      1.Upright against chest.

      2.Hold your baby sitting up, in your lap or across your knee.
      Support your baby’s chest and head with one hand by cradling your baby’s chin in the palm of your hand.

      3.Lay your baby on your lap on his or her belly.
      Support your baby’s head and make sure it’s higher than his or her chest. Gently pat your baby’s back.

vi. Breast and nipple care

• Practice good hygiene:
  • Wash hands before touching breasts;
  • Keep breasts and nipples clean by washing them daily with warm water in the shower or bath;
  • Avoid using soap on breasts since it can cause dry, cracked, and irritated skin.
• Wear a supportive bra: Choose a nursing bra or a regular bra that fits well, but not too tight. Cotton is an excellent choice since it allows the skin to breathe;
• Make sure baby is latching on correctly;
• Change breast pads often or until they are wet;
• Moisturize nipples with breast milk, let them air dry;
• Detach baby from breast correctly: Place finger in the corner of the mouth to break the suction between the mouth and breast;
• Treat breast engorgement: If your breasts become painfully congested, hard, and swollen, you can use cold cabbage leaves or cold compresses to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

 

vii. Breast pump

Breast milk can be pumped in several ways. Always keep in mind that before any steps, the following should be done:

1- Wash hands thoroughly

2- Apply hot water or a damp towel on breasts (or during the shower)

3- Massage breasts with your fingertips to eliminate any engorgement

Please Note: You can apply an ice pack, 10 mins before or after pumping, for breast pain.

 

 

By hand:

By a pump, always inspect the kit and tubing to make sure it is clean

Manual or electric:

viii. Milk storage

• Use breast milk storage bags, clean glass or plastic food containers with tight fitting lids;
• Use BPA free bottles;
• Clearly label the breast milk with the date it was expressed;
• Do not store breast milk in the refrigerator or freezer door, to protect breast milk from temperature changes;
• Freeze freshly expressed breast milk, right away to avoid wasting;
• When freezing breast milk, leave about an inch of space at the top of the container because breast milk expands as it freezes;
• Breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours while traveling. Once you arrive at your destination, milk should be used right away, stored in the refrigerator, or frozen;
•  Breast milk does not necessarily need to be warmed: if frozen, hold or let bottle sit under warm water;
• Never put breast milk bottle or bag in the microwave;
• Do not re-freeze.