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Archive for the ‘Baby’ Category
First Stage of Labor
During the first stage of labor, the cervix thins and softens and then dilates to allow the baby’s head to pass through the birth canal. When the cervix is fully open it is considered "10cm dilated." This marks the transition from the first to the second stage.
Once labor has begun, contractions tend to become stronger as labor progresses, though they tend not to get closer together than about every three minutes. This means you usually get a break in between to recover from each contraction before the next one begins. Progress is not always uniform; occasionally contractions seem to run into one another, and sometimes a very strong contraction will be followed by a weaker one.
Once the woman is fully dilated, she may experience some strange symptoms. Shivering, trembling, sweating or nausea is all common. Some mothers feel restless and want to change position, often into the position in which they want to deliver the baby. At the end of each contraction the mother may begin to feel that she wants to bear down and begin to push the baby out. When the healthcare professional sees these signals, she will probably want to do an internal exam and check that you are fully dilated. If so, you are ready to begin the second stage. If you are not quite fully dilated, the nurse or midwife may ask you to "pant" during the contractions to help you resist the urge to bear down.
The Second Stage of Labor
Most women having an active labor find that the pushing sensation is a reflex and they can’t stop themselves. Usually women know instinctively to take a deep breath, lowering the diaphragm and putting pressure on the uterus. A series of short pushes at this time can be more effective than one long push. An upright or semi upright position is helpful in promoting the process; if you are lying down you actually have to push the baby uphill because of the angle of the birth canal. Most women also instinctively push with each contraction and rest in between.
With each contraction the baby should descend lower into the birth canal. At some point the baby’s head will become visible from the outside (crowning); this is an exciting moment for a partner or birth companion who is present. The mother can be encouraged to know that the baby is really there and about to be born. Just before the birth, the perineum begins to stretch to its widest. This can cause a stretching and stinging sensation. If you seem likely to tear, an episiotomy may be made (see page 116); otherwise the tissues become numb when stretched further. Once the baby’s head has crowned, it will slip out; another contraction should deliver the shoulders and then the rest of the baby.
When the baby is born it may look strange; somewhat gray colored and slimy with vernix and some blood. (Vernix is a waxy substance that helps protect the baby’s skin from fluids in the amniotic sac.) When the baby draws breath-and usually cries loudly-the color will change to a healthier pink. If the baby is breathing normally you will be able to hold your baby, discover whether it’s a boy or girl, count the fingers and toes and begin to get to know one another. Some mothers will want to put the baby straight to the breast.
The Third Stage of Labor
This is the delivery of the afterbirth. This stage may take up to 30 minutes. The umbilical cord, its job done, may be pulled gently, and the doctor or midwife may press her hand on your abdomen to assist delivery of the placenta. The uterus continues to contract. Your abdomen may be massaged to help the process along. If bleeding is heavy, you may receive medications in an effort to reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
Soon after the birth is a good time to put the baby to the breast for the first time, because research has shown that the sooner after the birth a baby feeds, the more likely it is that breast-feeding will be successfully established. In nature, the baby’s sucking at the breast helps with delivery of the afterbirth. Not all mothers and babies are ready for a breast-feed, however, so don’t feel rushed; take the time you need to get to know one another.
for Baby Gifts
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502 E John St.
Carson City, NV 89706
866-957-8675
Family Day Care
Day care in a private home or family day care provides a home atmosphere and personalized attention. Typically, a mother of a child takes several others into her home during the day. This is usually less expensive than having a sitter in your home, and if the caregiver is really able to be with several children and still be sensitive to each child’s needs, the situation is a good one. Your child will develop skills by being with other children in a homey atmosphere but won’t be exposed to different workers, as she would be in a day care center.
If you’re considering family day care, meet the person in the setting where your child would be care for. Gear your questions to find out about the care giver’s priorities, interests, strengths, and experience with children. Give him or her pertinent information about your child’s needs [medical history, diet, interests, and idiosyncrasies] and your expectations. Obtain references-the names of other families whose children stay with him or her-and check them out.
General Considerations:
If you are considering family day care or a day care center, gather information on each placement you are considering so that you can compare hours of operation, vacancies, fees, adult to child ratios, and general philosophies about child care. If the center is handling very small babies, the adult to child ratio should ideally be three to one, but no more than four to one. If the children are between two to five years old, there should be one adult to five children.
Arrange to visit the most attractive options. Bring your child and go at a busy time. This way, you can check your child’s response to the caregiver and also watch the caregiver’s style of interaction of other children.
- Is the caregiver sensitive to the needs of children od different ages [especially at meal time]?
- How does the caregiver respond to a crisis?
- If you’re there early in the, how does the caregiver respond to an upset child being left by his parents?
- Does the caregiver take the time to allow the parents to express concerns/
- Is the child given enough attention to ease the pain of separation?
- Are children sensitively helped to make the transition from one activity to the next?
- When you talk to the caregiver, do you feel as though you would be a member of the "team," defensive? It is essential for you to feel that the caregiver respects your relationship with your child and your feelings.
Look at the overall cleanliness of the center or home-let your instincts give you a reading on its feel. Does the physical environment seem safe or are there detergents or medicines within easy reach, or such dangers as uncovered light sockets? What kinds of toys are provided? Are they safe? Do they allow for creative play and skill-building? Licensed day care facilities should be able to provide you with a written program description. If you still have questions after your visit, make a phone call or follow-up visit.
Many parents are reluctant to expose a very young baby to the risk of infection outside the home and to take the chance of having an outsider bring disease into the house. Such fears are understandable, but should not be allowed to unrealistically limit your baby’s contact with people and the outside world. Germs are inevitable- you will bring them into your house yourself, and into contact with your baby. You naturally will not knowingly expose your baby to someone who is suffering a terrible cold or other communicable ailment; you can and should watch for such situations in your baby’s day care environment, and elsewhere. This sort of reasonable caution [which includes regular visits to the pediatrician and a regular program of immunizations and inoculations] should ensure that your baby enjoy normal health.
Once your child is placed in out-of-home day care, the only way to be sure that he is safe is to make unannounced visits during the day. If there are rules against this, question the rules.
for Baby Gift Baskets
Cuddles ‘n Gifts
11941 Birch St.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
866-957-8675