PREPARATION OF CHILD BIRTH

Child birth is the action of giving birth to a child. Not all child births are same for every women. There is
different types of child birth for example home child birth, veginal birth, caesarean section and medicated
birth.

 Birth plan or preparedness is an action that is developed by the women and her family members.
 It is not written document but it is an ongoing discussion with the women and her family to ensure
that she and her baby will receive appropriate care promptly at the time of birth and id
complication arise before and after birth.
 15% of all pregnant women develop a life threatening complication requiring obstetric care.
 Birth preparedness plan is usually given to the women during 1st antenatal visit.
 National protocol for birth preparedness and complication readiness
 Encourage all pregnant women to have an institution/trained services providers for delivery.
 Introduce a concept of birth plan on a second visit and reinforce on follow up visit.
 Confirm the place of delivery and the provider with the provider with the pregnant women and
family.
 Give information on how to recognise onset of labour and when to seek assistance including danger
sign in pregnancy and labour.
 For institutional delivery advise the pregnant women and her husband / family when to go hospital
and take along the necessary things.
 Arrange to have a second person of the women’s own choice to be present and give support during
delivery.

KEY TERMS
 Antenatal – a term that means ‘before birth’ (alternative terms are ‘prenatal’ and ‘antepartum’)
 Birth plan – a written document describing a woman’s preferences for her care during labour and
birth
 Blood transfusion – a procedure where a woman is given blood
 Caesarean section – a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through a cut in the
abdomen and uterus (also called a ‘C-section’)
 Contraction – the often strong and painful tightening of the uterus during labour that causes the
woman’s cervix to dilate and that helps push the baby through the birth canal
 Vacuum cap or ventouse – a suction cap that is sometimes used during birth to help to pull the
baby out of the birth canal
 VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) – when a woman has a vaginal birth after having had one or
more previous caesarean sections
 Viable pregnancy – a pregnancy that is likely to continue to full term
 Water birth – where a baby is born fully submerged in water
 Forceps – tong-shaped instruments placed around the baby’s head to help it travel through the birth
canal during childbirth
 Home birth – labour and delivery that takes place at home, under the supervision of a midwife.
 Labour – the process a woman’s body goes through when her baby is born.
 Natural birth – birth without any interventions for example a vaginal delivery rather than a
caesarean section.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care helps decrease risks during pregnancy and increases the chance of a safe and healthy
delivery. Regular prenatal visits can help your doctor monitor your pregnancy and identify any problems or
complications before they become serious.

Babies born to mothers who lack prenatal care have triple the chance of being born at a low birth weight.
Newborns with low birth weight are five times more likely to die than those whose mothers received
prenatal care.

Prenatal care ideally starts at least three months before you begin trying to conceive. Some healthy habits
to follow during this period include:

 quitting smoking and drinking alcohol

 taking folic acid supplements daily (400 to 800 micrograms)
 talking to your doctor about your medical conditions, dietary supplements, and any over-the-
counter or prescription drugs that you take
 avoiding all contact with toxic substances and chemicals at home or work that could be harmful

During Pregnancy
Once you become pregnant, need to schedule regular healthcare appointments throughout each stage of
your pregnancy.

A schedule of visits may involve seeing doctor:

 every month in the first six months you are pregnant

 every two weeks in the seventh and eighth months you are pregnant
 every week during your ninth month of pregnancy
 During these visits, your doctor will check your health and the health of your baby.

Visits may include:

 taking routine tests and screenings, such as a blood test to check for anemia, HIV, and your blood
type
 monitoring your blood pressure
 measuring your weight gain
 monitoring the baby’s growth and heart rate
 talking about special diet and exercise

Postpartum Care
While most attention to pregnancy care focuses on the nine months of pregnancy, postpartum care is
important, too. The postpartum period lasts six to eight weeks, beginning right after the baby is born.

During this period, the mother goes through many physical and emotional changes while learning to care
for her newborn. Postpartum care involves getting proper rest, nutrition, and vaginal care.

Getting Enough Rest

 Rest is crucial for new mothers who need to rebuild their strength. To avoid getting too tired as a
new mother, may need to:
 sleep when baby sleeps.
  keep your bed near baby’s crib to make night feedings easier
 allow someone else to feed the baby with a bottle while you sleep

Eating Right

Getting proper nutrition in the postpartum period is crucial because of the changes your body goes through
during pregnancy and labour.

The weight that you gained during pregnancy helps make sure you have enough nutrition for breast-
feeding. However, you need to continue to eat a healthy diet after delivery.

 Experts recommend that breast-feeding mothers eat when they feel hungry. Make a special effort to
focus on eating when you are actually hungry — not just busy or tired.
 avoid high-fat snacks
 focus on eating low-fat foods that balance protein, carbohydrates, and fruits and vegetables
 drink plenty of fluids

Vaginal Care

New mothers should make vaginal care an essential part of their postpartum care. may experience:

 vaginal soreness and had a tear during delivery

 Urination problems like pain or a frequent urge to urinate
 Discharge, including small blood clots
 Contractions during the first few days after delivery

Components of birth preparedness

 Decision making in emergency.
 Skilled attendant at birth.
 Supplies needed for clean delivery.
 Identify support people.
 Establish a finance plan for delivery.
 Saving cost for normal delivery.
 Blood donor.
 Transportation.

Historically the term natural child birth has evolved to mean:

 Delivery outside the nature.
 Home birth.
 Non hospital birth.
 Facility birth no medical intervention.
 Facility birth without analgesia and anesthesia.

Prepared childbirth
 Preparation through education and training prior to labour gives the pregnant women a method of
coping with the discomfort of labour and delivery.
 This method incorporates analgesia and anaesthesia in to the process.
Child birth education

 Preparation
 Tailor sitting.
 Perineal and abdominal exercise.
 Squatting position.
 Kegal exercise.
 Abdominal muscle contraction.
 Pelvic rocking.
 Pain management methods
 Bradley methods.
 Dick read method.
 Lamez method
 Gait control.
 Conditioned reflexes.
 Conscious relaxation.
 Cleansing breath.
 Conscious controlled breathing.
 Effleurage.
 Focusing.

Childbirth and delivery methods and types

 Childbirth delivery options include natural unassisted childbirth, assisted childbirth, and delivery by
Caesarean surgery (C-section).
 Childbirth delivery locations include at home, in a birth centre, or in a hospital.
 Vaginal births without medication can be less painful, and smoother if the mother and partner learn
breathing techniques and other strategies in a birthing class. Lamaze Method or The Bradley
Method are two common childbirth classes.
 The risks and benefits of each delivery method must be weighed along with the mother's
preferences to determine what is right for her.

Natural childbirth methods are available at home

A vaginal birth without medication benefits both mother and baby. The micro biome, or bacterial
environment, is established by birth method. There is some research that suggests the development of the
infant micro biome is associated with the likelihood of developing allergic diseases during childhood, but
the association isn't clear.

Benefits of vaginal delivery

 Infants born vaginally tend to have fewer respiratory problems.
 Other benefits of vaginal delivery include a quicker recovery for the mother, and avoidance of
abdominal surgery and the associated risks that come with a c- section.
 Vaginal childbirth has a lower rate of infection and a shorter hospital stay.
Disadvantages of vaginal delivery
 Disadvantages of a vaginal birth may include tearing of the perineum.
 Sometimes, a vaginal birth may not be recommended for medical reasons.

Home birth
It can be a safe and relaxing natural childbirth delivery method for women with a normal, low
risk pregnancy. Home births are vaginal deliveries with no medication, and a variety of mind-body
techniques and preparation methods are used to reduce childbirth pain and promote an easy labour and
delivery.

Home births are attended by a certified professional midwife, a licensed nurse midwife or a naturopathic
midwife. Sometimes a support professional called a doula attends home births. These birth professionals
also work in birth centres.

Benefits of home birth

 Many women find it relaxing and comforting to be in their own home environment. Other
advantages include:
 Not having to worry about being transported to the hospital while in labor or being transported
home after the baby's birth
 Having a baby at home means having all of the comforts of home, including snacks and changes of
clothing readily available.
 The recovery and transition to breastfeeding can be easy because the environment is comfortable
and familiar.
 The mother can invite whomever she wants to attend the birth.
 Many women feel more comfortable with home birth if they need to yell or vocalize.

Disadvantages of home birth

 If special birthing assistance, such as a water birth tub, is desired, this will need to be brought to the

home and prepared in advance.

 If the home is very remote or weather is bad, it may be difficult for the midwife to reach the home

in time (although it would be difficult to drive to the hospital in these same circumstances).

 If the birth plan does not progress normally, it may require transport to a hospital.

 Some women are not comfortable with a home birth, and it is not a good option unless it is a low-

risk pregnancy, and the mother prefers it.

Contraindication of home birth

 High risk pregnancy.

 History of premature or postdate or current pregnancy or previous caesarean section delivery.

 Pre eclampsia.
  Gestational diabetes.

 Women with medical, surgical, or emotional complication.

 Fetal complications such as cardiac anomalies, placental abnormalities.

Child delivery methods and types

Lamaze Method
The Lamaze method is typically known for controlled breathing techniques but it includes a number of
comfort strategies that can be used during labour. Breathing techniques increase relaxation and decrease
the perception of pain. In addition to breathing, other information about preparing for childbirth is covered.
Lamaze is taught in a series of classes attended by both the mother and her partner, when possible. The
Lamaze method doesn't explicitly encourage or discourage medications, but seeks to educate women about
their options so they can make a birth plan that suits their individual needs.

Benefits of the Lamaze Method

 Lamaze training prepares the mother and her partner with a number of tools to use to get through

labour and delivery naturally.

 The breathing and relaxation techniques reduce the perception of pain and keep labor moving

smoothly.

 The Lamaze courses help the couple be prepared with what to expect over the first few days and

weeks together.

Disadvantages of the Lamaze Method

 Learning the Lamaze method takes time. The couple must plan ahead and attend classes starting in

the second trimester of pregnancy.

Bradley Method
The Bradley Method focuses on preparing the mother for a natural childbirth coached by her partner. The
emphasis is on being prepared for an unassisted vaginal birth without medication. The method is taught
over 12 weeks along with reading a workbook. Midwives often recommend The Bradley Method
preparation classes. In addition to learning ways to reduce the pain of a vaginal birth, the method teaches
about nutrition and other aspects of natural health.

Benefits of The Bradley Method

 The Bradley method is beneficial to prepare parents for unassisted births.

 It helps the couple be prepared with techniques to reduce the perception of pain and stay relaxed

through a natural unmedicated childbirth.

  It also teaches the couple about things they need to know to take care of themselves as new parents

and what to expect when the infant arrives.

Disadvantages of The Bradley Method

For couples who are uncertain if they want to try for an unassisted vaginal birth without medication, the
Bradley Method might not be best. The course and training take quite a long time. Couples need to begin
classes in the second trimester.

water birth
A water birth means the mother goes through some or all of the stages of childbirth in a portable tub
similar to a hot tub. The baby can be delivered underwater or the mother can get out of the water and
deliver in a different position. Women chose water births because it can be more relaxing, and less painful
to be in the water. Birthing tubs can be brought into the home for a home birth, and they are often found in
birthing centers. Some hospitals may have birthing tubs as well.

Benefits of water birth

 A water birth is thou ess painful and more relaxed for many women. It allows the ght to be l woman

to move into a variety of positions that can feel more natural and less painful.

 The partner can also get into the tub with the mother to support the delivery.

Disadvantages of water birth

 Some critics say a water birth can increase the risk of infection, but as long as the water is fresh and

clean, water births are not any more risky than non-water births.

 Unless the water birth takes place in a birth center with established tubs, there are logistics involved

in setting up the tub and warming the water for a water birth.

 If the birth plan at home does not progress normally, it may require transport to a hospital.

Benefits of hospital delivery

The benefits of a hospital birth include

 Ready access to emergency interventions such as a Caesarean section,

 Advanced monitoring for high-risk pregnancies.
 More pain management options including epidural anaesthesia.

Disadvantages of hospital delivery

 The risks of a hospital delivery can include a higher chance of unwanted intervention.
 Sometimes the hospital setting can lead to rushing through the stages of labour, resulting in a higher
chance of incision of the perineum during childbirth, and requiring a Caesarean.
  Other risks of hospital childbirth (and any stay in the hospital) include a higher chance of infection.

Assisted births
Natural births are not always an option, and if a complication develops, women now have a number of
options to assist them with a safe birth. Sometimes C-sections are planned in advance. The other assisted
options discussed here typically apply in the case of unexpected complications.

C-Section
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 1/3 of births are delivery by C-section,
although rates are highly variable by hospital and region.3 The World Health Organization (WHO) says the
rate of Caesarean deliveries should be about 10%-15%. C-section involves a horizontal incision across the
lower abdomen through which the infant is delivered. The typical hospital stay is three days after a
Caesarean to ensure the incision is healing. Full recovery can take 8 weeks. One advantage of a C-section
is that the delivery date can be planned ahead of time.

Vacuum extraction
A vacuum-assisted delivery involves attaching a soft cup to the head of the infant while it is in the birth
canal and a hand-held pump is used to create suction to facilitate delivery.

 The advantage is that this assisted birth option has a lower risk than a C-section of prolonged fetal

distress.

 The risks of this method include minor scalp injuries or more serious trauma or bleeding of the

head.

Forceps delivery
A forceps-assisted delivery means that curved instruments are used to facilitate the progress of the infant in
the birth canal. Forceps cannot be used if the infant is breech, but it can be an option if the mother is too
exhausted or if the infant has to be delivered more quickly than is naturally occurring.
 Abstract
Objectives: to describe topics (1) presented by midwives' during antenatal classes and the amount of time
spent on these topics and (2) raised and discussed by first-time parents and the amount of time spent on
these topics. Design: qualitative; data were gathered using video or tape recordings and analysed using a
three-pronged content analysis approach, i.e., conventional, summative, and directed analyses. Setting and
participants: 3 antenatal courses in 2 antenatal units in a large Swedish city; 3 midwives; and 34 course
participants. Findings: class content focused on childbirth preparation (67% of the entire antenatal course)
and on parenting preparation (33%). Childbirth preparation facilitated parents' understanding of the
childbirth process, birthing milieu, the partner's role, what could go wrong during delivery, and pain relief
advantages and disadvantages. Parenting preparation enabled parents to (i) plan for those first moments
with the newborn; (ii) care for/physically handle the infant; (iii) manage breastfeeding; (iv) manage the
period at home immediately after childbirth; and (v) maintain their relationship. During the classes, parents
expressed concerns about what could happened to newborns. Parents' questions to midwives and
discussion topics among parents were evenly distributed between childbirth preparation (52%) and
parenting preparation (48%). Key conclusions: childbirth preparation and pain relief consumed 67% of
course time. Parents particularly reflected on child issues, relationship, sex, and anxiety. Female and male
participants actively listened to the midwives, appeared receptive to complex issues, and needed more time
to ask questions. Parents appreciated the classes yet needed to more information for managing various
post-childbirth situations. Implications for practice: while midwifery services vary among hospitals,
regions, and countries, midwives might equalise content focus, offer classes in the second trimester,
provide more time for parents to talk to each other, allow time in the course plan for parents to bring up
new topics, and investigate: (i) ways in which antenatal course development and planning can improve; (ii)
measures for evaluating courses; (iii) facilitator training; and (iv) parent satisfaction surveys.
Summary
Child birth is the action of giving birth to a child. Not all child births are same for every women. There is
different types of child birth for example home child birth, veginal birth, caesarean section and medicated
birth and define components of birth preparedness and methods of child birth which include Lamaze
method and Bradley method . It include child birth education, preparedness for delivery, preterm care,
post term care, which helpful in reduce the complication during delivery.

Conclusion

Preparation of child birth could reduce the rates of adverse delivery outcomes. Probably increased
knowledge and skills during pregnancy better prepare pregnant mothers and enabling them to cooperate
with the health care providers during labour.  childbirth education may reduce caesarean rate and increase
breastfeeding rate and may also reduce the frequency at which patients present for evaluation of threatened
or false labour.