Each hospital has its own set of routine procedures for labour. If you have visited the hospital beforehand you will have some idea of the hospital routine. Admission to hospital Once you've arrived in hospital you may be offered a wheelchair to transport you from the hospital entrance to the labour ward. If your labour is well advanced, you'll welcome a wheelchair, but if not, you should be allowed to walk if you wish. You may have outlined in your birth plan how you wish your labour to go, and once youve met your midwife or doctor, this is the time to make ...

Forceps Forced Delivery Forceps look like large sugar tongs and are designed so that they will fit snugly over the sides of the baby's head, covering the ears. They are rather like a cage and protect the head from any pressure within the birth canal. The decision to use forceps is a medical one. Forceps are only applied when the first stage is complete, the cervix is fully dilated and the head is in the birth canal Why it is done Forceps are used when the baby`s head has descended into the mothers pelvis but fails to descend further; when the baby is presenting ...

Fatigue Getting enough rest and sleep is essential if you are to combat the inevitable fatigue of the first weeks of caring for your newborn baby. Try to rest whenever you can, especially during the first week or so when you will still be recovering from the exhaustion of labour. Avoid climbing stairs and heavy lifting as much as possible, and get your partner or someone else to help you with the baby and the general housework. Take advantage of your baby`s daytime naps to rest or nap yourself, and try not to waste these valuable chances for rest by using them ...

The increased size and weight of your breasts will mean that you need a good quality, well-fitting cotton maternity bra both for convenience and comfort. Wear a clean one every day and, if you are using breast pads to prevent leaking milk from staining your clothes, avoid those that are backed with plastic. Clean your breasts and nipples daily with cotton wool and baby lotion or water, but avoid using soap because it strips away the natural oils that protect the skin from drying and cracking, and it can aggravate a sore or cracked nipple. Always treat your breasts with care ...

Certain procedures historically associated with childbirth are being re-evaluated. Some have been found to be unnecessary, others unjustified. However, most of today`s obstetricians believe that they can guarantee that childbirth is a safer and happier experience for a mother and her baby with the help of modern technology. By drawing your attention to the arguments con­cerning some standard medical practices, this will help you to question them assertively with your medical and nursing attendants. More often than not, your wishes will be complied with, especially if you have written a birth plan in advance, but occasionally you will be told that ...

To ensure a healthy pregnancy, you must attend your antenatal check-ups regularly. Although most pregnancies proceed normally, these visits and investigations are vital to monitor your progress and spot problems before any harm is done. Women at high risk, and those women with an existing condition such as diabetes or having a Rhesus negative blood group, are carefully monitored so that the baby's welfare is never in jeopardy. You will attend an antenatal clinic at either the hospital where you will have your baby or at your doctor's surgery. Most of the women attend once a month or so up until 7 ...

If it looks as if the baby will be born at home without medical assistance, you should telephone the hospital or the midwife if you haven't done so already. If you haven't got a telephone, on no account should you leave the mother alone. However anxious and overwhelmed you are, you must stay calm and reassure her - she needs to feel confident and relaxed. Encourage her to take up any positions in which she feels most comfortable and to eat and drink if she feels like it. Speak quietly and keep any onlookers at bay. Between contractions Turn up the heating in ...