labor & birth delivery


as toast, fruit or yogurt. This can keep energy up and might even help ease any pain. In more active labor, women are typically not as hungry and may even feel nauseous, so they avoid food.


Once an epidural is placed, the general


recommendation is to avoid solid foods. Clear liquids — water, ice, juice, Jell-O or chicken broth — are often allowed.


Support If you plan to have your baby in a hospital, there will typically be a provider in the room along with a labor and delivery nurse for much of your labor. There may be a student or resident as well if you are at a teaching hospital. If you decide to have an epidural placed, an anesthesiologist will be present. An anesthesiologist also can address issues such as low blood pressure. If there is concern about the baby’s heart rate, a few neonatolo-


44


gists may be at the delivery. Studies show that women who have


continuous labor support are happier with their birth experience. Some laboring women wish to be surrounded by multiple family members, while some prefer a more intimate, quiet environment. Make sure you select those you trust who understand your labor goals. Talk to them while you’re pregnant so they have a clear understanding of how best to support you during a challenging, vulner- able time.


 Midwife in Boston who delivers babies at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.


For more information on labor and birth, visit youandyourfamily.com. Have a birth story to share? Email it to em@cwpg.com.


www.youandyourfamily.com


ISTOCK.COM


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84