1. Section 7.1: The Birth Process CHAPTER 7: THE BABY’S ARRIVAL

2. Only about 1 in 30 women have their baby on their due date. The baby could be several days early (maybe even a full week) or late. So be prepared. Newborn’s skin is very sensitive, so try and wash their clothing and bedding beforehand. Try and use a clothing detergent that doesn’t have a lot of harsh chemicals. Prepare meals in advance and freeze them. When the baby comes home, you will be very busy, and this will help. Clean the house. Stock up on diapers (watch for sales). It is common for newborns to go through 10 to 12 diapers a day. PREPPING FOR THE BABY’S ARRIVAL

3. Things you might want to bring. Have one bag for you and one for the baby: Socks, robe, maternity bras, toiletries and personal items, change for snacks, cellphone and charger, camera, pillows, lip balm, pillows, snacks, clothes that can be ruined. Smaller clothes to wear home. For the baby: a car seat, diapers, outfit to wear home, blankets, outdoor gear if the weather requires it. PACK A HOSPITAL BAG

4. Stage 1: Contractions start, the cervix will begin to dilate. Stage 2: The baby is born. Stage 3: The placenta is expelled. Afterbirth delivered. THE STAGES OF LABOUR

5. Contractions are the walls of the uterus contracting. As this occurs the cervix begins to dilate (widen). The is called early labour. The cervix will thin from ¾ of an inch thick to paper thin before opening fully. Full dilation occurs at 10 cm. The mother enters active labour when the contractions become very painful, and 5 minutes apart (from start to start), each contraction lasts at least 1 minute, and this pattern continues for 1-2 hrs. Not always, but frequently mothers who have given birth before, tend to have labour times that are half the length of the first birth. STAGE 1: CONTRACTIONS AND DILATION

6. At this stage your cervix is fully dilated (10 cm) and you will begin to push. The contractions will begin to slow down, and the baby will be pushed out slowly. This stage of labour usually last 1 to 2 hours, but in rare cases can be as short as minutes. When the baby is crowning, it means that its head can be seen at the birth canal. Once the head crowns completely, the baby will turn so the shoulders slip out. This is sometimes called the “pushing stage.” STAGE 2: THE BABY IS BORN

7. The third stage is the shortest stage. Where the mother will deliver the placenta, sometimes known as the afterbirth. This stage can take between 5 to 30 minutes. After the baby is born the mother is experience small contractions this is the placenta detaching from the uterus wall. After the placenta has been pushed out the uterus will contract in size. Stage 3: The Placenta is Expelled The mother holding the baby against the breast and allowing it to suckle will cause a release of oxytocin in her system which will help the uterus relax.

8. In western culture the placenta is often discarde d as medical waste. In many cultures they have a ceremony and bury the placenta. In some cultures it was believed the placenta carried the child's twin soul. In some cultures the mother eats it as part of a ceremony. In many cultures around the world the placenta is considered sacred. Placenta in Other Cultures

9. The Baby’s Appearance When the baby is born it will often have fat cheeks, a flat nose, and small chin. This is so it is easier for the baby to suckle. The head will be ¼ the length of the body, and the baby will have almost adult sized eyes. The baby’s head may be oddly shaped. This is because the baby has two fontanelles (or soft spots) where the bones have not completely fused together. This allows the baby’s head to pass through the birth canal easier. The bones of the skull will begin to grow and fuse together between 6-18 months of age.

10. Section 7.2 The Postnatal Period

11. Bonding with Baby Some hospitals will immediately place the newborn in the mother's arms, before cleaning them, or cutting the umbilical cord. Many studies show that there are many positive benefits from immediate skin-to-skin contact. This makes the baby happier, regulates body temperature, heart and breathing rates become more stable, higher blood sugar, less likely to cry, and allows the baby the colonize the same bacteria as the mother (this on top of breastfeeding helps prevent allergies). This is also often done with premature babies to help them stabilize and develop. It is common for mother and baby to be in the hospital for 2- 3 days after a healthy pregnancy. This helps provide parents with time to start bonding.

12. Mother’s Postpartum Care While the care of the newborn of the baby is important, the new mother must not neglect her own physical and emotional needs. ● Sleep: Rest the mother will be tired. She should try and sleep when the baby does. Having a friend, or relative help out is often appreciated. ● Exercise: With doctor's approval, the mother can begin mild exercise to help get back into a healthy non-pregnant state. ● Nutrition: She should try and eat healthy. Especially if the mother is breastfeeding, she will need to watch dietary restrictions. ● Medical: Mothers should see a doctor several times, to make sure that she is recovering well. ● Emotional: Having a baby is an emotional and stressful time. It is common for new mom’s to experience mild depression. Take turns taking care fo the baby, accept help, and take baby breaks.

13. Section 7.3 A New Family Member

14. Baby’s Reflexes Baby’s have three natural reflexes when they are born, that they grow out of: ● Rooting Reflex: babies will instinctively turn towards a touch on the mouth or cheek, and suckle. This helps them find food. This usually occurs until four months of age until they are aware of their visual surroundings. ● Grasp Reflex: A newborn will often tightly attempt to grasp anything that comes into the contact with their palms. This will decrease around 3 months when the baby will begin to reach for things. ● Startle Reflex: They throw up their legs, and open their arms, spread their fingers, and bring arms up and down when they hear a loud noise, or are touched on the stomach.

15. Food: babies will try and let you know that they are hungry. They should be fed quickly so they know they will be provided for, and build a relationship of trust. Exercise: will do this naturally by wiggling, and waving their arms and legs. Some mothers take their babies to baby swim classes. To feel safe, clean, and warm. Health: will see a doctor regularly to make sure they are developing well, and to receive immunizations. Stimulation: have things to look at (like faces), listen to (voices), and things to play with (don’t need expensive toys). Love: when a baby feels loved, the feel safe and secure. Baby’s Needs

16. Sleep: newborn babies will sleep a majority of the time. They will often wake up every few hours in need of food, or other things. Baby’s Needs Continued AGESLEEP REQUIRED 1 week old17 hrs, including 4 naps 1 month16 hrs, including 3 naps 3 month15 hrs, including 3 naps 6 month14.5 hrs, including 2 naps 9 month14 hrs, including 2 naps 1 yr13.5 hrs, including 2 naps

17. As the name implies, SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant who is younger than 1 year old. It's a frightening prospect because it can strike without warning, usually in seemingly healthy babies. Most SIDS deaths are associated with sleep (hence the common reference to "crib death"). SIDS is the cause of death in one out of every 2,000 in Canada each year. Three babies die each week of SIDS in Canada. To help minimize the risk of SIDs, infants younger than 1 year old should be placed on their backs to sleep — never face-down on their stomachs or on their sides. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SID)

18. Baby Language Babies will cry for many reasons. Crying is their way of communicating their needs. They probably won’t smile or ‘coo’ until after the 6 week mark. Babies will cry when they are hungry, too hot or cold, uncomfortable, tired, lonely, and sometimes for no reason at all. As parents interact with their babies they will begin to understand and be able to distinguish between their baby's different cries. When babies get older (usually after six months) some parents will begin to teach their babies simple and basic sign language to help them communicate as their motor functions develop.

19. Many parents are now choosing to teach their babies sign language. Some parents use ASL (American Sign Language) signs, while some are using a more simplified version for babies. Babies may begin signing back around (or sometimes even before) six months of age. Babies and Sign Language ● Infants often are able to understand and communicate through signs before they are able to communicate verbally. This helps communicate their needs and wants to their parents, and decreases frustration from miscommunication. Which increases the bond between parents and babies. ● Early exposure to signing helps babies develop their language and reasoning skills. Babies who sign often have improved verbal communication skills later. ● Some of the popular first signs taught are: “ thirsty,” “milk,” “water,” “hungry,” “sleepy,” “pacifier,” “more,” “hot,” “cold,” “play,” “bath,” and “teddy bear.”