delivery
Huh? As I mentioned, this one caught me off guard. Why? Am I headed to the hot tub with the nurses clocking out from the day shift? Nope, sorry. Even if you’re not planning on a water birth, there may actually be a time during the rigors of early labor when water therapy could be used to alleviate some of the pain and stress on mom. Many hospitals have a tub or whirlpool available in the maternity ward (the shower can be used too), and it’s not uncommon for a coach to jump in (no cannonballs, please!) and offer some physical and emotional support.
you’re going to have to get into position
Wait, isn’t that what got us into this mess to begin with? But seriously, delivery isn’t just exhausting for her; coaching can be labor-intensive for you too. As a coach, it’s important to help the process progress as much as possible, says Christina Sebestyen, MD, a physician and owner of OBGYN North in Austin, Texas. Part of that includes suggesting that your partner switch positions when she seems to be “hitting a wall.” Changing positions can bring some relief and rejuvenate her mental state, Sebestyen says. So prepare to bend or squat behind her or even squeeze into the bed with her—whatever you need to do to help support and comfort her while she’s experiencing pain.
you’re allowed to take a break
I’m not going to lie, seeing your partner in pain can be tough to take, and it’ll be even tougher to leave her side. But as much as you need to focus on her, you also have to take care of yourself. An exhausted, nauseated or panicked coach won’t do mom any good. A lot goes on during labor, and you could be in it for the long haul. To start, bring a few changes of comfortable clothes and your toiletry kit (or in my case, a gallon-size zip-top bag with my toothbrush and random bathroom gear). If you need to step away for a break—whether it’s to grab coffee or to collect yourself if you get queasy—don’t feel bad. Just have a pinch hitter on standby, like her mom or sister, to relieve you for a bit.
you might have to skip taco tuesday
“Please, please, no eating in the labor or delivery room,” is a common refrain dads hear. This one drives doctors crazy— you can’t imagine what people do. In fact, Sebestyen once found some family members sitting around eating take-out while the mom-to-be was mid-contraction. General Tso’s chicken with a side of grunting and screaming? Not a good idea. Instead, you want to help create a serene environment throughout the entire process. You never know when a certain smell, sound or action could upset your partner. Translation: Go eat in the lounge! >
4 signs of labor bloody discharge
Sometimes called the “bloody show,” it occurs when labor is anywhere from a few minutes to hours away.
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loss of the mucus plug
This mucus-like membrane could come off all at once or little by little, like a thick discharge.
broken water
When your water breaks, it might feel more like a trickle as opposed to a gush. Either way, call the doctor.
Regular contractions
If they’re coming five minutes apart and are centered in the pelvic area, it’s probably time!
Styling: Annie Cavallo for Ennis Inc.; hair and makeup: susan donoghue for ennis inc.
you may need a bathing suit
thebump.com
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