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CHLD 147: BIRTH & NEWBORN

Laura Denise Harris, Ed.D.

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OBJECTIVES

Compare and contrast different methods of childbirth preparation.

1

Describe the stages of vaginal delivery.

2

Explain why induction or Caesarean section may be necessary.

3

Differentiate the common procedures for assessing the condition of the newborn.

4

Examine problems newborns experience before, during, and after birth.

5

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PREPARING FOR BIRTH

Prepared childbirth...

refers to being in good physical condition to help provide a healthy environment for the baby to develop and being prepared to take on the roles of parenthood.

New parents can obtain information and training that will assist them in delivery and parenting.

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APPROACHES TO BIRTH: THE LAMAZE METHOD�

Lamaze Method

The focus on this method is to teach the woman to be in control in the process of delivery.
Take a look at the image to learn more about the Six Healthy Birth Practices emphasized in this birthing method:

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APPROACHES TO BIRTH: THE LEBOYER METHOD�

Leboyer Method

This is a method of childbirth that attempts to reduce the trauma of the birthing process for the newborn. Delivery takes place in a quiet, dimly lit room and immediate bonding between mother and child is encouraged by placing the baby gently on the mother's stomach and lightly massaging the newborn.
To learn more about this method, go ahead and click the hyperlink below:
Leboyer Method Of Birthing: All You Need To Know
Frederick Leboyer wrote the book Birth Without Violence in 1974 regarding his techniques surrounding birth.

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APPROACHES TO BIRTH: THE DICK-READ METHOD

Dick-Read Method

In the 1930s the obstetrician Grantly Dick-Read brought forth the technique of delivery called natural childbirth that decreased the need for surgical and anesthetic intervention during delivery by bringing the focus on the mother's conscious effort to give birth to her child.

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APPROACHES TO BIRTH: MONGAN METHOD/HYNOBIRTHING�

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APPROACHES TO BIRTH: THE BRADLEY METHOD�

Bradley Method

This is a partner-coached, and medication-free method of childbirth that focuses on relaxation as a form of pain reduction during labor. This was a radical and revolutionary method that was introduced by Dr. Robert Bradley in 1947. During this time, men were typically not present in the labor process.

Bradley Method: What Is It And What Are Its Advantages

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APPROACHES TO BIRTH: THE ALEXANDER METHOD�

An approach that can be used during the process of birthing that works to stop systematic reactions to pain. This includes tensing muscles and an increase in conscious awareness and control over posture and movement. Moving freely and staying upright during labor is encouraged, while using body positioning that is beneficial to giving birth.

Alexander Method:

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APPROACHES TO BIRTH: WATERBIRTH�

Waterbirth

This method involves the mother immersing herself in water to give birth. This technique is viewed as being a safe method that brings about pain relief for the mother, as well as less trauma for the newborn. Those who oppose waterbirth state that the process produces unnecessary risks to the infant which include infection and water inhalation.
Water Birth: Pros, Cons, and What You Need to Know

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APPROACHES TO BIRTH: LOTUS BIRTH�

Lotus Birth

Also known as umbilical cord nonseverance, this is the practice of leaving the umbilical cord uncut after childbirth so that the baby is left attached to the placenta until the cord naturally separates at the umbilicus. This usually occurs within 3–10 days after birth. The practice is performed mainly for spiritual purposes of the parents, including for the perceived spiritual connection between placenta and newborn.

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APPROACHES TO BIRTH: SILENT BIRTH�

Silent Birth

During silent birth no words are spoken by attending individuals during the labor and delivery process. It does not mean a mother cannot make any sound during childbirth.

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APPROACHES TO BIRTH: MEDICATED BIRTH�

Medicated Birth

This method involves medication, epidurals, spinal blocks, combined spinal-epidurals, and systemic and local analgesia being administered by a doctor during labor. There are benefits and side effects of each.
*The video shown is somewhat graphic. Please be advised!

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STAGES OF VAGINAL DELIVERY

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APGAR SCALE

What about after birth?

The Apgar stands for "Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration." In the test, the previously listed five components are used to check a baby's health.
The Apgar Scale is taken one minute after birth and ten minutes after birth.
Each of the five categories is scored; a perfect score would be 10.
The visual offers an example of how the Apgar is scored

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NEWBORN PROBLEMS

Possible problems newborns may face include the following:

Anoxia: A temporary lack of oxygen to the brain. Difficult delivery may lead to anoxia which can result in brain damage or in severe cases, death.

Babies who are impacted by both low birth weight and anoxia are more likely to suffer learning disabilities later in life as well.

Low Birth Weight: A newborn is considered low birth weight if they weigh less than 5 pounds 8 ounces (2500 grams).

Approximately 8.2% of babies born in the United States are of low birth weight; with 67% of this demographic also being preterm.

Preterm: Newborns born at less than 37 weeks gestation are considered preterm.

Small-for-Date: This is concluded when the infant birth weight falls below 90% of all babies of the same gestational age. These newborns may be full term or preterm.

Postmature: Newborns are determined to be postmature when they are delivered by 42 weeks gestation, or two weeks after their due date.

Concerns regarding how long the placenta can function are considered; this may lead to induction for overdue babies.

Stillborn: When a fetus (unborn baby) dies while still inside the mother (after 20-24 weeks gestation) or dies during delivery (childbirth).