Birth and Newborns

Stage 1 of Labor and Birth

Dilation and effacement: Cervix widens and thins out, contractions increase, and intense pain

Stage 2 of labor and delivery

At birth, the fetus moves through the cervix and down birth canal

Crowning

Head appears

Stage 3 of labor and birth

Expulsion of the placenta. The umbilical cord and placenta are expelled.

How long is labor for first timers?

An average of 12 hours.

How long is labor for subsequent births?

Around 7 hours

Apgar Scale

Assesses five indicators of newborn health at one minute and five minutes after birth

Natural Birth

Options that seek to avoid a potentially “medicalized” hospital experience

Midwife

Often a nurse with a specific certification in childbirth

Doula

A person who provides support to the mother during childbirth

Obstetrician

A doctor who specializes in pregnancy and childbirth

Epidural anesthesia

Numbs the body from the waist down during labor and delivery

C-section delivery ( Cesarean)

An incision is made in the abdomen and uterus to remove the newborn. A newborn can be distressed, in breech position, or transverse position.

Preterm infants

Born before 38 weeks after conception

Low-birthweight infants

Weight less than 5.5 pounds

Very low-birthweight infants

weight less than 2.25 pounds. Their organ systems are very immature and are vulnerable to infection, breathing problems, and cognitive problems.

Eating as a newborn state

Born with reflexes to allow ingestion of food right away.

Breastfeeding

Has all the nutrients that promote growth, linked to resistance to infections. Recommended that parents exclusively breastfeed for the first six months

Crying

Normal attempt to communicate needs ( e.g hungry or uncomfortable).

Colic

Infant cries continuously, cannot be soothed. Caused by an immature nervous system

Sleeping

Newborns wake up every 3-4 hours. They typically sleep for at least 14 hours out of 24 hours. By 6 months, infants sleep about 6 hours.

What should you do with very young infants when they wake up during the night?

Check their needs

What should you do with older infants about 7 to 8 months old when they wake up during the night?

Wait to see if they self-soothe first