How to Give Birth to a Child
The birth of your child is difficult but extremely rewarding. No two labors are the same so play by play instructions are out of the question, however most labors progress in a similar way and there are guidelines that can be followed to prepare for and birth your child. According to the American Pregnancy Association, childbirth is broken into three stages. Stage I can also be broken into three phases, Early Labor, Active Labor and Transition.
Instructions
Preparing for Childbirth
Find a medical practitioner to follow your pregnancy and the birth of your child. Choose either an obstetrics physician, family practitioner or midwife. Your choice will depend on what type of birth you prefer or require. Make a birthing plan with your practitioner. Include who you want present at the birth, if you want to give birth at home, in a birthing center or in a hospital, if you want to receive pain medication during the birth, and any other requests. This will refresh both your and your practitioner's mind about your birthing preferences once labor begins. Locate and attend birthing classes to prepare for the real thing. Check at local hospitals and birthing centers for classes on labor and delivery techniques, breastfeeding and family support. Contact the practitioner or facility where you will be giving birth. Make sure that your insurance and financial information is taken care of. Take a tour of the facility and ask any questions about arrival that you may have. Labor and Delivery
Relax during Early Labor, the first phase of Stage I labor. Continue with daily activities and monitor your contractions, keeping track of how long they last and how much time passes between each one. Begin breathing and relaxation techniques during Active Labor, the second phase of Stage I labor. Travel to your birthing location when contractions are five minutes apart and last for approximately one minute. Rely on your support person during the last phase of Stage I labor, Transition. Remember to breathe and relax as much as possible. Tell your health care provider when you feel the urge to push. Get into your pushing position. Push when you feel the urge during Stage II labor. Relax your pelvic floor and rest between pushes. Continue pushing when you feel urges until the practitioner advised otherwise or the child is born. Wait for a second set of contractions to begin for Stage III labor, the delivery of the placenta or afterbirth.
