As the miraculous birth moment that every expectant mother eagerly awaits approaches, a sweet rush engulfs the whole family. For the expectant mother who is trying to cope with her concerns about the development of her baby, the list of things to do during the birth preparation process is now a priority. For information that she is not sure about in this regard, expectant mothers start to refer to the experiences of friends and family elders. We asked Newborn Nurse Esra Ertuğrul, who is part of the Canbebe Expert Team, about all the issues she wants to learn about this process in order not to drown in the information pollution and confusion of expectant mothers who have physical difficulties in the last stages of pregnancy.
Details about “childbirth preparation” have always been a concern for expectant mothers. But the connection between a mother-to-be’s stress-free and completely relaxed delivery and her birth being so easy and successful is a scientific fact. For this reason, experts say that all the details, from the choice of delivery method to what should be in the delivery bag or suitcase, should be resolved before birth. Newborn Nurse Esra Ertuğrul states that if they encounter any surprises, the items they will put in the birth bag should be selected at the 33rd week at the latest, and the birth bag should be ready at the 35th week so that they do not have any problems. In addition, it is important for the spouses to inform the expectant mothers about the location of the items that may be needed during and immediately after birth. Ertuğrul lists the essentials of childbirth preparation as follows:
“Before birth, it is necessary to go to the hospital and talk to both the obstetrics service and the baby service. After birth, she should learn whether the materials to be used by both herself (nipple cream, breast pad, milk storage bag, etc.) and her baby (diaper wet wipes, etc.) are given by the hospital. Some hospitals only allow the baby to wear their own clothes while being discharged. If so, it will be enough to put two sets of clothes on the baby. The milking pump is supplied by all hospitals. The shirt-style front button nightgown is an unforgettable detail for the mother to breastfeed more easily after birth and for the doctor to check. During puerperal period, there is a lot of sweating, two shawls, 1 pack of disposable underwear, 1 pack of wide and long women’s pads, and 1 – 2 muslin diapers can be placed to prevent neck and waist stiffness. In addition, if there is a need on the way home, 3-4 diapers, wet wipes and diapers should be placed according to the weight of the baby. The mother should choose a comfortable, buttoned and cotton outfit on the day of discharge.
Esra Ertuğrul explains another frequently asked and misunderstood issue; “You do not need to put fennel tea or food in the hospital bag. It is enough to breastfeed the baby continuously during that process. Breastfeeding the baby for the first 3 days and being in skin contact with him/her is the only goal, there should be no concern such as increasing the milk. It takes a process to increase the milk and it should be breastfed as often as possible until it is completed. Mothers need to know that they will almost never leave the breast, like your lapel pin when your baby is in the hospital. But that doesn’t mean the baby isn’t full, there’s no need to worry. ”
Births with Doula and Father
Fathers can now enter the birth, which is a very miraculous moment, to support their wives. Should spouses really go into labor? Stating that the expectant mother should clearly express her wishes to the expectant father, but not insist on it, Esra Ertuğrul states that the concentration of the mother at birth may also be affected in case of a contrary situation. Another issue that is being wondered by expectant mothers is birth supporters doulas, which are becoming very popular… During the birth process, the doula holds the mother’s hand and guides her on how to breathe in order to facilitate delivery, at what periods and how tightly she should push. Neonatal Nurse Esra Ertugrul emphasizes the importance of the doula absolutely being a midwife.
“Since we do not use our body intensively, we try to control the body only with breath awareness during the birth process. If you don’t realize the strength of your body, the birth process can be a bit challenging. Planning with a doula with the participation of the father before the birth makes this process easier for the mother. The important thing during labor is for the mother to concentrate. It is important at that moment that the expectant mother can be relaxed by massaging her waist in the face of intense pain starting from the waist and going down to the groin, and that the tension is relieved by touching her hands and feet. The partner should support the mother in this together with the doula or midwife.”
What to Consider When Choosing a Birth Photographer?
Especially during the normal birth process, is it right for the birth photographer, who will witness the most special and unique moments of your life, to attend the birth? Hygienic? This was answered by our expert Esra Ertuğrul. ” If you have only one child, it is very special to immortalize these moments that you may never experience again in your life. Obstetrics photography requires specialization, choose photographers who have special training and certification in this field. Certain hospitals already ask for that document from the photographer. Those who receive this training and work as birth photographers in operating rooms fulfill hygienic conditions. It is important to work with the right people on this issue.”
Expectant Mother Can Calm Herself Before Childbirth
In order to reduce the stress of childbirth, the expectant mother can listen to the calming music she listened to during pregnancy in the hospital just before the birth. Or, if she is interested in meditation, she can get away from stress with meditation before going into labor. Another calming factor is a short shower with hot water. Taking a shower in the shower in the hospital room, with the support of her husband, between two pains and taking a shower with hot water as much as she can withstand is very relaxing for the expectant mother who will give birth normally. If getting into the shower is not always easy, a hot water bottle packed in advance in your maternity bag can come in handy. The mother can be allowed to relax a little by applying a warm compress towards the lumbar fossa.
Preparing for Childbirth
Giving birth and becoming a parent is one of the most important events in human life. Particularly first-time parents have concerns about pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Pregnancy involves a number of characteristic changes in the female body.
The process of birth is not a completely controllable process. There are obstacles such as fear and inability to cope. Women are in search to cope with these situations. In addition to physical changes, there are also psychological changes during pregnancy. Most importantly, a new person joins the life of the couple. Their way of life will change and they will try to get used to the new situation. Although this situation is already known, the expectant mother and her partner do not know how to cope with the new situation.
When we grow these tiny little beings in our bodies, we always think of the big day when they will be born. Particularly if you are thinking of normal birth; there may be many challenging questions in our minds such as will there be pain, will it take a long time, will I be able to endure it? In order to overcome these problems, it is very important to prepare in advance and to learn about the birth process.
Here’s how to prepare yourself and your body for a comfortable and for an easier birth;
– Get training for childbirth
– Do yoga, pilates during pregnancy
-Meditate
-Make an amplification
– Do breathing exercise
-Learn pushing and massage techniques to facilitate labour
-Always visit the hospital where you will give birth before the birth
-Make a birth plan. Write down what you want and do not want and discuss this with your gynaecologist.
The aim of birth preparation training is to help expectant mothers and couples to make the right decisions about pregnancy, birth and postnatal period and to help them spend these periods in the best way. Thanks to these trainings, couples learn that the experiences they go through during this period will affect the entire life of the expectant mother, the baby and other family members.
It aims to raise awareness about women’s self-confidence and body confidence.
Maternity bag
It is useful to have what you need to take with you when you go into labour ready around the 30th week. Before I gave birth to Altuğ, I was thinking 34-35. But when I gave birth early at 30 weeks, I started to say 30 without realising it:)) And show your husband the backups of what you have added to this bag.
Things you should have with you for yourself;
-2-3 nightgowns or pyjamas,
-Coat and 2 shawls. These shawls will also be very useful to cover your neck during breastfeeding while lying down.
-3-4 pieces of Socks. Even in summer, it will be necessary because the maternity or operating theatres are cold.
-Underwear. You can buy disposable panties especially for the first days. Bra; It is useful to have 2-3 pieces as a breastfeeding bra.
-A slipper that you will also use for the hospital
Personal care items (toothbrush, make-up, comb, etc.)
-Supplies such as shampoo, soap and towels are given to you in the hospital. But you can keep it with you if you don’t want to use it.
-Breast pad, sanitary napkin and nipple cream. Most private hospitals give it to you for hospital use. But you can keep 2-3 spare breast pads with you. If you are going to give birth in a public hospital, then it is useful to have it with you.
-If you are thinking of a normal birth, you can bring materials for the hospital room with you. Pilates ball, massage oil, your favourite music cd and cd player, incense.
– Have your personal documents with you. The test, like your insurance card.
-Comfortable clothes that you can wear when you leave the hospital. Since there will be a possibility of breastfeeding on the road, appropriate clothes should be preferred, or you can take your breastfeeding apron with you for breastfeeding.
Things you should have with you for your baby;
-When preparing your baby’s clothes, it is useful to find out in advance whether they will wear your clothes or hospital clothes to your baby in the hospital and decide the numbers accordingly.
-4-5 pieces of body you will wear inside (short or long sleeves, you can decide according to the season).
-4-5 pieces of Jumpsuits
-4-5 pieces of gloves , anchors and booties
-1-2 Combed cotton blankets
-Spare nappies. In hospitals, they provide the nappies themselves. But you should still keep 3-4 pieces with you.
-Wet wipes suitable for your newborn baby.
-Mouth nappies prepared for the baby
-Hospital exit kit
-A mother’s car seat or carrycot to carry the baby when leaving the hospital.There is a new practice in some private hospitals. If you do not have your mother’s car seat with you, you will not be discharged, for the baby’s safety. Be careful with that, please.
-If you are expecting twins, prepare these ingredients separately for each baby:)
Things you should have with you for the father;
c-Spare clothes
-Comfortable clothes to be used in the hospital
-Pyjamas set
-Slippers
-Materials required for personal hygiene (shaving kit, deodorant, etc.)
-Computers, cameras, cameras and spare batteries
-Reading materials such as books, magazines
As the pump for expressing milk is in the hospital, you can get one in the baby room if necessary. Always ask the baby room for the telephone number of a centre where you can rent a hospital-type milk pump (in case you need one). If you need it when you get home, have the number ready.
You do not need to put items such as pacifiers and bottles in your birth bag. If needed in the hospital, it can be supplied immediately in the hospital. If you plan to breastfeed, remember that the first 6 weeks should be exclusively breastfeeding!
I wish you a happy birth in advance!!!