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Having A Healthy Birth


Having a
Healthy Birth
The science of new beginnings

WE AT AAAS, THE SCIENCE SOCIETY, created this series of booklets
just for you—mothers and mothers-to-be in Pittsburgh and the southwestern
Pennsylvania area. We wanted to share with you the science related to hav-
ing healthy babies. These booklets are yours—to read and share, to make
notes and to use them to talk with your health care provider.
We believe that these booklets will give you more information about the
science and technology surrounding pregnancy, birth, and delivery. Knowing
what to expect can make a big difference as you and your family, friends,
and neighbors look forward to welcoming a new baby.
We thank all of those who helped to make these materials available:
• The Heinz Endowments, for funding the project;
• Kristina Anderson of Easy Read Copywriting, for doing such a fine job with
the writing and rewriting of the booklets;
• Dr. Irene Frederick of East Liberty Family Health Care Center; Kathy
McGrath and Pamela Wilson of The Birth Circle, of East Liberty Family
Health Care Center and Metro Family Practice, Inc.; and Diana Chiaverini,
RN, of Magee-Womens Hospital, for reviewing our manuscripts;
• Cori Hill, Margaret Johnson, Adelaide Gans, Pamela Wilson, Irene Frederick,
Florine E. Stevenson, Richard Dixon, Angela M. Payne, and Jayda Payne-
Dixon for letting us take and use their pictures especially for these book-
lets;
• Fred P. Kenderson Photography, for taking some wonderful shots of
Pittsburgh families; and
• The Birth Circle and Healthy Start, Inc., for giving us feedback on earlier
versions of these booklets.
Good luck to you!
Kirstin Fearnley, Maria Sosa, Ann Williams, and Shirley Malcom
of the AAAS Healthy People Development Team


Having a Healthy Birth
The science of new beginnings
Giving Birth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The Signs of Labor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Three Stages of Labor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Pain Relief during Labor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Natural pain relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Medications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Speak up! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Breastfeeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Nutrition Tips for Healthy Breast Milk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Infant formula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Bringing Your Newborn Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
The Baby Blues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Do you know where to go for help? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
1

This booklet has basic information about
giving birth. Ask your health care provider
for more in-depth information.


Giving Birth
Every year, more than 4 million women have babies.
That means about 11,000 babies are born every day!
So how can this everyday event seem so miraculous? Easy.
And here’s why.
It’s you having your baby. This wonderful event that is about
to happen is happening to you. And your baby will be like no
other baby, just like you are like no other mother.
The science of pregnancy
For the last 40 weeks, your body has been hard at work making
another human being. Imagine that. And all you’ve really had to
do is let your body do the work—the work of creating another
life.
As a new mother concerned about the health of her baby, you
have been hard at work, too. Eating right. Getting plenty of
exercise and rest. And choosing healthy habits. That’s the
science of having a healthy pregnancy.
Now it’s time to bring your baby into the world.
You’ve taken a childbirth class, toured the hospital or birth
center where you will give birth, and decided who will be by
your side and who will deliver your baby.
You’re strong. You’re ready. It’s time.
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The Signs of Labor
Childbirth is usually healthy and safe. Although giving birth
happens naturally, the actual experience is different for every
woman.
Friends, family, and even strangers will tell you what birthing
was like for them. One woman may tell you she was in labor for
32 hours. Another may tell you her labor lasted 6 hours. Just
remember: no two births are exactly the same, and each one is
special.
When your body is preparing to give birth, it can be hard to tell
if you are really in labor or just getting ready for labor. Here are
the main signs to watch for:
Signs your body is getting ready but may not be in labor yet
(early labor)
I The baby feels lower in your pelvis.
I You are having contractions, but they are not regular or they
stop when you move around. These are called Braxton Hicks
contractions.
Signs you are probably in labor (true labor)
I Your contractions are becoming more regular and stronger
over time.
I Your water breaks. It can be a trickle of water or a fast flow.
I Contractions get closer together and do not stop when you
move around.
I You have pain in your lower back that goes around to your
stomach. Women feel labor pain in different ways. For some,
it feels like menstrual cramps; for others, like strong
pressure in the abdomen; and for others, like back pain.
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If you think you are in labor,
call your health care provider
right away.
The Three Stages
of Labor
Timing your contractions for
one hour can help determine if
Labor is when your uterus
you are in true or early labor.
contracts to push the baby
Here’s how:
out through the birth canal.
• Count how many seconds a
contraction lasts.
• Then count how many min-
STAGE 1
utes from the beginning of
Your cervix (the opening of your
one contraction to the begin-
ning of the next.
uterus to the vagina) begins to
• When the time between con-
dilate. This means it stretches to
tractions is consistent (usual-
give your baby room to move
ly about every 10–15 min-
into the birth canal. During a
utes), call your provider.
HOWEVER,if you are less
contraction, your abdomen feels
than 38 weeks pregnant,
tight, and then it relaxes. Soon
tell your provider if you have
any regular contractions.
it feels tight again, and then
it relaxes
again. This
happens
again and
again as your
baby moves
further down
in the birth
canal.
5


STAGE 2
Your cervix is fully open now. Your contractions get stronger
and closer together. As they become more intense, they help
you push the baby through the birth canal, and the baby is
born.
STAGE 3
The placenta separates from the uterus. Sometimes you need
6
to push a little to help it pass.


Once your baby is born, the medical staff will clean her up.
They, or a family member, will cut the umbilical cord and then
lay your newborn baby on your chest for you to hold. Many
parents find this a very special way to end the last stage of
childbirth and begin their new life together.
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MEDICATIONS
Pain Relief during Labor
Your goal may be to go
through labor without pain
medications. But if you
Every woman has a different childbirth
should need them, it is a
experience, but most will agree that
good idea to know about
labor hurts. Because of that, it can be
them before you go into
labor.
scary. It is hard work, but as we have
said, your body was designed to do this.
Epidural. The doctor
injects a drug into the
So even though you will have pain, think
tissue near your spine to
of it as healthy pain.
provide pain relief below
the waist.
After all, you are pushing this little per-
Intravenous analgesic.
son through your body and out into the
The doctor puts an IV
(a tube) in your hand.
world. Isn’t it amazing that you are able
You receive a drug for
to do that? We think so. And so do med-
pain through this tube.
ical scientists.
Local analgesic. The
doctor injects the skin
with a drug.
Natural pain relief
Scientists and health care experts have
discovered different ways to reduce the
SPEAK UP!
pain and make a woman more comfort-
Remember, at the hospital,
you have the right to ask
able during her labor. Some natural
questions and to get
techniques are listed below. You can
answers about things.
learn these and others in childbirth and
If you don’t understand
something a health care
Lamaze® classes.
provider says, ask him
or her to explain. And if
Some things that may help are:
something or someone
is bothering you, let
I Deep breathing
someone know.
I Changing positions
I Music
I Massage
I Taking showers
I Birth balls
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Pain during labor is normal. Let your body be your guide. You
might need to try several of these techniques before you begin
to feel some relief.
If you would like, you can ask about having a doula attend your
birth to help you with these techniques. She will work with you
and your family to provide physical and emotional support. She
is specially trained to provide this service.
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Breastfeeding
Your breasts start getting ready to produce milk in the first few
weeks of your pregnancy. Sometimes women think if they have
small breasts, they will not be able to breastfeed, but that is
not true. Women with small breasts can breastfeed just as well
as women with large breasts.
The science of breastfeeding: How your breasts make milk
Your breasts have mammary glands that make milk. Hormones
cause cells in these glands to push the milk into milk ducts in
your breasts and under the areola. When your baby’s gums
press on your areola, milk is released.
Lobe
(each mammary gland forms a lobe of the
breast, which consists of a single major
branch of alveoli and milk ducts that end at
the nipple pore)
Areola
(the dark area around the nipple)
Nipple
Milk duct
(tube through which milk travels)
Alveoli cells
(grape-like clusters of tissue
which secrete milk)
Your breasts have glands that make the milk.
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A healthy start in life
Breast milk has natural antibodies that help protect your baby
from illness. The first milk your breasts produce is called
colostrum. It is thick and yellow, but after a few days, it will
change color and look more like milk.
Your baby knows what to do
Just like your body knows how to grow a baby, your baby knows
how to breastfeed. It comes naturally to him. Offer him your
breast an hour or two after giving birth. Your first breast fluid is
colostrum, which is rich in antibodies and proteins (and exactly
the right food to start your baby off in a healthy way). Because
it is thicker, there is less of it than you will produce later on.
Don’t worry! It is very rare that a woman’s breasts don’t pro-
duce enough milk for her baby. If you have any doubts, ask
your health care provider at your baby’s next appointment.
Be patient. It can take
a little time for both of
you to get comfortable
with the process. Once
you do, you will discover
how wonderful it is.
If you have problems or
if breastfeeding is
uncomfortable, ask your
provider, nurse, or lacta-
tion specialist for help.
Sometimes all it takes
to get started or to
make breastfeeding
comfortable are a few
tips from people who
have experience.
Your baby knows how to breastfeed.
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Nutrition Tips for Healthy Breast Milk
I Eat a healthy diet.
I Eat about 500 extra healthy calories a day. It takes more
calories to make breast milk.
I Drink lots of fluids, especially water.
I Limit drinks with caffeine.
I Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or take street drugs.
I Check with your provider before taking any medications.
I Get some exercise.
I Get as much rest as you can.
Infant formula
Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby. But if
that is not possible, ask your baby’s health care provider to tell
you which infant formula would be best for your baby.
Mix and store formula safely:
I Use only sterilized bottles and nipples.
I Follow directions carefully when mixing formula.
I Do not water down formula.
I Store mixed formula in the refrigerator and use within 48
hours. Do not keep half-finished bottles. Bacteria can grow
in them.
I To warm a bottle of formula, put it in a pot of water and heat
it on the stove. It must be warm but not hot.
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Bringing Your Newborn Home
When you and your baby get home, the first thing you should
both do is rest. Forget the dishes and laundry. They can wait.
You, your baby, and your partner have been through an amaz-
ing experience together! Now all of you need time to adjust to
the days ahead.
Get lots of rest
Rest as much as you can. It will help you heal faster and have
more energy. And that will help you and your family get back
into a daily routine, which also helps your baby adjust to his
new world. Try to avoid having too many visitors during the
first 1–2 weeks while you and your baby adjust to life together.
Ask for help
Sometimes we women do not want to ask for help. But this
is a time in your life when you really need to. So ask your
family and friends. There are also many organizations in your
community that you can call.
Taking care of your newborn
If you are new parents, you will have lots of questions about
taking care of your baby. Call your health care provider any
time. They are used to getting lots of calls from new mothers.
So are the professionals who work in your community.
14


The Baby Blues
Being a new parent can be exciting and wonderful. Every day
brings a new experience as you watch your baby grow.
As your baby changes, so does your body as it heals from
giving birth. This takes time. As you heal, you may notice
some feelings of sadness. Your hormone levels go up and
down, and this can cause you to feel emotional. This is
common. It is called the baby blues.
I Get as much rest as you can. Try to sleep when your baby
sleeps.
I Ask your provider about support groups for new mothers.
Talking with other new mothers can really help.
I Don’t be afraid to ask family members or friends for help
when you need it.
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Postpartum Depression
Many new mothers experience the baby blues for the first 2 or
3 weeks after giving birth. When the symptoms do not go away,
however, this can be a sign of postpartum depression, which is
a medical illness.
If you have any of these signs, call your health care provider:
I You cry often
I You feel anxious or find yourself worrying a lot
I You have problems sleeping
I You are either not hungry or eat too much
I You have trouble focusing
I You are worried you might hurt your baby or yourself
I You have no interest or find little enjoyment in your usual
activities
Do you know where to go for help?
Many clinics, hospitals, and agencies have free information for
new mothers and fathers. Ask your provider. Your local librarian
can also help you find information on the computer.
1.
I have a hard time asking for help. What are three things
that would make it easier for me to ask?
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2. What are three things I can tell my partner and family about
myself that will help them understand how I feel?
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3. Where is the first place I will go or call for help?
16
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Bringing a baby into this world is
an experience parents never forget.
It is a blessing and it is a science.
As you and your family begin the
journey of raising a healthy baby,
your lives will be forever changed.
Your experiences help others in
your community to live and raise
happy, healthy children.
Thank you for the legacies you
leave for generations to come.
PHOTO CREDITS:
Cover: © 2007 JupiterImages Corporation
Inside back cover 2: Fred P. Kenderson Photography
5 (top): PhotoDisc
5 (bottom): LifeART image copyright (2007) Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.-
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
6: LifeART image copyright (2007) Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.- Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
10: 4woman.gov/U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
11: Health Canada website and Media Photo Gallery, Health Canada,
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca 8 Reproduced with the permission of the Minister
of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2006.
15: With permission from Cursilia Fenwick

1200 New York Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20005
www. aaas.org