Finally, after months of waiting and planning your big moment is here.
When labor begins, call your doctor or midwife. Your provider will tell
you when it's time to come to The Birthplace in Williamsport where we'll
be waiting to support you, and your family members/coaches, through
every stage of the process.
Whom you choose to have on hand as you welcome your new baby is a big decision, and we feel it is yours to make. Up to three coaches are allowed in the room with you in addition to your midwife and labor nurse. If you wish for complete support, your nurse will stay with you throughout the process. If you wish for more privacy, she will come and go as you wish.
How do I know when it's time?
For first time mothers, the
signs and stages of labor are most likely unfamiliar to you. Labor will
begin with contractions (muscle spasms of the uterus that help the baby
move). They will typically come anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes apart
consistently at first.
During the few days before you actually go
into labor, you may have a small amount of mucus/bloody discharge, a
common sign that labor is near. The best time to contact your midwife is
when your water first breaks (the fluid-filled sac protecting your baby
in the womb). Many women will go into labor within 24 hours of the
water breaking.
False Labor
Feeling
contraction-like cramps a few weeks before your due date? This is known
as Braxton Hicks contractions and they are typical in many mothers.
Unlike labor contractions, the pain is concentrated in the front of your
body and will not get stronger or occur at shorter increments over
time. You may be able to lessen the pain by walking or resting.
What should I bring?
You
should pack a bag for the hospital a few weeks before your due date.
This will allow you to remain calm and get to the hospital safely when
labor begins. Here's a list of items you may want to bring:
- Your insurance card and preregistration
- Address book with key contacts
- Clothes, including a nightgown, robe or slippers
- Toiletries, such as a toothbrush
- Books, magazines, music or whatever may relax you
- Clothes for baby
- Car seat (preferably already installed)
When You Arrive at Susquehanna Health
- When
you first arrive you will be asked for a urine sample and you will be
put on a fetal monitor. Rest assured this is nothing to worry about.
It’s all part of the normal process of bringing a healthy baby into the
world.
- If you are truly in labor, you will be taken to
your delivery room where you will be given a vaginal exam to check your
cervix for dilation and effacement.
- After that, you
will most likely be free to walk around or lie back and relax if that’s
what you prefer. Your goal at this point is to stay comfortable.