Preparing a man for childbirth and childbirth

The end is near - at least the end of pregnancy! Soon the couple will have a baby, and they will start! A new. family life.

A man is unlikely to want to be present at the birth. The couple most likely wants to be prepared for the birth of the child and the subsequent changes, so that they know what to expect. Preparation will allow them to cope with the situation most effectively.

To prepare for this important event with your woman, there are a number of things that are best addressed now, and others that are best learned in advance so that the couple can think about and discuss them. This chapter covers some areas that may be new to the man.

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Childbirth education courses

Times are changing, and now most women want their spouse to be with them, even actively help them during labor. A man may be wondering how to do this (if he wants to) - it is quite possible that this is the couple's first child!

You will be prepared for what is to come if you take a childbirth education class. Many people take these classes together before their baby is born. About 90% of expectant parents who are expecting their first child take a class, and it helps. Studies have shown that women who take childbirth classes need less medication, less help during labor, and feel better about their baby than women who do not take a class. Knowing what is to come will give both partners confidence and prepare them for the birth. Before taking a class, a man may not believe that he can be there for his wife's labor. After taking the class, he may realize that labor is something he wants to be a part of!

The purpose of these courses is to provide information to help the couple prepare for what is to come. It is believed that if the couple is prepared for the birth, it will be easier for both of them. The man may feel uncomfortable attending these courses. But once the training begins and he learns the mechanics of childbirth and what is to come, he may feel more enthusiastic about it.

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What to look out for

Each course has its own style, and the list below will help spouses understand whether these courses are right for them as spouses.

• The courses were recommended by a doctor or clinic staff.
• These courses have the same attitude towards childbirth as the doctor and midwives.
• The courses begin when the spouses need it, around the 7th month of pregnancy.
• The group size is small - no more than 10-12 married couples, and the room is large enough for all of them to practice (on the floor).
• The course includes a trip to the maternity hospital and a tour of the maternity wards.
• The teachers are positive (you should find someone who has attended these courses and ask about it).
• The courses are informative, interesting and explain birth well. The pain of childbirth is neither overestimated nor underestimated. The idea of the "perfect birth" is discussed in a realistic way.
• The courses cover emotions and medicine, including induction of labor, cesarean sections, epsiotomy, and various types of anesthesia.
• The courses show videos of births and cesarean sections to help prepare for both.
• Information is provided about the time after birth, including postpartum depression, circumcision, and breastfeeding choices.
• There is time and opportunity to ask questions during the courses.
• The courses are attended by doctors (anesthesiologists, pediatricians) and/or nurses.

If it is NOT possible to ATTEND THE COURSE. If a man cannot find a way to join a course, he should try to choose a time that is not too busy (this should be discussed with both his wife and the doctor): this will give the man and his wife the opportunity to ask all the questions. If it turns out that the time for which the excursion to the maternity hospital is scheduled is too busy, it is necessary to arrange another time. This excursion will help both spouses feel better when the time comes for their child to be born.

ASK ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR. The person leading the childbirth training course (almost always a woman) is very important in terms of the overall view of childbirth. It is important that the instructor has given birth herself. Some instructors have medical training, such as a midwife; others do not have one at all. It is important to find out the instructor's qualifications.

Main views on childbearing

Couples may be wondering if any of the childbirth methods described in the courses are better than others. Any of the methods may be good for the couple, but it is better to stick to one method. It is also important to discuss this with the doctor and find out his views on this issue. If the woman decides to give birth in a way that requires male participation, and the man is not willing or able to participate so much in this process, this can lead to disappointment and irritation.

There are usually 3 methods of childbirth, divided into 3 main philosophies - Lamaze, Bradley and Grantley Dick-Read. Each of these philosophies offers its own methods and techniques.

Lamaze is the oldest technique of preparing for childbirth. The classes teach expectant mothers how they can replace unproductive labor efforts with productive ones, since proponents of this technique consider childbirth to be a normal, natural, healthy process. The classes also teach relaxation and breathing techniques to reduce pain during childbirth. Recently, married couples are allowed to participate. Robert Bradley believed that fathers should help during childbirth - this is why many men are now present at childbirth. Bradley courses teach various relaxation and concentration techniques. Much attention is paid to deep abdominal breathing to make childbirth a more pleasant process. Classes often begin at the onset of pregnancy and continue until childbirth. Women who have studied Bradley usually refuse to use anesthesia during childbirth.

The Gran or Dick-Read method is a method that allows you to break the cycle of "fear-tension-pain" during childbirth with the help of some training. These courses were the first to which future fathers were admitted.

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Select courses

You should start looking for childbirth education courses around the middle of the second trimester of pregnancy - around the 20th week of pregnancy. You can ask your doctor or nurse at the clinic about courses, they will most likely know about them. Friends can also be a good source of information, you can look for information in reference books (Childbirth Education).

You will most likely need to book in advance. Courses usually start at the beginning of the third trimester (around the 27th week of pregnancy). It is best to complete the course a few weeks before your baby is due. Childbirth education courses can be held at community organizations or universities. Most maternity hospitals also provide facilities for these, usually led by a midwife or nurse.

Costs for childbirth education classes vary, with in-person classes being the most expensive. Some insurance companies and community programs will cover some or all of the cost of childbirth education classes. Check with your insurance agent for details.

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Will a man help during childbirth?

Does the man plan to be present at the birth of his child? If so, he is not alone. Nowadays, many men help their spouses during childbirth and enjoy their participation in this event.

Participating in the birth of a child with a woman will not affect either spouse. Research has shown that spouses who participate together become emotionally closer to each other in the following months. In addition, the presence of a man can give a woman confidence that everything will be fine. Research has shown that if a woman is very afraid during labor, this can harm the process. The presence of a man will help her relax and give her confidence.

What if a man can't do it?

Men are often afraid of being involved in childbirth. They may feel weak in the knees when entering the delivery room or afraid if they see a lot of blood. A man may also feel that it will be hard to see his wife in pain and feel helpless. Society puts a lot of pressure on men to do things that they are very uncomfortable with. A man should figure out what he can do and discuss it with his wife. If a man is unsure about helping his wife during labor, especially after taking childbirth classes, he should be honest with her and let her know what he intends to do, whether that means waiting in the hallway or sitting next to her and holding her hand. Honesty will serve a man better than pretending he can do something and then failing to do it.

What does a nature assistant do?

A good birth support person can make the birth experience positive and memorable. The key is to establish a good connection between the support person and the mother. A man should ask his wife what she wants when contractions begin so that he can provide it. But remember that both partners will have to think fast. Childbirth is an adventure with many unknowns. Things can change quickly during labor, and a new plan must be made on the fly. Although everyone likes to plan their birth, it is impossible. You have to face the unknown and then work through it together.

What a birth attendant SHOULD and SHOULD NOT DO. Below is a list of what a birth attendant should and shouldn't do. It should be read carefully to get an idea of what is expected of a man. It is also important to know what not to do! Anything the couple learned in childbirth training courses can be added to this list.

• A man should be his wife's "advocate," informing the hospital staff when she is in pain or when the activity of contractions changes, not allowing unwanted visitors, and looking for what his wife needs.
• A man should help with contractions.
• A man should help his wife use breathing techniques. It is important to know which technique is best suited to which stage of labor.
• A man should listen to the advice that the midwife gives and which is based on her experience.
• A man should think quickly. The situation can change quickly, and plans will have to be changed as well.
• A man should offer his wife ice or a spray if she is losing water.
• A man should distract his wife when the time is right.
• A man should do everything possible to make things easier for his wife and ask her what she wants.
• A man should offer to massage a woman's aching back or sore muscles.
• A man should allow his wife to make major decisions regarding the birth, including whether she needs anesthesia.
• A man should take a break if he needs one, but he should be confident that the midwife knows where he is going and when he will return.
• A man should show his wife that the birth of the child is important to him by giving his wife flowers or a gift after the birth of the child and celebrating it.
• A man should do everything to make the experience the best for both spouses.
• A man should not wait too long before taking his wife to the maternity hospital.
• A man should not take a woman's reaction to heart, if she becomes sensitive or angry with him, it can be ignored.
• A man should not remain in the delivery room if it is difficult for him. At this time, the staff can only monitor one patient (and that is the woman in labor).
• A man should not call work from the maternity ward or take work with him to the maternity ward.
• A man should not leave without telling anyone where he is going.
• A man should not be too attentive. He should pay attention to his wife when she wants it, but if she refuses help, she should be left alone.
• A man should not take photographs or videos if his wife is against it.

Choosing a different birth assistant

While it is very nice for a man to help his wife during labor, it is not necessary. She can ask a friend or family member to do it. Don't be offended if she asks someone else to do it.

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Participation of a man if he is not an assistant during childbirth

Even if the spouses decide that the woman's assistant during childbirth will not be the husband, the man can still participate in the birth of the child, although not directly. He can be in the delivery room and help, for example, in the following ways:

• monitoring the woman's contractions so that both spouses can observe the progress of labor;
• encouraging a woman during labor;
• creating a mood in the delivery room;
• ensuring that there are no strangers in the room and answering telephone calls;
• telling relatives how the labor is progressing;
• playing music, reading aloud, or distracting the woman in other ways;
• cutting the baby's umbilical cord after birth.

In order to support his wife morally, a man does not have to directly participate in the birth. Simply being together at this time can help both spouses. Participation in the joy of the birth of a child can be the beginning of turning the spouses' relationship into a family.

Who is a doula?

A woman can choose a doula to assist her during labor. A doula is a woman trained to provide support and assistance to a woman during the birth of her baby - a doula stays with a woman from the beginning of labor until the baby is born.

A doula differs from a midwife in that a doula does not deliver the baby. She physically and mentally supports the woman during labor, from massage to helping the woman focus on her breathing. A doula can even help a new mother begin breastfeeding.

The true purpose of a doula is to provide support to a woman who chooses to give birth without anesthesia. If a woman chooses to give birth with anesthesia, she does not need a doula.

Although a doula's primary job is to provide support during labor, she can also be a labor assistant. She does not replace the labor assistant; she works alongside them. However, in some situations, a doula can be a labor assistant.

Doula services can be very expensive. This includes assistance with the birth and one or more prenatal consultations.

If the couple decides to have a doula present during the birth, they should discuss this with their doctor. They may have their own reasons for not allowing it. The doctor may also recommend someone they can contact about this and who they work with frequently.

As the expected due date approaches

As the due date approaches, the couple should agree on how they will stay in touch. Having a mobile phone readily available makes it much easier to stay in touch. It is also important to arrange for someone to be with the woman during labor so that they can contact him and also so that he can drive her to the hospital if the man is not there.

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Before labor begins

The couple may be looking forward to the birth of their baby, but they may not know how to tell when labor is starting. On this day, there will be signs of labor starting. These include:

• increased Braxton Hicks contractions
• the baby "falls" lower towards the woman's pubis
• she feels increasing pressure on her pubis and rectum
• there are changes in the condition of the muscles of her vagina
• she has diarrhea

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Preparations for childbirth

The woman may have already packed her bag for the trip to the hospital and is completely ready for it. Has the man packed his bag? You can pack a small backpack or bag with some important things that will help the man during labor. You can bring the following items with you:

• comfortable boots
• change of clothes
• watch with stopwatch
• toiletries such as deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste
• powder for massaging a woman during labor
• a small paint roller or tennis ball to give the woman a back massage during labor
• cassettes or CDs and a player or radio to accompany the birth with music
• a video camera and tape (only if both spouses agree to filming)
• a list of phone numbers and a spare card or prepaid card, as well as a card for long distance calls
• phone charger
• a safe snack and a bottle of water
• a book, magazine or newspaper

If a woman's water breaks

Inside a woman's uterus, the baby is surrounded by amniotic fluid. When labor begins, the membranes surrounding the baby rupture and the fluid leaks out through the vagina. When the membranes rupture, the fluid first rushes out, and then flows slowly. Or it may just flow slowly, with no flow.

Not every woman's water breaks during labor. Sometimes the doctor has to cut these membranes. If a woman thinks her water is breaking, she should call the doctor immediately. Most likely, the man will be advised to take his wife to the hospital.

The membranes break when the baby is not yet ready to be born. If the woman is far from her due date, the doctor may ask her to come to the clinic to check on it. In this situation, her husband or someone else should go with her, because things move quickly once the membranes break.

If the baby is not ready to be born, the doctor will want to make sure the woman's water has broken and take steps to prevent infection. Once the water has broken, the risk of infection increases.

MEASURING THE DURATION OF CONTRACTIONS. It is important for the doctor to know how often contractions occur and how long each of them lasts, only in this case can one understand whether it is time to go to the maternity hospital. In this case, they record how long each contraction lasts and what is the interval between them. You should ask the doctor how he finds it more convenient to record the time. There are 2 ways to do this.

Method I. Start counting when the contraction begins and end it when the next one begins (this method is used most often).

Method 2. Start counting from the end of the contraction until the beginning of the next one.

The doctor should be asked about how to prepare for the trip to the maternity hospital - he or she may have special instructions for the spouses. The spouses may want to ask the following questions.

• When should we go to the maternity hospital if a woman goes into labor?
• Should we call you before we leave for the hospital?
• How can we reach you outside of working hours?
• Are there any guidelines we should follow?
• Where should we go - to the ambulance or to the maternity hospital?

Verification of the truth of childbirth

When a man brings his wife to the maternity hospital, they can both be sent home! This will happen if it is false labor or early labor. Upon arrival at the maternity hospital, the woman will be assessed for signs of labor. This is sometimes called a true labor check.

Trip to the maternity hospital

Perhaps the spouses have already registered at a maternity hospital several weeks before the expected date of birth. This will save time and nerves. Pre-registration involves filling out forms received at the maternity hospital or from the doctor. Even if the spouses do not plan to take them to the maternity hospital before the start of labor, they should be filled out in advance. If you delay doing this until the start of labor, they will have to be filled out in a hurry and there is a chance of missing something important.

When traveling to the maternity hospital, the man should make sure that the spouses have taken the woman’s insurance policy and medical card with them and that they are easy to find.

If a woman is sent home, she should not be irritated, sad or angry. It should be understood that to determine the onset of labor, you will have to visit the maternity hospital often. Sometimes the truth of labor cannot be determined over the phone.

People who detect signs of labor in a woman know that the couple wants the baby to be born and that they do not want to go home. However, if the woman is in false labor (see the table above to understand how true labor differs from false labor), it is better for her to go home. If this happens to the couple, the man should support the woman and help her understand that they will return to the hospital when necessary.

After arriving at the maternity hospital

When a woman enters the delivery room, many things happen. The woman's cervix is checked to see how dilated it is, her pregnancy history is taken, and vital signs are recorded, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and the baby's heart rate. The woman may be given enema or intravenous fluids; there will likely be significant blood loss. The woman may be given an epidural if she requests one.

A copy of the woman's pregnancy record is usually kept; it contains basic information about the woman's health and progress in her pregnancy. The first thing that is done is palpation to determine the stage of labor and to use this data as a reference for other tests during labor. This test, like the vital signs, is done by a nurse. A doctor will do it only in unusual situations, usually in an emergency. Until the doctor arrives, you can remain calm, knowing that the nurse is in contact with the doctor. In most births, the doctor will not arrive until the end of the labor.

If the woman has requested anesthesia or if labor is not expected to begin very soon, she does not have to lie down. The woman can walk. Most likely, she will only be allowed to suck on ice or drink some water. During this time, the man can be alone in the room with his wife, and nurses can come in to make various preparations. In most cases, a monitor belt is placed on the expectant mother's abdomen to monitor contractions and the baby's heartbeat. This recording can be viewed in the delivery room and in the observation room (in the latter case, it is monitored by nurses).

Blood pressure measurements and palpation are performed regularly to monitor the progress of labor.

In some cases, upon arrival at the hospital, the couple may be told that their doctor is unavailable and that another doctor will be delivering the baby. If the couple's doctor believes that he or she may be out of town during the birth, he or she should ask to meet with the person who will be taking over for them in this situation. Although the doctor would like to be present at the birth of the baby whose development he or she has been observing, sometimes this is not possible.

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How a woman can cope with the pain of childbirth

Most first-time mothers have no idea how painful labor can be. We think it's important to know the truth - labor is almost always painful. The intensity of the pain varies from woman to woman. Research has shown that anticipating pain causes fear and tension. The best way to cope with pain is to be warned about it.

Some women feel that they should not ask for anesthesia. They may feel that it will harm the baby. Others feel that they should have the "full birth experience." Many are concerned about the cost of anesthesia. A man should not pressure a woman into this, nor should he allow others to do so.

The couple probably learned about anesthesia options through their own channels. Childbirth education classes are a good source of information; however, some instructors do not focus on this. The couple may have learned about non-drug pain management options, such as breathing and relaxation techniques. Some classes discuss anesthesia and may even invite an anesthesiologist to cover the topic in a class.

If the couple is concerned about how the woman will cope with the pain of labor, anesthesia should be discussed with the doctor. The use of anesthetics during labor is usually a decision made by the couple, not the doctors.

A man should convince his wife to remember about the possibility of anesthesia during childbirth. After all, a greater or lesser need for anesthesia may arise, and it should be asked for if there is a need. Support her choice. Perhaps the pain during childbirth will be a very difficult experience.

Pain relief without drugs

Some women choose to try to relieve the pain by adopting different positions, massage, relaxation techniques, or hypnosis. Breathing and relaxation techniques are often taught in childbirth education classes.

Different birth positions, like massage, involve the mother and her assistant. This is the only way to find a way to ease the pain. Some women claim that using these techniques has allowed them to become closer to their spouse and made the birth more enjoyable for both of them.

MASSAGE for PAIN RELIEF. Massage is one way to help a woman feel better during labor. Touching and pressing during a massage will help her relax. A study showed that a woman who was massaged during labor for 20 minutes every hour felt less tension and less pain.

Massage of the head, neck, back and feet can bring pleasant sensations and relaxation. The person giving the massage to a woman should pay great attention to her requirements regarding the pressure.

Different types of massage affect women differently. Couples may want to try the two methods described below before labor begins to familiarize themselves with each.

Effderage is a light, gentle massage of the abdomen and upper thighs using the fingers; it can be used in the early stages of labor. The pressure is light, not sharp, and the fingertips are constantly touching the skin. Start with both hands on both sides of the abdomen. The palms should move up and out, down to the lower abdomen, and then back. Then you can massage the thighs. It is also possible to make cross-movements around the monitor belt (if there is one). The fingers should move along the abdomen from one side to the other, between the belts.

Back massage is very helpful for back pain during labor. To do this, place your wrist or flat fist (you can also use a tennis ball) against your tailbone and make circular movements, applying gentle pressure.

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Analgesics and anesthetics

There are many ways to relieve pain. Analgesia and anesthesia include many methods. Knowing about each method will help spouses choose the right one.

ANALGESIA. Analgesia reduces the pain of labor while keeping the woman conscious. It relieves pain, but can cause anxiety or irritation and slow the baby's reflexes and breathing, so it is usually given in early or mid-labor. Examples of analgesics include demerol (mesperidin hydrochloride) and morphine.

GENERAL ANESTHESIA. Under general anesthesia, the woman is unconscious, so this method is used only for cesarean sections and emergency vaginal births. In this case, the child is also unconscious, and after birth, it will need to restore vital functions. Nowadays, general anesthesia is rarely used in childbirth. The convenience is that it can be applied quickly if necessary.

LOCAL ANESTHESIA. Local anesthesia covers a small area and is used for episiotomy and the stitches that follow. An episiotomy is a surgical cut in the area between the vagina and anus, done to prevent the vagina or rectum from tearing during childbirth. It usually does not affect the baby and has few side effects.

REGIONAL ANESTHESIA. Regional anesthesia covers a larger area than local anesthesia. The three most common types of regional anesthesia are the sinus block, spinal block, and epidural block.

Pudendal block is a procedure in which a medication is injected into the vaginal nerve to relieve pain in the vagina, lower abdomen, and rectum. The woman remains conscious and side effects are rare. Pudendal block is one of the safest anesthesia methods, although it does not relieve the pain of contractions.

In a spinal block, the drug is injected into the spinal fluid at the bottom of the back. The woman remains conscious. This method is used only once per birth, so it is usually used immediately before labor or for a cesarean section. This method works quickly and effectively relieves pain.

An epidural block involves inserting a needle into the outer space of the spine in the lower back. This method is used during very active labor, when the cervix is very dilated and the pain is severe. This procedure requires using a needle to insert a small tube or catheter between two vertebrae in the lower back. Medicine is delivered through the tube, and the woman remains conscious during labor. The tube is left in place until labor is complete so that the medicine can be re-injected if needed. An epidural relieves the pain of contractions, as well as pain in the vagina and rectum as the baby moves down the birth canal. This method is also used to relieve pain during an episiotomy. The woman feels pressure as she strains during a vaginal birth. However, an epidural block may make the birth more difficult, requiring the use of a vacuum extractor or forceps.

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Position of the baby during birth

Most babies enter the birth canal head first, which is the best position for a baby to be born in. But there are other positions.

The reverse position means the baby is head up and its feet or buttocks will enter the birth canal first. If the baby is not positioned correctly, the doctor may try to turn it; the woman may also request a cesarean section.

For a long time, babies were delivered vaginally in the reverse position. Then it was considered that the safest method in this situation was a cesarean section; most doctors in this situation continue to believe that this is the best option. But there is an opinion that a woman can give birth to a baby in the reverse position without complications if the situation is under control. If this situation occurs, the doctor will discuss it with both spouses.

Childbirth

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Vaginal birth

After the woman has passed through the first stage of labor, she is ready for delivery. Both spouses will finally see their long-awaited child.

In practice, the birth of the baby and delivery of the placenta at stage 2 can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more (see the table on pages 225-227, which describes the stages of labor).

When the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm), pushing begins. It can take from 1-2 hours (first or second child) to several minutes (experienced mother). The birth of the baby, delivery of the placenta and suturing usually take 20-30 minutes.

After the birth, the baby and mother are examined. At this time, the man will finally be able to see and hold his baby, and his wife will even be able to feed him. The longest part of the birth may not be the birth of the baby at all, but the stitching of various areas of the skin and muscles.

Depending on where the woman is, she may give birth and recover from the birth in the same room (usually called the labor and recovery room). She may also be moved to a recovery room, usually located near the delivery room.

C-section

In some cases, complications may arise during childbirth that require a cesarean section, in which the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus. Although there are many reasons for a cesarean section, its primary purpose is the same as a normal birth - to deliver a healthy baby while preserving the health of the mother.

Couples often want to know why they need a C-section, if they need one. The doctor may not know the answer to this question before labor begins if the woman has never had a C-section, the baby is in the right position, and there are no other complications. Usually, contractions are waited for to determine if they are affecting the baby and if it is moving through the birth canal. A C-section is a surgical procedure that comes with risks. If a woman has a C-section, she will likely have to stay in the hospital for a few days longer. Recovery from a C-section is slower than with a vaginal birth, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks.

Couples should discuss a cesarean section with their doctor a few weeks before the expected due date. They should ask why the surgery is being planned and express their wishes and concerns about it.

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Childbirth alone

• Call an ambulance.
• Call a neighbor, family member or friend.
• You should not strain or bend over.
• Spread towels and blankets in a convenient place.
• If the baby is born before help arrives, you should try to use your hands to help the baby out, while pushing gently.
• The baby should be wrapped in a clean blanket or towel and kept close to the body to prevent heat loss.
• A clean cloth should be used to remove mucus from the child's mouth.
• Do not pull on the umbilical cord to remove the placenta.
• If the placenta comes out, it should be saved.
• There is no need to cut the umbilical cord.
• Both mother and baby should be kept warm until medical assistance arrives.

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Home birth

• Call an ambulance.
• Call your neighbors, relatives or friends (keep their phone numbers handy).
• Convince the woman not to push or bend over.
• Use blankets and towels to make the woman as comfortable as possible.
• If it is childbirth, the woman's vagina and anal area should be washed with soap and water.
• When the baby's head appears, encourage the woman to concentrate on breathing and not push.
• You should try to free the baby's head by applying gentle pressure, but do not pull it.
• Once the head has emerged, it should be gently pressed down to release the shoulders.
• After one shoulder has emerged, the baby's head should be lifted, releasing the other. Gradually the entire baby will emerge.
• The baby should be wrapped in a clean blanket or towel.
• Use a clean cloth to remove mucus from your baby's mouth.
• You should not pull on the umbilical cord to remove the placenta - this is not necessary.
• If the placenta comes out on its own, it should be wrapped in a towel to preserve it.
• The umbilical cord should not be cut.
• Keep the placenta at or slightly below the baby's level.
• Both mother and baby should be kept warm with towels or blankets until medical assistance arrives.

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Childbirth on the way to the maternity hospital

• The car should be stopped.
• Try to call for help if you have a mobile phone.
• Turn on the hazard lights.
• The woman should be placed on the back seat, covered with a blanket or towel.
• Convince the woman not to push or bend over.
• When the baby's head appears, encourage the woman to concentrate on breathing and not push.
• You should try to free the baby's head by applying gentle pressure, but do not pull it.
• Once the head has emerged, it should be gently pressed down to release the shoulders.
• After one shoulder has emerged, the baby's head should be lifted, releasing the other. Gradually the entire baby will emerge.
• Wrap your baby in a clean blanket or towel.
• Use a clean cloth to remove mucus from your mouth.
• You should not pull on the umbilical cord to deliver the placenta - this is not necessary.
• If the placenta comes out on its own, it should be wrapped in a towel to preserve it.
• The umbilical cord should not be cut.
• Keep the placenta at or slightly below the baby's level.
• Both mother and baby should be kept warm with towels or blankets until medical assistance arrives.

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After the birth of the child

After birth, things move quickly. First, the baby's mouth and throat are read. Then the doctor ties and cuts the cord (or the father can do this). If a man wants to cut his baby's cord, this should be discussed with the doctor before the birth. Whether he is allowed to do this depends on the situation and the location.

The baby is then wrapped in a clean cloth and may be placed on the mother's abdomen. An Apgar score is taken 1 to 5 minutes after birth. An identification strap is placed on the baby's wrist or ankle. The baby is usually checked for physical fitness and assessed immediately after birth. The baby is given eye drops to prevent infection and vitamin K to prevent bleeding. The couple may want their baby vaccinated against hepatitis. This should be discussed with the doctor before birth; the vaccine will protect the baby from hepatitis in the future.

Once the basic assessments have been made, the baby may be returned to his parents. He will later be placed in a heated bed for a period of time.

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Should I get circumcised?

If a man has a son, he will have another decision to make - whether to have his son circumcised. When a boy is circumcised, the skin covering the head of his penis is removed. This can be done through a surgical procedure or with a special device designed to remove the foreskin. This is usually done in hospitals, but if the couple is Jewish or Muslim, it may be done in a religious ceremony outside the hospital.

Today, about 65% of male children are circumcised; in the 1970s, the figure was 80%. If a couple decides not to circumcise their son, this is not an unusual decision, and it should be made jointly. It should be agreed upon before the child is born, so that both spouses can understand the consequences and come to an agreement.

In addition to religious considerations, there are two other reasons why male infants are circumcised. The main reason a couple decides to circumcise their son is to make him look like his father and other boys his age at school. The second reason is medical and eliminates urinary tract infections in the first year of a child's life and reduces the risk of cancer, syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases later in life.

Most parents are aware that the procedure will cause pain for the child. Various anesthesia options are available, including dorsal nerve block, foreskin ring block, and anesthetic lubricant.

The risks of this procedure are minimal; minor bleeding and local infection are possible. The wound usually heals completely within 10 days.

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Should a child be circumcised?

In the recent past, almost all boys in the United States were circumcised. Now, some parents choose not to do it, and it is a personal decision.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is neutral on circumcision. They believe there is no right or wrong answer to the question. They believe that the choice should be made by the parents and should be based on medical, cultural, or religious beliefs. If a couple decides that their child should be circumcised, it should be done early enough that the negative impact on the child is minimal (if done later, it can be much more painful and risky). If a couple decides not to do it, their son will not be the only "uncircumcised" child growing up. Statistics show that in the United States, about '

3 boys are not circumcised. This operation requires the consent of both parents and will not be performed without it. When meeting with the doctor before the baby is born, circumcision can be a topic for discussion. If the couple does not have this opportunity, they can discuss it before the baby leaves the hospital.

Feeding a baby

Most young fathers leave the choice of feeding their child to their spouses. After all, she will be the one feeding the child, so the father should not interfere with her choice. Let's turn to researchers.

Research has shown that in most cases, a woman's refusal to breastfeed her child is based on the fact that the child's father has a negative attitude towards it. One of the reasons why men are afraid of this is because they are afraid that a woman will breastfeed the child in public. The good news is that many men, having learned about the benefits of breastfeeding for the child, change their minds and support their spouses.

Breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs and is also easy to digest. Since breast milk contains immunizing factors, breastfed babies have a lower risk of developing infections. Breastfeeding will also give the baby a sense of security and the mother a sense of self-sufficiency. However, if there are reasons why a woman does not want or cannot breastfeed her baby, she will have to feed formula, which is also not a bad thing.

A man should discuss breastfeeding with his wife during pregnancy and support her no matter what her choice; a man can be very supportive and helpful with any choice. If the woman is breastfeeding, he can help by bringing the baby to her and taking it to the nurse. If she is bottle feeding, the man can take on some of the feedings, even at night.

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