Overview
There has always been some uncertainty among women and care providers about what defines ‘normal’ childbirth. Words like normal and natural are often interchanged and there is a wide range of situations and experiences that can be considered ‘normal’ childbirth. In the broadest definition, normal childbirth includes labour that begins spontaneously, usually between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Normal birth also includes skin-to-skin holding after delivery and breastfeeding within the first hour after delivery.
What are the symptoms of normal delivery?
There are certain things you may notice before you go into labour.
Lightening
Lightening is the term used when the baby drops down to your pelvis. This can happen just weeks or even hours before labour starts.
Mucus Plug Passed
As the cervix widens to prepare for delivery, the mucus plug is passed. This is a clear or pink discharge that you may notice a week or two before labour begins. Depending on the amount of discharge you’ve been experiencing, you may not notice the passing of the mucus plug.
Contractions
When your abdomen gets very hard then relaxes, you may be having a contraction. Once they start to come at regular ten to fifteen-minute intervals, you should call your obstetrician or go to a registered hospital
Water Breaks
When your water breaks, if it breaks, it may come slowly or all at once. If your water breaks, make a note of the fluid colour and odour, then immediately visit the hospital.
What is the process of normal delivery?
A specially trained nurse, along with the obstetrician or nurse-midwife, will manage your care throughout the labour process.
Pain Management
Different variety of pain control methods to help you stay as comfortable as possible during the labour process.
Options
- Walking
- Birthing bar
- Squat bar
- Massage
- Changing positions
- Music therapy
- Slow dancing
- Pain medication
- Epidural anaesthesia
- Natural birth with epidural anaesthesia
Your birth partner(s) are encouraged to be active participants in the labour process and throughout hospitalization.
Birth
Our goal in family-centred care is for you to be surrounded by your chosen support team.
During vaginal birth, this may include your baby’s father and two additional support people to share in the birth process.
Post Birth
Once your baby is here, our goal is not to separate you and your baby unless medically indicated.
The nurses will assist you with bonding, feeding, and Baby Care, as well as your own healthcare needs and recovery.