There are quite a few, including medications. Doctors, assessing a woman’s condition, often themselves suggest, for example, epidural anesthesia.

Epidural anesthesia, according to many experts, is quite effective and safe. However, this is a type of medical intervention that has complications. It is important to consider that by choosing this method of pain relief, some pain is possible. Thus, some noted a complete or partial loss of sensation in the lower part of the body - they had to push at the prompting of doctors, since they themselves could no longer determine when the pushing began and were practically unable to monitor the birth process. Therefore, possible specific risks with epidural anesthesia include the possibility of an increase in the overall duration of the labor process and the need to use special tools, in particular, forceps or a vacuum extractor.

Experienced obstetricians note that preliminary psychological can play a very important role in the perception of pain during the birth process. Women who understand certain sensations treat them completely differently. Such women in labor concentrate on making their birth easier, thereby relieving pain. In contrast, other women may panic at the first sign of pain, not realizing, for example, that increased discomfort may, in particular, talk about intensive dilatation of the cervix - and this, in turn, indicates the correct course of the process and active labor activity.

Therefore, it is very important to prepare for childbirth in advance. A woman is recommended to study special literature in order to understand at least in general terms what will not happen to her in the maternity hospital. Doctors will certainly help, but, according to experts, a lot, including pain and the attitude towards pain, depends only on the expectant mother.

Currently at antenatal clinics are being organized special courses women, where expectant mothers have the opportunity not only to learn about the peculiarities of changes in their body and the first skills of caring for newborns, but also to receive valuable information on how to make childbirth easier.

Among the most common recommendations are breathing techniques and special poses. For example, during a woman should exhale strongly, imagining a candle standing on her stomach - this can quite effectively reduce pain. In many maternity hospitals, women are now given complete freedom during labor - they can walk, sit on an exercise ball, or hang on a special horizontal bar. Having tried any of the proposed options, or choosing her own position, the woman in labor will be able to choose a position that is comfortable for herself, in which it will be easier for her to endure.

Natural childbirth contractions precede. They pass involuntarily, so they cannot be strengthened or weakened, but this does not mean at all that it is impossible to influence the course of labor. You can’t just lie down and wait, you need to walk more around the room or corridor and try to relax your muscles, and then childbirth will be less painful. Psychologists advise treating childbirth as a natural process and thinking not about the upcoming contraction, fantasizing that it will be even stronger, but about what a wonderful baby will be born very soon.

Instructions

Of course, medicine now has many tools that will help reduce the pain of women in labor. at, but there are situations when medications are contraindicated. And here best helpers methods of self-destruction will become pain. The best way is massage. Therefore, the expectant mother needs to learn at Self-massage techniques are not complicated and no special equipment is required.

The most massage points during contractions are located in. It is there that the nerve ganglion is located, which is responsible for the sensitivity of the pelvic organs. Therefore, by massaging, the pain impulse is blocked. Treat this area intensively. Make pressing movements with your hands, fingertips or knuckles, and the entire palm or fist. To prevent irritation on the skin, you can apply Massage Oil or cream. This method, like a red herring.

During contractions, use your palms on both sides to stroke your back, from the bones down and back. If you're tired, at lie down and continue massaging your body. On at Measure, lying on your side, you can move your palm over it, as if with an iron. Such movements will help you relax as much as possible.

Childbirth is a unique process of bringing a child into the world. During childbirth, a woman is forced to endure painful sensations, which are caused by natural physiological processes associated with the expulsion of the fetus from the uterine cavity. In this article we will provide you with important information about childbirth, which both the mothers themselves and their loved ones need to know. And also, after reading this article, you will learn folk recipes medicinal products, with the help of which you can relieve prenatal pain, as well as facilitate the birth process itself.

In scientific medicine, childbirth is defined as the final process. During childbirth, the fetus and placenta are expelled from the uterine cavity through the birth canal ( children's place and fetal membrane). As a rule, two weeks before the onset of labor, the stomach drops, body weight decreases to some extent, and it becomes easier for a pregnant woman to breathe. And in the very last prenatal days, pain appears in the area of ​​the sacrum, thighs, lower abdomen, and viscous and thick mucus (often with blood) begins to be released from the vagina. All these signs are harbingers of labor, so when they appear, a pregnant woman should immediately go to the maternity hospital.

There are cases when women experience drainage before the onset of contractions (or with their onset). amniotic fluid. Their signs can be seen on linen in the form of wet, colorless spots. If this phenomenon is detected, a pregnant woman should undergo urgent hospitalization. IN otherwise there is a high risk that a loop of the umbilical cord or the hand of an unborn child will get into the vagina along with the water.

The onset of labor is considered to be the appearance of regular contractions. As a rule, at the very beginning, contractions are weak and do not cause much concern to the pregnant woman. However, gradually their intensity, duration and frequency increase. So, at the prenatal stage, contractions last thirty to forty seconds and appear every five to six minutes.

The duration of the birth process itself for first-time mothers averages from fifteen to twenty hours. And for women who are not giving birth for the first time, labor lasts from ten to twelve hours. Also, the duration of the labor process is influenced by such parameters as the age of the woman in labor, the size of the fetus, the activity of uterine contractions, as well as other factors.

During the first labor contractions, due to contractions of the uterus, the fetal bladder is wedged into the canal of the uterine cervix, which contributes to its opening. As a rule, the result of this process is the rupture of the membranes and the release of amniotic fluid. However, there are also rare cases when the fetus is born in an unruptured amniotic sac (which is where the expression “born in a shirt” comes from).

After the cervix opens and all amniotic fluid is expelled, contractions of the uterine muscles will help expel the fetus from its cavity. When the fetus begins to move along the birth canal, the contractions will also be joined by pushing, which manifests itself in the contraction of the abdominal muscles and diaphragm. Under the influence of this process, the fetus begins to emerge from the woman’s vagina. A midwife prepares to deliver a newborn baby.

Folk remedies for mothers in labor

• To speed up labor during childbirth, Hippocrates himself recommended using bay leaves.
• To increase the intensity of very weak contractions, you can give the woman in labor a drink a small amount of vodka, and also easily rub your stomach with it.
• If contractions are weak, you should give the woman in labor sweet water to drink every hour (1/3 cup of sugar per 200 ml of hot water).
• If the contractions are prolonged and too painful, then to speed up the onset of labor, you can give the woman in labor a decoction prepared from impatiens vulgaris. To do this, you need to take 1 teaspoon of the raw material of the specified herb and pour it with one glass of boiling water. You need to drink this mixture slowly, in small sips.
• To facilitate childbirth, you can take 2.5 grams of saffron stigmas.
• A decoction of lovage can be used as a remedy to relieve labor pain. To prepare such a decoction, you need to do the following: pour one teaspoon of dried lovage leaves with 200 ml of boiling water. Take one tablespoon three times a day.
• A decoction prepared from centaury umbelliferum acts as a tonic during childbirth. To prepare it, you need to pour 15 grams of the raw material of the specified herb with one glass of boiling water. Drink without dosage, like tea.
• During childbirth, it is also recommended to take horse chestnut infusion, prepared in the following way: 30 g of kernels or flowers of crushed horse chestnut nuts, pour 300 ml of vodka and leave to infuse in a dark place for one week. After this time, the tincture should be filtered and taken three times a day, 30 drops before meals. This infusion is especially recommended to drink when varicose veins veins, both for pregnant women and women in labor.

If a non-specialist is forced to deliver the baby

In case childbirth has to be delivered by a person who has nothing to do with medical, and especially obstetric, practice, you should know the following recommendations:

• At the very beginning of contractions, the woman in labor should be given a laxative to drink, since with an empty stomach, childbirth will be much easier.
• A woman in labor is allowed to walk until she begins to push, as this somewhat alleviates her prenatal condition.
• A woman in labor should not be deliberately forced to push during childbirth, as this can lead to ruptures of the perineum.
• You can ease the effort with deep and frequent breathing.
• Immediately after the baby is born, the umbilical cord connecting it to the mother must be tightly tied in two places with a soft and disinfected thread. One knot should be made right next to the newborn’s belly, and the second – 10 cm from it. The umbilical cord must be cut between these two nodes.
• Within an hour, the placenta (baby place and membranes) should come out of the mother’s uterus. If the placenta does not come out, then under no circumstances should you pull it out by the umbilical cord. You should place a wet, cold towel on your stomach and lightly rub the abdominal area.
• After the placenta comes out, you need to carefully change the bed linen on which the woman who gave birth is lying, put an ice pack on her stomach, give her warm tea and let her fall asleep. At the same time, you need to remember that she can only lie on her back.
• A newborn baby should be thoroughly lubricated with oil and then purchased.
• If the child left the mother strangled through the umbilical cord twisted around the neck, it is necessary to quickly unwind it and try to bring the newborn back to life. To do this, you need to put him on your palm with his stomach down and lightly pat him on the back until he screams. If this does not work, you need to give the child artificial respiration.

The first days after discharge from the hospital

As soon as labor ends, the new mother begins a period of waiting for discharge from the hospital. A woman who is in the postpartum ward may experience mixed feelings. On the one hand, the woman is lonely: she wants to see her family and loved ones as soon as possible. This is a normal condition after childbirth. On the other hand, a woman may understand that as soon as she leaves the walls of the maternity hospital, the burden of responsibility and child care will fall on her. In this case, it is very difficult for a woman who has given birth for the first time - even if she mentally prepared herself for difficulties, the reality is always much more complicated and not everyone can cope with such difficulties.

Medical criteria for discharging a woman with a newborn home after childbirth

Of course, any doctor can discharge a woman and child from the maternity hospital only based on their state of health. IN best case scenario they can be discharged after childbirth only after three days - if the child and mother are healthy, if there were no complications and if the birth was not difficult. After three days, the child must be vaccinated against tuberculosis; this must also be taken into account when discharged. If an operation was performed during childbirth, discharge can occur no earlier than 8-9 days after the birth of the child. This is because the stitches are removed only after 6-7 days, and after that you still need to monitor your health for some time.

The birth of a baby is a happy event for every family. However, many women have to recover for quite a long time due to the healing of stitches, and the joy is overshadowed by poor health, discomfort and pain. Those who have already given birth to one or more children have an idea about labor, but first-time mothers are especially interested in how to behave during labor and labor in order to give birth easily and without disruption.

A woman’s fear of the upcoming birth is quite understandable, but we should never forget that this is, first of all, the joy of the birth of a long-awaited child. Therefore, first of all, a woman in labor should push aside negative thoughts and try to think positively. Of course, there is hard work ahead, but the reward will be meeting your baby.

In fact, the mother’s mood is transmitted to the baby in her womb, and when fear goes off scale, the child also begins to get nervous. There is no need to think about pain - this is a transitory phenomenon; it is better to remember those who worry about their mother and are looking forward to her return from the maternity hospital.

You should know how to behave during childbirth and contractions, and then, thanks to the presence of spirit, childbirth will be easier and faster. Typically, labor is divided into three main stages:

1. Preparing the uterus and baby for birth during labor;
2. The birth of a child, through pushing;
3. The final phase with the expulsion of the placenta.

In this regard, when preparing for childbirth, a woman should:

• Master proper breathing techniques;
• Find the most successful position to help give birth and, at the same time, safe for the condition of the fetus;
• Learn to push correctly so as not to injure the child and avoid ruptures.

First-time mothers may not know, but it is not advisable to scream during childbirth, since this may cause the baby to experience oxygen starvation, and it is also difficult for him to move through the birth canal. Moreover, fear, although it is psychological condition, can intensify real pain.

Correct breathing, pushing and posture

It is better for a woman to learn in advance how to breathe; moreover, she needs to learn how to do this, so she will have to practice during pregnancy.

This can be done by enrolling in special courses that she can attend together with her husband. It is important that certain breathing must correspond to each stage of labor.

Of course, the doctor will tell her how to behave, but the woman must master three basic techniques in advance:

• During the initial contractions, counting breathing should be used - inhale during the spasm, and exhale very slowly literally after a few seconds. Usually, when you inhale, count to four, and when you exhale, count to six.
• When strong and painful contractions are present, you should breathe like a dog - inhalation and exhalation should be fast and rhythmic.
• During the birth of a child, breathing is characterized by deep inhalation and strong exhalation with the direction of pressure on the lower abdomen - the uterus and vagina.

Proper breathing provides the fetus with normal access to oxygen, reduces pain, and promotes the rapid completion of the birth process.

When discussing how to behave during labor and labor, this concerns not only breathing, but also the optimal posture of the woman in labor. There is no one-size-fits-all ideal position for the most comfortable expulsion of the fetus, since each woman’s body has its own characteristics, both physiological and anatomical.

But it has been noticed that some women find it more convenient to give birth in a position on all fours, albeit in the same horizontal position - for this, the woman in labor should try to take this position on her back, pulling her knees up as much as possible and tilting her face forward to her chest. Sometimes a woman can intuitively feel how she should turn or lie down. If this does not threaten the baby, the doctor will tell you how best to do this during labor.

It is very important to push correctly. The intensity of the pain and the appearance or absence of ruptures depend on this. In addition, if you push incorrectly, it can result in injury to the baby.

What not to do when pushing:

• When pushing, you should not strain your muscles, as this slows down the passage of the baby through the birth canal - if the muscle tissue is relaxed, the uterus opens much faster, and the pain is not so severe.
• Do not apply pressure to the head or rectum - only to the lower abdomen.
• It is forbidden to push with full force until the uterus opens, as this leads to ruptures of the perineum and damage to the baby.

On average, there should be two or three attempts per contraction. A woman in labor should not rush things - in any case, the baby will be born at the right time, but the mother must unquestioningly listen to the doctor’s instructions.

How to behave during childbirth and contractions in order to give birth easily and without ruptures

So, the very first stage is the actual contractions, the purpose of which is to open the cervix to allow the baby to pass through.

How to behave during contractions

This period can take from 3-4 to 12 or more hours. For women giving birth for the first time, the process can drag on for 24 hours. Typically, at first contractions occur every 15-20 minutes, gradually increasing in time. At the same time, the intervals between them are becoming shorter. A woman needs to monitor their onset, since the doctor can derive a certain birth algorithm from these calculations and help the woman in labor in a timely manner. If contractions occur every 15 minutes, it’s time to go to the hospital.

When uterine contractions are repeated every 5 minutes, this may mean the imminent expulsion of the fetus, that is, the birth of a baby. Typically, severe spasms occur in the lower abdomen, as well as in the lumbar spine. Expectant mothers should not eat at this moment - they can only drink water.

The third phase of contractions can last up to four hours or more. A woman must rest in short intervals between them. When the pain is especially severe, you can drown it out with frequent breathing.

How to push properly during childbirth to avoid tearing

Pushing is the most important and crucial moment when the baby is born. The contractions accelerate, repeating every minute, and the woman in labor begins to feel powerful pressure on the anus. At this time, a woman needs to get together and make every effort to help her child. To hold on, a woman in labor can grasp the special handrails of the table. Next, she will need to take a deep breath, hold her breath, and press her head to her chest in an elevated state.

It happens that the attempts are weak, in which case the doctor usually allows one or two contractions to be missed. At the same time, the woman should relax as much as possible and breathe frequently. Later she will be able to perform the most fruitful expulsion of the fetus.

Doctors note that during childbirth, the expectant mother should not think about voluntary urination or even bowel movements, since holding back and straining can harm both the baby and herself. We must not forget that childbirth is a difficult natural process and a huge burden on internal organs, including on bladder and intestines. Moreover, during labor, a woman has more important work to do than wasting extra energy on unnecessary thoughts and embarrassment.

After the birth of a child, it is still too early for a mother to relax, although, of course, the removal of the baby’s place is the most painless stage during childbirth. After some time, contractions begin again, but they are very weak. During the next attempt, ideally the membranes and placenta should separate. This may take varying amounts of time – from several to 30-40 minutes. It happens that the afterbirth does not come out completely, and then the doctor will have to remove its remains. If the baby's place has completely receded, a gynecologist will examine the birth canal. As a rule, this process takes place without complications.

A woman not only needs to know how to behave during childbirth and contractions - in addition, she should follow all the recommendations of the obstetrician, undergo vaginal examinations if they are necessary to determine important points birth process. Often, women in labor refuse to stimulate weak labor with drug therapy, but sometimes such a doctor’s decision is made not without reason. There are cases where appropriate medications helped a child avoid injuries and health complications in the future.

For women who just can't get rid of negative thoughts about upcoming trials, pain and ruptures, we can advise you to undergo training using special gymnastics, massage and breathing exercises to make her feel more confident. It will also help good psychologist, who can configure expectant mother on positive mood. In the end, the pain will pass, but the most precious thing in a mother’s life will remain - her beloved child.

How to breathe correctly during childbirth and labor: video

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It may happen that labor is in full swing, and the baby will be born in the near future, but you don’t have time to get to the maternity hospital. In this case, the main thing is not to panic and gather strength.

To rush or not?

First you need to determine what stage of labor you are at. If the uterus periodically tenses and then relaxes and this happens at regular intervals, then these are contractions. If the maternity hospital is 2-3 hours away, you need to go urgently. There is a chance that you will have time to get to a medical facility before the end of labor.

If you feel that the uterus is contracting after 1-2 minutes and at the same time there are sensations as if you really want to go to the toilet “in a big way,” then this is pushing. Then it’s better to stay where you are and not try to get to the maternity hospital in time.

First actions

On the road
You need to decide whether someone can help you. For example, if you are traveling on a train, bus, etc., immediately notify the driver or conductor that you are giving birth. Ask those around you if there is a doctor among them, and if not, then ask one of the passengers to help you.

At home
If you are at home alone, try to find a helper among your neighbors. And, of course, call 03 and call for an ambulance. When receiving a call, the dispatcher or ambulance doctor will be able to advise you over the phone until the doctors arrive. You can also call the maternity hospital (the telephone number of the maternity hospital is sometimes indicated on the exchange card). Its employees will be able to tell you what and how to do. If there is no helper, the main thing is not to panic, concentrate, since only you can help the baby be born.

Preparing everything you need

During the birth process you may need the following things:

• iodine or any other disinfectant solution (brilliant green, potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, vodka, cologne);
• clean diapers, sheets or shirts, T-shirts, any cotton fabric;
• threads, a piece of bandage or strips of clean cloth;
• scissors or knife, blade;
• clean water (ideally boiled);
• rubber bulb or any thin elastic tube.

If possible, the knife and threads should be boiled or immersed in an alcohol solution.

Actions during childbirth with an assistant: what to do for a woman in labor

1. Remove all clothing below the waist.
2. Take a half-sitting position, leaning your back against something hard, or lying down.
3. Try to relax and focus on the birth process.
4. When you start pushing, you need to take a deep breath, hold your breath, press your chin to your chest and push hard, directing the force to the perineum. Then you need to exhale smoothly, take a deep breath again and continue pushing. During one contraction you should push 3 times.

Actions during childbirth with an assistant: what should an assistant do?

1. Wash your hands with soap and then wipe with alcohol, iodine or other disinfectant solution.
2. Place a clean sheet or diaper under the woman in labor.
3. Treat the external genitalia, perineum and inner thighs of the woman with a disinfectant solution (this should be done from the perineum to the thighs), after moistening a piece of cotton wool or bandage in it.
4. Place your hand on the perineum as soon as the head begins to appear and move its tissue away from the fetal head (this will help avoid ruptures).
5. Manage the laboring woman's efforts: as soon as the baby's head is half born, the woman should be asked not to push, but to breathe frequently and shallowly, inhaling air through the nose and exhaling through the mouth.

After complete birth of the fetal head

1. After complete birth of the fetal head, ask the woman in labor to begin pushing again, placing her left hand underneath the baby’s head.
2. After the fetal head turns to face the woman’s right or left thigh, you need to slightly lift it up - this will allow the lower shoulder to be born, and then carefully move it down - the upper shoulder will appear, and then the entire fetus.
3. The newborn should be positioned below the woman's perineum - on the floor if the woman in labor is lying there, or on a stool if she is positioned on an armchair or sofa.
4. Use a rubber bulb or tube to suck out mucus and amniotic fluid from the baby's nose and mouth.

Umbilical cord treatment and first care of a newborn

1. Tie the newborn's umbilical cord using threads or a bandage in two places - 10 cm above the navel and stepping back another 10 cm from the first knot. Then cut the umbilical cord with scissors or a knife, lubricate the cut with iodine, alcohol or vodka and make a bandage from the bandage.
2. Wipe the baby's skin to remove amniotic fluid and lubricant using a diaper or any clean cloth, and then wrap the newborn in a clean diaper or sheet.
3. Place the newborn on the mother's chest.

How to help a woman in labor come out of labor

1. Ask the woman to push after separation of the placenta (signs of separation of the placenta are bleeding and lengthening of the umbilical cord) and gently pull the umbilical cord to remove it.
2. Place the placenta in plastic bag or wrap in a clean cloth.
3. Place an ice pack, a bottle of cold water, or any package from the freezer on the woman’s lower abdomen, wrapped in a clean cloth.
4. Wash or wipe the woman’s perineum with a clean cloth, and if there are tears, treat them with iodine or another disinfectant solution, then cover the woman in labor with a sheet or blanket.

Actions during childbirth without an assistant

Until the fetal head is fully born

1. Find a comfortable place and remove clothing from your lower body.
2. Sit in a half-sitting position, leaning your back against something hard if possible, and bend your knees.
3. Place something clean under yourself and, for ease of monitoring the birth of the baby, place a mirror in front of the perineum.
4. You need to push as described above.
5. As soon as the baby's head is born, you need to place your hands underneath the buttocks and support it.

After complete birth of the fetus

1. After the baby is born, it is necessary to gradually, slowly pull it along the pubis and place it on your stomach.
2. Wipe your newborn's nose and mouth with a clean cloth.
3. Attach the baby to the breast.
4. When a contraction occurs, push hard so that the placenta is born.
5. Tie and cut the umbilical cord as described above.
6. Wrap the child in something warm, and if there is nothing, then place him on your chest and cover him with your clothes.

After childbirth - to the maternity hospital

After the end of labor, the woman and the newborn must be taken to the maternity hospital as soon as possible. An obstetrician-gynecologist will examine the birth canal and, if any ruptures are detected, will close them. And the pediatrician will examine the newborn and properly treat the umbilical cord. After these procedures, mother and baby will be transferred to the postpartum ward and will be monitored for several days.

It is permissible to give birth outside a maternity hospital only if there is no way to get to it
no possibility. It is strongly discouraged to deliberately give birth at home.
Only in the maternity hospital will both the woman and the baby be provided with qualified medical care.
assistance and all measures were taken to avoid serious complications.

· Preparing for a partner birth

Preparation for joint childbirth can be divided into several fundamental stages:

1. Solution - a very important component, and the very first task. Each couple must weigh the pros and cons of partner childbirth and act exclusively independently, not paying attention to the opinions of outsiders and fashion trends.
2. Psychological preparation- here on help will come special literature, videos, special courses on preparing for childbirth, communication with specialists and reviews from experienced partners who went through partner childbirth together.
3. Practical aspect- a maternity hospital is not an entertainment establishment, you can’t easily get there, and you can’t get into every maternity hospital at all. To gain access, a partner must, at a minimum, obtain a certificate from the clinic confirming that he is healthy. Partner births assume that tests for HIV, hepatitis, RV, as well as general blood and urine tests, fluorography and other tests that the maternity hospital requires will be in order.

Now let's look at all this in order.

· Partner childbirth: pros and cons

Partner childbirth is serious work and real co-creation. Therefore, the decision to “give birth together” must be conscious and always mutual, especially if it concerns spouses. There is a lot of talk around joint childbirth and a lot of arguments “for” and “against”. Among them there are worthy of attention and outright myths, but one way or another this issue requires a balanced approach and serious discussion with your partner, whoever it is: husband, mother or girlfriend. You need to come to an agreement in advance, decide on the details (presence of the partner for the entire period of labor “from start to finish” or only during contractions, without going into the delivery room, participation in cutting the umbilical cord, etc.) in order to have time to consult and prepare properly.

There are circumstances in which it is better for the partner not to be present at the birth. In particular, partner childbirth has a number of weighty arguments against, for example:

1. Excessive impressionability of the partner. Many have heard stories about dads fainting right in the delivery room - and this is not always fiction. Is it worth exposing the father of your baby or your own mother, who is deeply experiencing everything that is happening, to emotional shock? When the partner is frankly unable to do this, the woman in labor is only needlessly worried, and the doctors are faced with unnecessary trouble, this is a clear argument “against” partner childbirth. If a partner birth with a friend clearly threatens to turn into meaningless “groaning” and useless running of the latter around the ward, then it is better to limit yourself to reassurance over the phone.
2. The woman in labor pays extra attention to the aesthetic aspect of the matter. Childbirth is a natural process and has nothing to do with the Oscar ceremony. If a young lady is afraid to appear to her man without makeup, sweaty, red, it is better not to embarrass her with the presence of her dad, not to distract her attention - all the woman’s forces should be directed entirely to childbirth. In this case, it is better to prefer a partner birth with a friend or mother - a person who does not provoke complexes in the woman in labor.
3. The spouses' relationship needs resuscitation. Partner childbirth, and the birth of a child itself, is not the best solution for gluing together cracks that threaten to grow into abysses. You need to understand that partner childbirth for a couple is a certain test of mutual understanding, sympathy, and complicity.

These are just the main points when partner childbirth has more “against” than “for”. In these cases, it is better to abandon the idea of ​​“giving birth together.” But, besides them, there are a lot of other, individual “contraindications”, and we are not talking about medical indications (by the way, the presence loved one not prohibited even during childbirth by caesarean section). Here the question is rather about personal relationships and the depth of mutual understanding, so each couple must decide for themselves, taking into account the specific pros and cons of giving birth together.

As for the arguments “for” partner childbirth, they are also mostly deeply emotional. In addition to specific physical assistance and psychological support from a partner for a woman in labor, there is also individual nuances in favor of joint childbirth, concerning the direct participation of the father in the birth of an heir or heiress:

1. Childbirth for a woman is not just a physical, but also a powerful psychological experience that helps reveal her feminine essence and sense of motherhood. Such an experience is no less important for the father. Psychologists have noticed that among men who were present at the birth of their babies, the activation of “paternal instincts” occurs in the first minutes of the baby’s life, and not during the first few months, as is usually the case. There is a popular opinion among psychoanalysts that cutting the umbilical cord (the honorable duty of which is often entrusted to the father during a partner birth) for a man symbolizes the final separation from the mother, the release of the child from her care. Thus, the birth of an heir marks the symbolic act of birth of the father.
2. Partner childbirth becomes a new step in relationships, and fathers begin to treat more carefully and even reverently not only towards their own wife, but also towards women in general. Among men ignoring pregnant women standing in public transport or mothers with heavy strollers, you are unlikely to find fathers who “gave birth.” In addition, at the most “inconvenient” moment, in order not to be embarrassed, you can always ask dad to go outside the door of the delivery room, for example, to send him for water. And even if dad stays, his attention from the piquant scenes will most likely be diverted by the doctors themselves: for example, they will ask him to hold the head of a woman in labor. So the man simply won’t see the unsightly bloody details.
3. The presence of a father from the first minutes of life can also make an indelible impression on a newborn. During the first half hour after birth, the baby is in a state of so-called calm alertness. As soon as the baby screams, taking his first breaths, he does not sleep, does not eat, but looks at the world and establishes contact with it. This period of wakefulness is extremely important in the formation of long-term bonds and attachments. Experts believe that this is why in families where spouses have decided to have a partner birth, there is an amazing atmosphere of love, mutual responsibility and understanding, and the bond between the child and the father is stronger.

Keep this in mind when evaluating partner childbirth, the pros and cons of the idea of ​​giving birth together.

· Joint childbirth: how can a partner help during childbirth?

Firstly, When entering the hospital, any person is unlikely to experience joy and remain calm and relaxed (no matter how good the clinic and attentive medical staff are). Therefore, the very first task of the partner during childbirth is to mitigate as much as possible the irritating influence of white coats and hospital walls. While next to the woman in labor, the partner should instill calm in her and maintain a positive attitude.

Secondly, in the maternity hospital, the partner has a very important buffer role - a link between the mother and the medical staff. It is the partner who will have to figure out all sorts of incomprehensible points, for example, whether a pregnant woman can move around during contractions, whether she needs to take anything with her to the delivery room, remind the obstetrician, place the newborn on the mother’s stomach immediately after birth, clarify when she can start first feeding, how to care for a baby, etc. The birth partner can act as a mediator for the woman in labor, ask the medical staff to explain the use of medications and procedures, inform the doctor about the start of pushing, and call for help. If necessary, act as an advocate for the interests of the mother in labor.

Third, it would be good to work on it natural pain relief techniques for childbirth with the participation of a loved one. Surely everyone knows that main principle painless childbirth is the absence of fear, which provokes tension in the muscles that need to be relaxed in order to quickly and easily “release” the baby out. When taking a course or consulting with a specialist, be sure to explore these methods, they may be especially useful.

Fourthly, the presence of a partner during childbirth is not the limit of heroism. The most “interesting” part will begin when the newly-exhausted mother with her newborn baby is transferred to the ward. Now in most maternity hospitals the baby is not taken away from the mother, as it was before. That is, the mother, after the incredible labor of labor, does not have the opportunity to fully rest and sleep, because she needs to care for the baby. And babies are often very restless - it was also hard, the child may simply be in shock from what is happening, having left the cozy mother’s tummy. Often it is at this moment that the mother needs help, even more than during childbirth. She feels dizzy, has no strength, everything hurts, tears ache, and the baby needs a diaper, then an enema, then dressed, then undressed, then rocked, then fed... That’s why we need double, family rooms, where the happy dad is, a newly minted granny or a caring friend can prove to be a real support and an indispensable assistant, providing invaluable support.

· Partner birth: advice for your partner during childbirth

If a decision has been made in favor of a partner birth, it is important to decide in advance what exactly the help of a loved one will involve.

A partner can:

1. Maintain your own calm and exude confidence that everything is going as it should. The woman in labor, feeling this, will be calm herself, since the woman in labor gives control over the situation in joint childbirth to her partner.

2. Measure the duration of contractions and the time periods between them in order to understand at what stage the labor process is. It is important to get an idea in advance of exactly how childbirth occurs.

3. Hold the woman in labor by the hand, give her water to drink, wipe away sweat, and do whatever she asks.

4. Help a woman relax her muscles with pleasant stroking, reminding her in a quiet and calm voice to relax;

5. Adjust to the breathing of the woman in labor in order to better feel her condition and, if necessary, help establish a breathing rhythm.

6. During and between contractions, do a pain-relieving massage, stroke the stomach and massage the sacral area and lower back.

7. Helping the woman get to the toilet, reminding the woman about this every hour, even if she doesn’t feel like it, is advisable to relieve herself. As a rule, pain after visiting the toilet decreases.

8. Help change positions and find a comfortable position with the help of pillows or a ball, or simply support while the woman hangs on her partner.

9. Provide psychological support and praise during childbirth. When something doesn’t work out, ask to concentrate on breathing and do it again.

10. If agreed in advance, the partner can cut the umbilical cord under the guidance of a midwife. And, of course, film the first minutes of the life of the new little man and his happy mother on video or with a camera.

· Partner childbirth: tests and necessary things and conditions for joint childbirth

Most maternity hospitals require only general analysis blood, a certificate from the clinic that he is healthy and fluorography, which, as a rule, is already in the mother’s exchange card. However, the conditions in each maternity hospital are different, so the requirements should be clarified exactly where you are going to give birth. Sometimes it is necessary to take additional tests for your partner.

Partner births, tests:

1. for HIV,
2. for hepatitis,
3. for syphilis.

The future dad (grandmother or girlfriend) will need replacement shoes and clothes:

1. cotton trousers and a clean T-shirt (or robe),
2. washable slippers.

A disposable gown, mask and cap are usually provided in the maternity hospital, but it would be better to clarify this point in advance and bring it with you if necessary. The only condition for clothing is that it is clean and light - it is not advisable to sweat in labor, but it is hot there (both literally and figuratively), and the ventilation is poor (to avoid drafts).

Naturally, doctors prefer that the partner present at the birth be well prepared, although no one will require a certificate of completion of the relevant courses.

· Partner birth, how does it happen?

First stage of labor

Normally, a woman is recommended to be active during labor—get out of bed, take comfortable positions, and walk. An upright position during this period will help speed up the labor process, promoting rapid dilatation of the cervix and the descent of the fetus, although there is no “ideal” position suitable for everyone. It is important to monitor and record the frequency and duration of contractions.

Positions of the woman in labor in the first stage of labor

It is advisable to discuss in advance with the obstetrician the possibility of a vertical position during contractions, since prolonged lying on the back can not only slow down the progress of labor, but also provoke “inferior vena cava syndrome”, worsen blood supply and adversely affect the condition of the baby. If a horizontal position seems more comfortable to a woman in labor, then it is better to lie on her side, changing sides at least once an hour. You can try sitting almost vertically, leaning back a little and leaning on your partner.

At the end of the first period of labor, contractions become stronger, longer and more frequent. Fulfillyou can start from this moment, but if they are unsuccessful, if it causes inconvenience, it is better to refuse breathing exercises. The partner can breathe loudly with the woman in labor if it helps, but you should not insist on doing them - everything is individual. Your partner can also use other techniques to help ease the pain during contractions and help you relax between them. In this case, you should follow the woman’s instructions, depending on what brings her more relief.

Techniques for pain reduction and relaxation

You need to try to relax as much as possible between contractions, although this will become increasingly difficult. It is advisable to change position more often and choose the most comfortable one. In the intervals between contractions, the partner should remind you of the need to relax, help change position, and walk with the woman in labor around the bed. A massage of the lower back helps to relax; during contractions, you can actively massage the sacrum with your fist.

Second stage of labor

In the second labor period, pushing will be added to intense contractions. You should take a position appropriate for pushing (depending on the conditions of a particular maternity hospital). The best position for pushing is considered to be a semi-sitting position, so that the weight of the fetus is involved. When pushing, you should try to control your efforts, coordinating them strictly with the midwife’s recommendations: start pushing at the doctor’s command and stop pushing if he recommends it. Partner can lead, focusing on medical instructions, support the back during pushing, help the woman in labor rest between pushes, hold her hand, help stay in the chosen position, encourage when efforts are needed, inform about the progress of labor. When the baby is born, your partner can cut the umbilical cord and hold the baby first.

After clamping the umbilical cord, the first care procedures are carried out with the newborn: his condition is assessed on the Apgar scale, he is wiped, identification tags are applied, drops are injected into the eyes to protect against infection, he is weighed, and swaddled. After this, if there is no need for additional procedures, the baby is handed over to the mother and father. Normally, a mother can start breastfeeding her baby right after giving birth. Such early attachment contributes to better uterine contractions, establishment of lactation, and rapid adaptation of the newborn baby.

Third stage of labor

After the birth of the child, the third stage of labor begins, which ends with the birth of the placenta (fetal membranes and placenta). The woman in labor may feel mild contractions, but may not even notice them. When the placenta is born, any cuts or tears, if any, will be stitched up. At this time, the partner can hold the baby, get information from the neonatologist about his condition, bring the baby to the mother for feeding, film or photograph the newborn.

Of course, childbirth does not always proceed according to the plan planned in advance, but general scheme labor gives an idea of ​​its course and allows you to plan behavior in advance, not forgetting about the possible occurrence of atypical situations, but also not expecting them.

· In what cases may joint childbirth not be permitted?

There are cases when a doctor can refuse this legal service and prohibit the participation of a father, grandmother or girlfriend in childbirth. For example, a partner may not be allowed in if the birth block is full - a matter of chance, but then even a preliminary agreement may not be valid. The reason for refusal may be the banal lack of an individual delivery room in the maternity hospital. Partner births are strictly prohibited during quarantine in the maternity hospital. And of course, even a partner’s common cold can ruin plans to give birth together.

Therefore, it is important for a woman in labor to realize that she is the main one in childbirth, that how it will go depends only on herself and her mood. Husband, mother, girlfriend, medical staff and even a midwife - they are all only mother’s assistants in such a difficult, but amazing and wonderful task of bringing a child into the world!

Yana Lagidna, especially for MyMom .