Honestly, after 7 1/2 months, I'm scared to stop nursing, because it seems like the bottles or making a bottle during the night would be such a hassle!! Sounds funny, but, prop the baby on to nurse, relax, feed her and you're done! Mommy and baby are both happy!
Courtney Crowley Morrill
Breastfeeding Mother
It’s important you feel comfortable with the hospital staff, and that they support your decision to breastfeed. Remember, you have a choice about your healthcare providers.
In order to make the best choices for you, learn as much as you can about the birth process and your options. Know the rules, and know your rights. The more you plan ahead of time, the better prepared you’ll be able to take care of yourself and your baby.
In order to make the best choices for you, learn as much as you can about the birth process and your options. Know the rules, and know your rights. The more you plan ahead of time, the better prepared you’ll be able to take care of yourself and your baby.
Labor is a huge physical process, unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Many moms feel more comfortable if they know the steps of labor and delivery. Get more detailed information about the stages of labor and what to expect.
Babies are rarely born on their due dates. In the weeks before your due date, you’ll want to watch your body for signs of labor. At your weekly appointment, you can ask if your body is showing signs of labor. Read More
You might ask:
- Is my cervix dilated? (A measure of how open your cervix is.)
- Is my cervix effaced? (Effaced means thinned)
- Is my baby head down?
- What position is my baby in?
- Has my baby dropped?
- How far apart are my contractions?
- How many centimeters is my cervix dilated?
- How fast is my labor progressing?
- Has my water broken?
- How can I manage my pain and be more comfortable?
While no one has control over their labor, it’s helpful to plan ahead for how you would handle certain situations. Think about how you would like your baby’s birth to happen. Talk with your partner and your doctor well before the big day, and be sure you are clear on your wishes.
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You should decide:
- Do you want to have your baby in a hospital or a birthing center?
- Will you have a birth coach or birth partner?
- Who do you want in the room with you while you labor?
- Who do you want in the room for delivery?
- What techniques will you use to manage labor pain?
- Do you want to have pain relief (such as an epidural) during labor?
- What if you have to have a Caesarean section (c-section)?
- Do you plan to breastfeed right after your baby is born?
- If your baby is a boy, do you plan to have him circumcised?
Every hospital and doctor have different rules for what a woman can do during labor and delivery. It’s a good idea to schedule a tour of your hospital well ahead of your due date. That way, when you go into labor, you’ll know where to go and what to expect. Read More
- When should I plan to come to the hospital?
- When will you (the doctor) come to the hospital?
- May I eat or drink during labor?
- Do I have to lay down during labor?
- May I stand up, walk around, or sit on a birthing ball?
- How will I be monitored during labor? Is there a wireless monitor I can wear so I won’t be tied down?
- Can I labor in the shower?
- How many doctors and nurses will be in the room for my delivery?
- Are there any tests or procedures that happen to my baby after he or she is born?
- How long will my baby and I stay in the hospital after the birth?
- Can I pre-register and fill out all the paperwork ahead of time (so I don’t have to do it while I am in labor)?
- Will I have my own room for labor and/or after the birth?
- Is there a tub or whirlpool I may use during labor?
- May I bring music to play during my labor?
- How many guests may I have in my room during labor?
- Can someone take pictures or video during my labor?
- How does this hospital support exclusive breastfeeding?
- Does this hospital encourage mothers to breastfeed immediately after birth?
- Can my baby stay in my room after the birth?
- Are children allowed to visit the maternity ward?
Remember, it’s your baby and your birth experience. Don’t be afraid to speak up to let people know what you want and don’t want during and after labor. If you are feeling shy or unable to talk, have your partner do the talking.
Be sure to fill out your breastfeeding plan. Do it now, and put it in your bag or suitcase so you will have it with you at the hospital
If you can, try to find a hospital or birthing center that is a Texas Ten Step facility. Texas Ten Step facilities require breastfeeding training for all their staff and encourage policies that ensure breastfeeding support.
