What to expect during labor and delivery

Eight frequently asked questions and answers expecting parents should know

In an article posted earlier this week, we told you our recommendations on what to pack – and not pack – when it’s time to deliver your new bundle of joy.

Our team at the Telfair BirthPlace is also here to help expecting mothers be prepared for the entire childbirth experience. We understand your pregnancy and baby’s birth is personal to you.

“The most important thing is to do what’s right for you,” says LaCameo Miller, Telfair BirthPlace nurse and educator.

That’s why we recommend moms have a birth plan. A birth plan is a way to communicate your wishes to the nurses and doctors who care for you during labor. It can include who you want to be present during labor, pain relief methods and much more. Have your birth plan in place well before your due date and be sure to bring it with you when it’s time to deliver.

To help you with your birth plan while preparing for your child’s birth, here are eight frequently asked questions and answers expecting parents should be aware of:

1. When do I know it’s time to come to the hospital?
   Once you have any signs that labor may be beginning – your water breaking or mild contractions – you should immediately call your doctor. Your obstetrician can help determine when to come to the hospital. Some doctors may recommend coming to the hospital when contractions are 30 seconds or longer and about five minutes apart, but others may want you to come in earlier than that.
   
   
2. What can I bring with me?

   You will be provided a list of recommend items to bring with you. (You can print a list of many of those suggestions here.) Our goal is to make the experience as comfortable as possible and that includes creating a home-like environment for you in our patient rooms. Some suggested items you may want to bring include a favorite pillow, lavender infusers or a comfortable blanket.
   
   

3. How many guests may I have?
   You can have a support person and two visitors with you during labor and birth. One support person can be with you during a C-section. We recommend deciding beforehand how many and who will be in the room with you during labor. The number of guests once you are moved to recovery also is up to you. Visiting hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and no one under 18 is permitted outside of visiting hours.  
   
   
4. Can I eat during labor?
   We recommend sticking to a liquid diet during labor, which could include water, popsicles, ice chips, soda, tea and fruit juice. Miller also recommends bringing some lollipops with you. You will be given an IV for fluid to help prevent dehydration during labor. The IV also is used to administer pain medication and antibiotics. Miller also says to keep your support person in mind when packing snacks.
   
   
5. How long will I be in labor?
   There’s no clear-cut answer to this question because every birth experience differs. For some, labor is quick, and for others, it can last hours. You can expect to go through three stages of labor: early labor, active labor and birth. The length of each stage varies from woman to woman.
• Early Labor: Your cervix begins to dilate, and you’ll feel mild, irregular contractions.
• Active Labor: Your cervix will dilate from six to 10 centimeters, and your contractions will become stronger, closer together and regular.
• Transition: It’s time to deliver your baby, and it can take from a few minutes up to a few hours or more to push your baby into the world.     
6. When may I have an epidural?
   Your birth plan should include information on pain management including whether or not you elect to receive an epidural. The timing of the epidural is up to you and your doctor. Most obstetricians want you to be in active labor before starting an epidural. We’d also like to point out that at the Telfair BirthPlace we have dedicated anesthesiologists just for moms in delivery.
   
   
7. What is skin to skin?
   As long as you and your baby have a healthy delivery, then following the birth of your baby, he or she will be placed on your bare chest wearing only a diaper. Skin to skin contact helps regulate baby’s blood sugar, vital signs and temperature and makes the baby more willing to eat. We recommend skin to skin contact for all moms, whether they are breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
   
   
8. Will my baby stay in my room after delivery?
   Yes. As long as your baby is healthy, your baby will go to your room and the same nurse will care for both of you. Our relaxing, home-like rooms are tastefully decorated and equipped with the most sophisticated medical equipment available. If your baby is born prematurely or with any kind of concern, he or she will stay in our Level II Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit, which has 24/7 neonatologists and nurses on staff.  

Related Article: Why mom and baby stay together following birth 

The above information are some great tidbits to help you get started; however, there’s still more to know when it comes to delivering your bundle of joy. Check out this article. 

You may also want to consider attending our Tea & Tour, breastfeeding class and Prepared Childbirth class. All of these information sessions are led by a certified labor and delivery registered nurse. These tours and classes help prepare expectant parents for their labor and delivery experience. See upcoming dates and sign up here. 

Finally, we want you to know that it’s OK if you don’t know everything, especially if you are a new mom. Everyone’s birthing experience is different. If you have any questions during your stay, please ask.

“Don’t feel like you can’t ask a question just because you feel like you should know the answer,” Miller says. “If you don’t know, you don’t know, and that’s OK. Ask us. We want to make sure you are educated and comfortable. ”