Childbirth
Childbirth is the only blind date where you know for sure that you will meet the love of your life.
Preparation is key
Be ready for it
To prepare yourself for childbirth is important. You can prepare by making a birth plan and by attending a course about giving birth. During our regular check ups we talk about what you can expect and what your wishes are. This will help you and your partner to relax en trust the birthing process. Childbirth consists of several phases. Read more about the course of childbirth below.
When to call us?
We will inform you about when to call us. If you are unsecure about what to do or if you need us, always call us! We are available day and night.
The birth begins
The ‘latent phase’
On your due date, you are exactly 40 weeks pregnant. Although you’ve probably counted down untill this day, chances are you’ll have to wait a little longer before your labor starts. Only 4% of women give birth on their due date. If you and your baby’s checkups are good, it’s perfectly safe to wait until 42 weeks.
In most cases, labor begins with contractions. Often these contractions start irregularly and do not last very long. In this first stage of labour, the cervix ripens and opens slowly (0-3 cm). This phase of labor can take a long time and is often not very painful. Find distraction, take a nice shower or try to get some sleep in between.
When the water breaks
About 10% of deliveries start with the rupture of the membranes. Amniotic fluid is clear but may contain white flakes (skin sebum). Usually, contractions begin within 24 hours of your water breaking.
The contractions become stronger
The ‘active phase’
From 3-4 centimeters of dilatation the body goes into the active phase. During this period of labour, the contractions will last longer and become more powerful. The contractions come every 3-5 minutes and last 60-90 seconds. These contractions cause your uterus to open further and further, until it reaches 10 cm and your baby can fit through.
During the last part of the dilation, the contractions are the strongest. Your body is getting ready to push your little one out. During the active phase, your midwife will monitor the progress. One way to do this is this by timing the contractions.
How does a contraction feel?
Contractions feel like a cramp through your belly or back that comes up like a wave, peaks, and then fades again. Some women also feel the contractions in their legs.
The pushing stage
The ‘expulsion phase’
The end is near! The cervix is completely open and at the peak of the contraction you feel an urge to push. This is an urge you can’t stop.
Is this your first child? Then this phase lasts about an hour.
When the baby is almost there, you will feel the ‘ring of fire’ as the head of your baby is slowly born. A warm washcloth on your perineum or sitting in a warm bath can alleviate the pain. Your baby is born with the last push. The midwife hands you your baby and you can hold him or her close to your chest. Skin on skin. This way your child does not cool down and the newly parents can take a good first look at their child!
Take a breath
Your body allows you a short break between each contraction. This break is long enough to catch your breath and have renewed energy for the next contraction.
The placenta
The ‘afterbirth’
When your baby is born, labor is not quite over yet. The placenta will also be born. After a few minutes your midwife will ask you to push again. Most placentas are born spontaneously within 20 minutes. The midwife will check if your uterus is contracting properly and whether you are not losing too much blood. If the baby’s heartbeat can no longer be felt in the umbilical cord, it can be cut. If the placenta, membranes and umbilical cord are complete, the midwife will do an examination to determine if you need stitches. Fortunately, during all this, you already have your baby close to your chest. After your delivery, your maternity period begins.
Breastfeeding helps
If you want to breastfeed, you can breastfeed your baby right away. This is a natural way to help your uterus to contract and in preventing further bleeding.
Where do you want to give birth? At home or in the hospital?
If you have had an uncomplicated pregnancy, you can choose where you want to give birth. At home or in the hospital. In the Netherlands, these options are equally safe. During your pregnancy, you can discuss your preferences with your midwife. The most important thing is that you choose the place where you feel most comfortable and relaxed. Some women feel most comfortable at home and others feel more comfortable in the hospital.
You may be advised to give birth in a hospital for medical reasons. This can become clear during pregnancy, but it also happens that we advise you to go to the hospital during the delivery. In that case we always accompany you to the hospital.
Sometimes it is not possible to give birth vaginally, or is it advised to opt for a caesarean section. The gynecologist will then deliver your baby through abdominal surgery. When you are discharched from the hospital we will come and visit you at home.
Waterbirth
Giving birth in water has a lot of benefits. The warm water helps you to relax and thus helps you cope with the contractions. You can easily choose a comfortable position in the bath. Giving birth in water is a pleasant transition for the baby from the warm and safe uterus to the new outside world. We are very experienced in bath deliveries. We gladly tell you more about the possibilities during the check ups. If you want to know more, feel free to call us!
