The Simple Guide to Having a Baby (2016): What You Need to Know

by Parent Trust for Washington Children

Overview

The simple way to learn about pregnancy, giving birth, and caring for your baby.

This accessible, easy-to-read guide is a simplified version of the best-selling “Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn” for expectant parents who want only the most important, need-to-know, how-to information. The book tells readers: how to stay healthy during pregnancy, how to handle labor pain and birth, and how to care for a new baby. Using clear and simple language, it includes:

• Advice on what to do and what not to do during pregnancy

• Descriptions of easy exercises to help you stay healthy and feel better

• Information on what to expect during labor and birth

• Ways to deal with childbirth pain

• Helpful hints on breastfeeding and being a parent

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781501112713
Publisher:	Grand Central Publishing
Publication date:	09/20/2016
Series:	N/A Series
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Janet Whalley, a registered nurse and lactation consultant (IBCLC), has been a childbirth educator since 1975.

Penny Simkin, a physical therapist, has been a childbirth educator and doula since 1968. She trains childbirth educators, doulas, and doula trainers and frequently conducts workshops for doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.

Ann Keppler, a registered nurse and lactation consultant (IBCLC), has taught childbirth classes and new-parent classes since 1975.

Janelle Durham, a social worker, has worked with new parents since 1993. She is a birth doula, childbirth educator, and lactation educator.

Table of Contents

Introduction ix

Chapter 1 Preparing for Pregnancy 1

Note to Future Fathers and Co-parents 2

Are You Ready for a Baby? Questions to Explore 2

Get Fit and Healthy 4

Get Emotionally Ready 8

Fertility Issues 9

Conclusion 9

Chapter 2 Now That You're Pregnant 11

Becoming Pregnant 12

When Will Your Baby Be Born? 13

What Happens during Pregnancy? 14

Note to Fathers and Partners 19

Special Concerns You May Have 21

Chapter 3 Health Care during Pregnancy 25

Prenatal Care 26

Note to Fathers and Partners 29

When Should You Call Your Doctor or Midwife? 29

Possible Pregnancy Problems 30

Chapter 4 Staying Healthy during Pregnancy 35

Note to Fathers and Partners 36

Eat Well during Pregnancy 36

Exercise to Stay Healthy 40

Have a Healthy Lifestyle 42

Avoid Harmful Substances 44

Manage Common Pregnancy Discomforts 47

Chapter 5 Preparing for Birth 51

What Choices Do You Have? 52

Choosing Your Childbirth Classes 52

Planning Your Baby's Birth 53

Taking a Tour of Your Hospital or Birth Center 56

Note to Fathers and Partners 56

Packing Your Bag for the Hospital or Birth Center 57

Birth Plan 58

Chapter 6 Having Your Baby: Labor and Birth 61

Late Pregnancy: How Labor Begins 62

Stages of Labor 62

How Do You Know You're in Labor? 64

Getting through the First Stage of Labor 67

Birth of the Baby: Second Stage of Labor 74

Delivery of the Placenta: Third Stage of Labor 76

The First Hours after Birth 76

Note to Fathers and Partners 77

Chapter 7 What about Pain during Labor? 79

What Causes Labor Pain? 80

Note to Fathers and Partners 80

Skills for Coping with Childbirth Pain 81

Ways to Cope with Back Pain and Slow Labor 91

Thinking about Pain Medication 93

Pain Medicines Used during Childbirth 94

Ways to Reduce the Amount of Pain Medicine Used 97

Chapter 8 Challenging Labors and Cesarean Birth 99

Starting Labor 100

Short, Fast Labor 102

Long, Slow Labor 104

Cesarean Birth 107

Note to Fathers and Partners 113

Conclusion 113

Chapter 9 Home with Your New Baby 115

Going Home 116

Caring for Yourself 117

Help and Support 122

Staying Healthy after the Birth 123

Your Feelings and Emotions 126

Family Planning and Sex after the Birth 128

Having a Baby Changes Your Life 129

Note to Fathers and Partners 131

Chapter 10 Feeding Your Baby 133

When to Feed Your Baby 134

Breastfeeding 137

Note to Fathers and Partners 145

Pumping and Storing Breast Milk 145

Using a Bottle 147

Formula Feeding 149

Conclusion 149

Chapter 11 Caring for Your Baby 151

Learning about Your Baby 152

Your Baby's Daily Care 156

How to Comfort Your Crying Baby 161

Your Baby's Steep 163

Keeping Your Baby Healthy and Safe 165

Your Baby's Growth and Development 170

Note to Fathers and Partners 171

A Note to Families Having Another Baby 172

Resources 175

Glossary 181

Index 190

Road Map of Labor 196