the9months

Planning for the first moments of your baby’s life

Before your baby is born, talk to your doctor or midwife about what will happen right after the birth of your new baby. In uncomplicated births and cesarean sections, it is usually possible and helpful for new parents to spend a quiet hour or more holding and getting to know their new baby. If a mother can hold her newborn skin-to-skin during this period, on her chest with a light blanket over both mother and baby for warmth, research suggests that the benefits are even greater. (more…)

Backaches and heartburn

What a pain! Backaches and heartburn are at the top of the list of late pregnancy discomforts for most women. As your baby and your uterus grow, the increased curve of your spine and weight centered in your abdomen put stress on your lower back, although a recent study suggests that women’s spines have evolved to support the weight of the fetus. Good posture-standing as straight as possible and keeping your chin level-may keep you more comfortable. (more…)

Braxton-Hicks contractions

You may have felt an occasional squeezing or tightening across your abdomen in the last few weeks. As you enter your third trimester, this feeling, called a Braxton-Hicks contraction, may get stronger and more frequent. As you near the end of your pregnancy, you may wonder how you can tell the difference between a Braxton-Hicks contraction and a true labor contraction.

* The uterus is a large muscle, and a Braxton-Hicks contraction is an irregular, involuntary flexing of that muscle-a gentle workout to prepare it for the hard work of labor. Usually, women feel them begin near the pubic bone and move up toward the top of the uterus.
* True contractions that kick off labor tend to be felt much lower and deeper. (more…)

Care for premature infants

If your baby is born between now and 37 weeks, he will be considered premature, yet able to survive outside your womb. The care of premature infants has made great advances in recent years. Many babies born early are thriving, growing, and developing normally. If your baby is born prematurely, it is important for you, the parents, to share in his care as much as possible. As your baby grows stronger, you will be able to touch and gently massage him, hold him, and even give him your breastmilk-all important ways of helping and bonding with your new baby.
(more…)

Finding a childbirth class

Have you signed up for a childbirth class yet? A once-a-week class will teach you and your partner what to expect through the end of your pregnancy, how to be more comfortable during labor, and how your partner or labor companion can best support you. Some classes also cover baby care, breastfeeding, and infant CPR. Parents usually say that they learn a lot in their childbirth classes and make lasting friendships with other new parents. (more…)