With a new baby on the way, all mom and dad can think about is the big day – Labour Day! There can never be a formula for the perfect birth, but LUYANDA SIBISI has compiled a glossary of terminology to prepare parents for what they might hear on the day of the big event!
Being surrounded by hospital staff in the labour ward can be intimidating for both moms and dads, and when official medical jargon starts being hurtled back and forth between distracted staff members, it is easy to understand why dad might feel a little out of his depth, as mom looks to him to ease her pain and uncertainty. M&P has compiled some basic terminology that will help parents focus more on the happenings in the labour ward and less on the actual jargon that floats about.
A – APGAR
The check done in the first five minutes after birth to assess the health of a newborn.
A – ASSISTED DELIVERY
This is when the doctor helps the baby out with a pair of forceps. This is quite common and usually happens at the end of the delivery. The forceps are sometimes paired with suction to the baby’s head. Mother’s should not feel as though she has not received a natural birth just because she has received assistance with the use of forceps and suction. Sometimes mom and baby need an extra hand to make it through the delivery.
B – BARE DOWN
To bare down is that big moment mom has been waiting for! It is the sudden urge to push the baby out. With guidance from your caregiver, the baby is well on his/her way to entering the world! Brace yourself.
B – BIRTHING CANAL
The birthing canal is the passageway or space provided for the baby to pass through during birth. The baby passes out of the uterus through the cervix, moves down the birthing canal and out the vagina, which opens to accommodate the baby.
B – BREECH POSITION
The abnormal position of the foetus, where the buttocks or legs are positioned to come out of the birth canal first.
C – CAESAREAN SECTION
This story is from the April 2019 edition of Mamas&Papas.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2019 edition of Mamas&Papas.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
10 Bad Driving Habits
When you have to spend so much of the day in your car, you’re bound to develop a few less-than-perfect driving habits.
Dealing With Mouth Injuries
Few children make it through their childhood without a split lip or cut tongue. Although most mouth injuries aren’t severe, it’s always best to be prepared to treat them.
9 Early Signs You Have A ‘Passenger On Board'
Some women just know they are pregnant before any tests can confirm it, while other women are months into pregnancy without even noticing. Loren Stow reveals early signs that you may be in the family way.
Exercise
TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY
The Road To Safety
All parents want their little ones to be secure; Katherine Swift explores car safety as you transport your most precious cargo around
Homework Headquarters
Encourage a positive attitude to homework by creating a designated homework area for your child
Activley Breaching The Fatherhood Gap
What does it mean to be a father? Fumani Shilubana looks at what it means to be a father, and ways one can be more involved in their child’s life
Homework Can It Be Done?
Assisting your child complete their homework tasks on time can be frustrating
Mommy Emergency
Do you know when to call the doctor or when to rush to the ER? LOREN STOW has the right advice for moms who need a little reassurance
From Pregnancy To Back-To-School Blues
Whether it is for managing morning sickness or treating lice, GOGO has a few remedies in her cupboard that will help stressed out moms !
