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Learn the stages of labor, the importance of proper dilation, the type of physiological responses the mother will have to labor, the possible presentation positions of the baby, and what to expect during and immediately following delivery of the baby. Childbirth books and online resources are the best way to learn about this. Stage 1: Stage 1 consists of early labor and active labor. Early labor can last from hours to days, and for most women, it's not particularly uncomfortable. During active labor, however, contractions become stronger. On average, active labor lasts 4-8 hours or more. Stage 2: Stage 2 is the actual birth of the baby! It can last from a few minutes up to a few hours. Stage 3: Once the baby has been delivered, stage 3 is the delivery of the placenta. It usually lasts between 5 and 30 minutes. If you are going to effectively communicate with medical staff and serve as an intelligent representative and advocate for the mother, it is your job to understand when and why medication or medical intervention may be necessary. Some common labor and birth complications include: Stalled labor: In some instances, labor stops progressing contractions weaken, the infant does not proceed through the birth canal, or the cervix doesn't fully dilate. In these instances, the woman may need medications to induce labor or a cesarean delivery. Perineal tears: Tears in the vaginal and surrounding tissues are common during childbirth. A health care provider can easily repair these tears with stitches. Abnormal heart rate of the baby: If the infant's heart rate is abnormal during birth, the health care provider will typically ask the woman to shift positions to increase blood flow to the baby. Your role will vary considerably depending on where the baby will be delivered. If you will be advocating for the mother in a formal hospital setting, your advocacy will primarily involve interacting with medical staff and supporting the mother's decisions before, during, and after the birth. If you will be in a birthing center or midwifery clinic, your role may involve more advocacy for the mother's comfort or explaining her preferences for medication and intervention should the occasion arise. If you will be a birth advocate at a home or private birth, your role may involve communication with a birth attendant or simply serving as a coach to offer support and encouragement. Research class offerings at local community centers or hospitals online. Attending classes on the Lamaze childbirth method, childbirth advocacy courses, prenatal yoga classes will, to varying degrees, help you learn about breathing techniques, the process of labor and delivery, what to pack for the labor and delivery process, how best to physically and emotionally support the mother and what type of birthing experience the mother wants. If you find a class that the mother is interested in taking, do research on the instructor to make sure that they're qualified. Then, try to sign up for it as early as possible, because classes often fill up quickly.
Study the biology of childbirth. Learn about medical interventions and potential complications. Read about childbirth in the chosen setting. Attend a childbirth preparation class with the mother.