Every birth is different, but they follow a general process:
What are the symptoms of normal delivery?
There are certain things you may notice before you go into labor.
Lightening
​Lightening is the term used when the baby drops down to your pelvis. This can happen just weeks or even hours before labor starts.
Mucus Plug Passed
As the cervix widens to prepare for delivery, the mucus plug is passed. This is a clear or pink discharge that you may notice a week or two before labor begins. Depending on the amount of discharge you’ve been experiencing, you may not notice the passing of the mucus plug.
Contractions
​When your abdomen gets very hard then relaxes, you may be having a contraction. Once they start to come at regular ten to fifteen-minute intervals, you should call your obstetrician or go to a registered hospital
Water Breaks
When your water breaks, if it breaks, it may come slowly or all at once. If your water breaks, make a note of the fluid color and odor, then immediately visit the hospital.
What is the process of normal delivery?
A specially trained nurse, along with the obstetrician or nurse-midwife, will manage your care throughout the labor process.
Pain Management
Different variety of pain control methods to help you stay as comfortable as possible during the labor process.
Options
- Walking
- Birthing bar
- Squat bar
- Massage
- Changing positions
- Music therapy
- Slow dancing
- Pain medication
- Epidural anesthesia
- Natural birth with epidural anesthesia
Your birth partner(s) are encouraged to be active participants in the labor process and throughout hospitalization.
Birth
Our goal in family-centered care is for you to be surrounded by your chosen support team.
During vaginal birth, this may include your baby’s father and two additional support people to share in the birth process.
Post Birth
Once your baby is here, our goal is not to separate you and your baby unless medically indicated.
The nurses will assist you with bonding, feeding, and Baby Care, as well as your own healthcare needs and recovery.
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