CHAPTER 4
Part 1: The Birth Experience
The 3 Stages of Childbirth
A GOOD SOURCE FOR CHILDBIRTH
VIDEOS, IF YOU ARE SO INCLINED:

https://www.babycenter.com/video
I recommend this one of you are a bit squeamish:

https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/your-body/live-birthepidural-no-nudity_20000266
THE APGAR SCALE
THE APGAR SCALE
►
7-10: Good
► 4-6: Baby needs assistance
► 0-3: Baby in serious distress requiring immediate medical
intervention
Brazelton’s Neonatal Behavioral Assesment Scale (NBAS)
evaluates a baby’s
-- reflexes
-- muscle tone
-- state changes
-- responsiveness to physical and social stimuli
Approaches to childbirth
► Western culture
◊ Before late 1800s  home births
◊ Post industrial revolution-> hospital births
◊ 1950s and 60s: Natural childbirth movement
◊ Currently  Birthing centers, and increase in home births
Elements of natural childbirth
► Classes
► Relaxation and breathing techniques
► Labor coach
Other natural childbirth practices
► Doula: Trained lay attendant who provides social suport
► Delivery positions:
◊ upright: shortens labor, reduces complications
◊ waterbirth: relaxes mother, shortens labor,
reduces complications
► Home births: Less than 1% of US births currently
Anoxia & Hypoxia
Anoxia:
Hypoxia:
lack of oxygen
inadequate oxygen
► Oxygen deprivation at birth
► Can lead to
◊ Brain damage
◊ Cognitive impairment
◊ Cerebral palsy
► Causes include
◊ Pressure on umbilical cord
◊ Placental issues
◊ Lack of independent breathing after birth
Cesarean sections
► Account for 37% of births in US
◊ Warranted in medical emergencies
-- Rh incompatibility
-- Placental rupture or premature separation
-- Infection
-- Baby in breech position
◊ Number of C-sections rising, and often unwarranted
END OF PART ONE . . .