Q & A – Birthing
Q. What should I do if my water breaks and I don’t feel contractions?
A. Most doctors and midwives want to be alerted right away. A lot depends on the policy of the doctor, midwife, and hospital. In our office our response is WAIT. We believe it is a time for joy, not a time for panic. It’s wonderful if your water breaks. It’s a good sign that within the next two days you will be having a baby. It’s a great time to do the last minute things you’ve wanted to get done. Bake a cake, clean out a closet, get a manicure, bond with your other children or have one last romantic meal and movie with your mate. Be excited that you have been given a warning and try not to be nervous! There are a few rules we like you to follow:
- Put a white cloth or wash cloth in your underwear. It is important to monitor the colors that are coming out of you. The color you want is clear. You must contact your care provider immediately if the color is green or dark brown.
- Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated. At least 8-10 glasses in a 24 hr. period.
- No Jacuzzis, do not be intimate with your mate and I’d stay away from public bathrooms.
- It is suggested that the woman takes her temperature occasionally throughout the day to keep an eye open for infection.
Relax and have fun. These are the last few hours you have before you are totally consumed by a new baby. And remember: A watched pot never boils. Forget the clock — just enjoy the day.
Q. What do I need to do in order to prepare my nipples for breastfeeding? I don’t want to have cracks!
A. The breasts were created to breastfeed on. There is absolutely no preparation that is needed. If a baby is latched onto the breast properly there should not be any pain during breastfeeding. Nipples do not need to be toughened up. The nipples need to stay soft and supple. Babies breastfeed directly on the breast, not on the nipple. So, if the baby is on the breast and not on the nipple there should be no nipple pain.