A crash course for Dad part 2

Now that you know the basics and the baby is well on it’s way, you might have a few more questions as things start to get real.

Q: How can I help during labor?

A: The most important thing is to support your partner in any way you can, and in the way she desires.  Sometimes labor is a long process and you might be in the hospital room for quite a while.  Bring things to help pass the time; games, movies, cards, whatever it is your partner would enjoy.  You can also help time her contractions, and massage her back and shoulders to help her relax in between contractions (if she wants this).  Once pushing starts, words of encouragement are always welcome.  If you want to be involved with cutting the cord, make sure that your delivering physician knows prior to delivery.  As long as baby appears healthy, we are happy to accommodate this special moment!  But remember, don’t be a tough guy, if you feel weak or light-headed sit down.

Q: When is it time to go home from the hospital?

A: Typically, after a vaginal delivery babies are ok to go home 24-48 hours later.  If a cesarean section is required, mom might need to stay a little longer for pain control, usually 3-4 days. 

Q: Can I be involved in breast-feeding?

A: Well, obviously, some parts, no.  Some partners do not want you to be involved, but some partners love for the dad to help bring her the baby for feeding, burp and change the baby after, and then rock the baby to sleep.  If your partner is also pumping, or is bottle-feeding; you can help with feedings from bottles.

Q: What about depression?

A: It is very common for moms to feel sad or anxious after delivery.  Mild feelings of this are called postpartum blues.  Typically these only last one to two weeks.  If her symptoms are more extreme, or last longer, it could be postpartum depression, which is a more serious condition.  If you feel this is occurring, it is important to contact your OB/GYN.  Some signs include the blues getting worse, or lasting for too long, feelings of sadness that interrupt normal routine, mom cant care for herself or her baby, changes in appetite, decreased pleasure, and many other things.  The most concerning sign would be thoughts of self-harm or suicide, which while rare, is obviously very serious.  If ANY of these occur, or you are concerned as a Dad, it’s ok for you to be the one to call your OB/GYN’s office!

Q: Last, when can we have sex again?

A: In general we recommend no intercourse for 6 weeks after delivery….sorry

A Crash Course for Dad During Pregnancy

Women often prepare for pregnancy by reading literature, researching, and discussing with their friends before, during, and after the pregnancy.  Men, on the other hand, usually walk into a first pregnancy as clueless as T.J Watt at a dance recital.  To help, I’ve put together some common questions I often get from dads to help you understand more about your wife/significant other’s pregnancy.

Q: How can I help?

A: The first and most important thing I tell Dad is to be supportive!  Several reliable scientific studies prove that women who have a supportive partner have lower rates of preterm delivery and growth problems in babies.  There are many ways to be supportive.  Start by asking your loved one how you can help, and then follow through.

Q: How do you figure out a due date?

A: This is based on the women’s last menstrual period, or an early ultrasound exam.  Remember, a normal pregnancy is approximately 40 weeks after the first day of a women’s last menstrual period.

Q: What’s going on in the first trimester?

A: Most women will need much more rest than usual, so don’t be surprised by all the additional naps and early bed times.  Many women will unfortunately experience intense nausea and vomiting, at all times, not just in the morning, although, some women don’t experience any sickness.  Mood swings are also very common, and not just for future moms, but future dads too!

Q: What about the second trimester?

A: This is when most women feel the best during their pregnancy.  Most women will start to “show” around this time, will have increased energy, and usually the nausea and vomiting will subside.  Around 20 weeks (plus or minus a few), many women will start to feel the baby move as well, which can be a very exciting time!  Sorry dad, typically you can feel it much later than she does.

Q: And the third trimester?

A: Well get ready dad, this is usually when the future mom is the most uncomfortable.  Difficulty with sleeping and walking is very common.  Anxiety and nerves start to set in, although so does a new level of excitement.  All of these changes in emotions are perfectly normal!

Q: The most important question; can I have sex during pregnancy?

A: In short, yes.  There are some conditions that your OB/GYN will recommend it is unsafe to have intercourse, so if you are unsure, ASK.  But, generally speaking, sex is totally safe.  However, you will often have to try new positions as your partner’s belly gets bigger, and at times, it may be uncomfortable for your partner.

Q: How can you prepare for labor?

A: First, plan your hospital route: where is it located and how will you get there.  Take a tour if you can.  Get as familiar as possible with the hospital you will be going to.  Secondly, make sure you have a rear facing car seat installed.  Your baby can't leave the hospital without one.  I recommend visiting www.safecar.gov, as it has many tips on picking and installing a car seat.

And remember dads- you can ask questions at appointments too.  As always, it is encouraged that you discuss any concerns you have with your physician. 

Stay tuned for part 2 of a crash course!

-Brian Welsh

Anesthesia with vaginal delivery of a baby

Whether or not to use pain control during a vaginal delivery is a very personal decision.  At Swiss OB/GYN, we encourage all of our patients to explore their options for pain control and chose what is best for them.  Overall there are four broad categories for pain control.

First there is no pain medicine.  Many patients today are choosing to deliver without the assistance of any anesthesia, which is a completely acceptable option. 

Second, there is the option of IV pain medications.  There are several options that a physician may choose from which have been proven to cause some pain relief with delivery.  That being said, a Cochrane review, (a large think tank that reviews all research), found that the overall pain relief was poor, and that rates of nausea and vomiting were increased.  In my practice, I do not give IV pain medications to individuals with advanced cervical dilation.  The reasoning behind this is that these classes of medications can decrease respiratory drive.  Mom can easily overcome this; however, if baby is born with the medication still in his/her system, it can provide a confusing picture to the infants caregiver. 

The third option for pain control is Nitrous Oxide.  This is an inhaled gas and it is available at Baylor University Medical Center.  You have probably heard it called laughing gas, and potentially could have used it while at the dentist.  In a Cochrane review, Nitrous Oxide was found to work better than nothing for pain relief.  The most common side effects were nausea and vomiting, as well as feeling either dizzy or drowsy. 

Finally, there is the option for an epidural.  There is a qualified Anesthesiologist at the hospital that would be placing your epidural.  Currently over 60% of all women giving birth in the United States use an epidural as their choice for pain control.  It is important to be aware, that to date, there is no evidence that has ever shown an epidural leading to an increased risk of a cesarean delivery. 

Your choice of pain control is exactly that- YOURS.  As your physicians, we simply desire for you to be educated on the matter, and make the choice that is best suited for you and your growing family.

Please ask your physician regarding any questions about your pain control options or for more details on any of the above! 

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