What to expect during your labor and delivery admission

Welcoming your baby into the world is an exciting and emotional experience. Knowing what to expect when you’re admitted for labor and delivery can help ease your nerves and make the process feel more manageable. Whether you're planning a natural birth, an epidural, or a cesarean section, here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to help you prepare.

Admission to the Hospital

1. When Will You Be Admitted?
You’ll typically be admitted when:

Be sure to bring your hospital bag with all your essentials for labor, delivery, and postpartum.

2. Paperwork and gown
Upon arrival, you’ll sign consent forms for admission. You’ll be given a hospital gown, but if you prefer, you can bring your own labor and delivery gown, like a labor and delivery gown with skin-to-skin access, for comfort and functionality.

3. IV or Saline Lock Placement
Most hospitals will place an IV or a saline lock, which can be used if fluids or medications are needed during labor.

4. Monitoring Baby and Contractions
Bands and monitors will be attached to your belly to assess your baby’s heartbeat and track uterine contractions. This helps ensure your baby is safe throughout labor.

Pain relief options

Labor can be intense, but there are several options to help manage discomfort:

• IV medications: Provide short-term pain relief.
• Epidural: A common option for long-lasting pain relief. The procedure involves numbing your back and placing a catheter to deliver medication. Epidurals can take away most of the pain, but you may still feel some pressure during contractions.
• Non-medicated options: Use tools like a birthing ball, birthing comb for labor pain relief, or essential oils and diffuser for natural pain management.

Tip: Discuss your pain management preferences with your doctor and bring along comfort items like essential oils or a playlist to help you stay relaxed.

Progressing through labor

1. Cervical checks
   If you have an epidural, your cervix will typically be checked every 2-4 hours to monitor progress. Without pain medication, you may let your team know when you feel the urge to push.

2. Pushing phase
   For first-time moms, pushing can take 1-5 hours. For subsequent deliveries, it’s usually much faster—around 30 minutes or less.

3. Delivery of the baby
   After your baby is born, they’re typically placed on your chest for skin-to-skin contact. The nurse will rub their back to help them cry and remove fluid from their lungs. Your support partner can cut the baby's umbilical cord. If NICU support is needed, they’ll assist immediately.

4. Delivering the placenta
   Once your baby is delivered, you’ll need to deliver the placenta. Sometimes, a small push is required. If you have tears or lacerations, your doctor will suture them, using local anesthesia if needed.

What to expect if you have a Cesarean section

If a cesarean section is planned or becomes necessary:

• Anesthesia: You’ll receive spinal anesthesia or additional medication through an epidural.
• Surgery process: After the incision, the baby is delivered quickly and handed to NICU staff. Once the baby is stable, they’ll be brought to you for skin-to-skin contact.
• Recovery: After surgery, you’ll recover for about two hours in a post-op room, where you’ll be closely monitored.

Post-delivery care

1. Skin-to-skin and breatfeeding
   After delivery, the focus is on bonding. Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding are encouraged. Be sure to have your nursing creams and supplies ready.

2. Monitoring mom and baby
   Nurses will check your uterus by gently pressing on your belly and monitor your bleeding and blood pressure. Your baby will also have assessments, many of which can be done while you hold them.

3. Moving to postpartum room
   About two hours after delivery, you’ll be moved to your postpartum room, where nurses and lactation consultants will continue to support you with breastfeeding and recovery.

Key items to bring for your labor and delivery experience

• Labor and delivery gown with skin-to-skin access: Comfortable and practical for labor and immediate bonding with your baby.
• Birthing comb for labor pain relief: A simple tool for managing contraction pain naturally.
• Nursing pillow: Provides comfort during breastfeeding and helps with positioning.
• Peri bottle: Essential for postpartum care, especially for soothing and cleaning sensitive areas.
• Lip balm and water bottle: Labor can be dehydrating, so stay hydrated and keep your lips moisturized.

Final thoughts

Labor and delivery can be unpredictable, but knowing what to expect can make the experience less daunting. Trust your healthcare team, listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Whether you’re planning a vaginal birth, considering an epidural, or preparing for a cesarean, you’ve got this! The moment you meet your baby will make it all worthwhile.