Category: Newborns

Childbirth is a process humans have experienced since the dawn of time. Due to our unique evolution, particularly the combination of our large brains and our two-legged nature (causing us to have narrow pelvises), humans have one of the most painful and difficult childbirth experiences. As such, and, of course, due to humans’ intelligent and social nature, countless methods, procedures, and rituals related to childbirth have arisen throughout history. Here is a brief history of the changing nature of childbirth in Western society, including the major developments, trends, and changes in attitude that have transpired over the years, as well as a quick glimpse into the future.

The changing role of men

Childbirth has historically been a female domain. Women would traditionally be attended only by other women during labour and birth, with fathers only permitted to enter if the mother or baby was in a life-threatening situation. Indeed, in 1522, a German doctor snuck into a delivery room dressed as a woman and was consequently sentenced to death. Due to the effective ban on male presence during the delivery process, the role of the midwife emerged. In European cities, midwives began to be formally trained in the 15^th century. However, the assistance of a midwife was a luxury typically reserved only for city-dwellers, with rural women instead being aided by female family and friends. In the 1700s, male physicians began to take on a greater role in assisting women during childbirth, but it was not until the 1950s that it became more common for fathers to be present in the delivery room.

The use of hospitals

Historically, women gave birth at home without medical assistance. Hospitalisation only became more commonplace during the Industrial Revolution due to poor and cramped living conditions making it difficult and unsafe for women to give birth in their own homes. Rates of hospitalisation gradually rose over the course of the 1800s, followed by a massive increase in the 20^th century. In the United States, for example, just 5% of women gave birth in a hospital in 1900. By 1960, this figure had risen to 96%.

Pain medication

The use of pain medication during labour was deemed controversial for many centuries. This attitude began to change in 1852 when Queen Victoria used chloroform as pain relief during her delivery. The following decades saw the development and spread of a pain relief method known as ‘twilight sleep’, which consisted of a combination of morphine and scopolamine. This cocktail had major side effects and offered relatively little pain relief. Its main result was that it often caused women to forget the delivery process entirely. Thankfully, pain medication has since progressed to be much safer and more effective.

Modern childbirth

Although we have come a long way, childbirth is still not a perfect process. Over 800 women per day die during childbirth, and various other complications can occur during delivery, which can harm the mother and baby. Although this is often due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, some cases are due to medical negligence, in which case birth injury solicitors can assist the family in making a claim.

For instance, sometimes doctors can fail to monitor the mother’s and the baby’s vital signs during delivery which can prevent them from taking the necessary action to prevent a birth injury. In other cases, the women giving birth could be needing an immediate C-section, and in not doing so, the doctors can potentially put the baby at risk of birth trauma, which can then cause lifelong disabilities to the baby, like cerebral palsy. In modern childbirth, parents who later discover that their child is suffering from cerebral palsy can talk to a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer who could help them get the right kind of funds and support with the help of the law.

The future

Medical advancements are reshaping the landscape of childbirth, offering new possibilities for parents and changing traditional practices. IVF has revolutionized fertility treatments, providing solutions for couples with infertility issues. Additionally, egg freezing services available at Informed Egg Freezing (visit their site at eggfreezing.com.au) and similar clinics also allow women to delay childbirth and preserve fertility, giving them more control over their reproductive timelines.

Further, scientific breakthroughs like stem cell research have enabled the creation of sperm, with efforts to replicate the process for eggs, providing potential solutions for both male and female fertility. The development of an artificial womb is another futuristic step that could one day eliminate the need for traditional pregnancy, enabling fetal development in a controlled, external environment. These advancements are not just transforming fertility and childbirth; they are also altering our understanding of reproductive choices and parenthood. As science continues to progress, the future of childbirth could be drastically different from what we know today.

Conclusion

Childbirth is a process that has been experienced by humans since the beginning of time. Due to our unique evolution, particularly our large brains and bipedal nature, human childbirth is one of the most painful and challenging experiences. Over time, countless methods, procedures, and rituals have emerged to manage and ease the pain and difficulties associated with childbirth. In Western society, these practices have evolved significantly, from ancient midwifery to modern medical interventions. With the advent of technologies like IVF, egg freezing, and artificial wombs, the future of childbirth holds exciting possibilities that could forever change the way we experience reproduction.

Getting ready for a set of twins can be twice as tough as nails especially if you have no prior experience. As long as you remember that no parent gets all the support they need when they need it, shopping for twins might be relatively more comfortable.

It’s newfound territory that must be tread upon lightly as you try to overcome your seemingly insurmountable fear that you would end up squishing your little one the first time you get to hold her.

Your tiny bundle of joy just seems too fragile to touch, so new parents like you need all the help you can get to ensure that you enter the realm of parenthood with the confidence and reassurance that you do know what’s best for your baby.

With these few simple tips, you’ll feel like the super parent you don’t know you already are, finally dispelling fears involving feeding, bathing, sleeping and overall nurturing.

1. Sleeping is the norm

Newborn babies can certainly sleep like a log, snoozing for as many as 16 hours on any given day. So in the first few weeks of life, do not worry when all the baby does is feed and sleep – being at a stage of rapid growth, your baby is doing exactly what needs to be done.

All you have to do is to keep your baby clean, warm, well-fed and comfy. And so you can avoid losing out on sleep, try to nap with your baby when all urgent household tasks are done.

2. Go freestyle with the soothing

Infants tend to be rather fretful at times, and there’s nothing like a fussy crying baby to frustrate a new parent. Some parents even end up crying when they are unable to soothe their child.

If your baby has been fed, is already clean and is not suffering from colic, try rocking her gently. You can use the usual rocking motion using your arms, or you may have to do some lunges and knee bends to calm your baby down.

Swaddling and holding your baby close mimics their old environment – the womb – so keep your baby warm and comfortable by ensuring her diaper is new and dry, and that she is not exposed to air drafts or anything cold.

3. Sponge baths are in vogue

It is advisable to give your newborn sponge baths only for the first two weeks or so, or until the umbilical cord dries up and falls off. This protects your baby from getting infections involving the navel area, so let that stump naturally go on its own.

Besides, your newborn would hardly ever get dirty, so there is no need to worry about giving full baths at this stage.

4. Don’t fuss about that soft spot

Since your newborn baby’s fontanel has yet to naturally close up, do handle your infant with utmost care. If your baby has a full head of hair, you may gently comb over the soft spot without worrying you’ll be hurting your infant in any way.

5. Follow your baby’s tummy alarm

You don’t need to worry about leaving your newborn hungry because you will never get a chance to miss the signs, which are usually manifested through restlessness and crying.

Infants usually need to be fed every two to three hours. The first few days after birth, though, may seem a bit irregular as you and your baby have yet to settle into a feeding rhythm.

If you need to prepare infant milk for your baby, make sure the water you use has been boiled for a minute (and no more) and allowed to slightly cool. To test if it is satisfactorily warm but not hot, sprinkle a few drops on the back of your hand or your wrist before feeding your little one.

6. Keep your house clean and sanitized at all times
Keeping a spotless home environment is crucial when bringing a newborn baby home, given their sensitive immune system. One option is taking on diligent cleaning tasks yourself, like frequently vacuuming, mopping floors, disinfecting surfaces, washing linens, and removing clutter. Alternatively, you can also take the help of professionals adept at house cleaning services who can regularly and thoroughly sanitize the home and limit exposure to allergens, dust, and germs. Whether opting for Indianapolis house cleaning help (or elsewhere), or rolling up your sleeves to handle cleaning personally, maintaining pristine household hygiene is paramount for protecting a newborn’s vulnerable health.

Moreover, a clean living space contributes to a peaceful and serene atmosphere, further supporting the baby’s sleep patterns and overall well-being. Consistent cleaning practices extend to ensuring baby essentials, including feeding equipment and toys, remain hygienic and safe for use.

In this holistic approach, a clean house transcends the obvious. It involves maintaining fresh, clean laundry to prevent skin sensitivities, ensuring pest-free rooms — think spider, ants, and Cockroach Control — to protect against potential hazards, and maintaining a dust-free environment to safeguard respiratory health.

Additionally, if you live in a suburban neighborhood where unwelcome guests, such as squirrels, raccoons, rodents, and other animals, tend to make frequent visits, you may want to consider taking some precautionary measures. These measures can include installing secure mesh screens on windows and doors to prevent these animals from entering your home. This approach can not only safeguard your living space from potential disruptions caused by wildlife but can also ensure a secure and comfortable environment for your newborn. That said, if these creatures still manage to find their way indoors, it is advisable to act promptly and seek assistance from professionals like Keller Wildlife Removal service providers or similar experts in your vicinity.

These efforts can culminate in a home environment that is not only physically clean but also safe, serene, and conducive to the well-being of your newborn. By maintaining a meticulous cleaning routine, you create a space where your baby can thrive without unnecessary exposure to allergens, germs, or potential hazards.

7. Plan your baby’s day out

Pack the right gear to ensure you are prepared for any baby-related emergencies on the day you venture out into your neighborhood.
Select infant-friendly places like a well-maintained smoke-free community park or a children’s library during a quiet hour.
Avoid overcrowded, polluted and noisy areas where you risk exposing your baby to sick people and infection.

See? With a little sage advice, first-time parenting need not be a stressful period. Infancy is but a short stage in your baby’s life, so make sure you cherish every moment.