Dawn Pirrie

Preventing morning sickness, If you have found out that you are pregnant, you may have at least one concern associated with your pregnancy. That concern may be morning sickness or nausea.

One aspect of pregnancy that is far from enjoyable dreaded morning sickness. While there are so many aspects of being pregnant that absolutely are wonderful, having morning sickness is not on that list.

Some time in the first 24 hours after her birth, your baby will get a thorough medical check. This should be done in front of both of you so that the doctor can not only assure herself that all is well but demonstrate and explain that it is. If you are not able to go to the nursery, the examination should be done at your bedside.

Newborn babies don't need much food in the first three or four days of life. Breast-fed babies get minute quantities of creamy colostrum. Some bottle-fed babies are given sugar-water first in hospital; others are given formula from day one

Understand your child

Almost every mother can make, and almost every baby can take, breast milk. "Almost" is accurate but still leaves a few who cannot. If your baby cannot have your milk because medication that is vital for you would be damaging to him; or if he especially needs your milk...

If you are giving birth at home, pre-labour will shift imperceptibly into full labour, without changes in location or attendants. You will remain in familiar surroundings with no need to travel while in labour. Once notified your midwife will come to your house and stay with you throughout. You will be free to move around and take up any position that feels comfortable. You will be encouraged to take your own time during labour.

An obvious sign that labour is imminent is the appearance of the show - the plug of mucus that seals your cervix during pregnancy, providing protection against infection. Although the show often does not appear until labour is underway, the cervix may widen enough for the mucus plug to be dislodged up to 12 days before labour begins.

Over the last few decades, the use of water during labour has gained steadily in popularity. Dr. Michel Odent was one of the first obstetricians in the West to offer labouring mothers the use of a shallow birth pool in which to relax when their contractions were at their height.

The only way to find out what a hospital can offer you and whether you feel that it is right for you, is to visit it and to ask questions. Take a list of questions with you and make sure you get satisfactory answers so that you can come to a confident and wholehearted decision.