How many women do you know that talk about their birth. How they were put through the fire. Whew!! Scarey, huh. Well, hopefully we will be able to discuss what LABORING IN THE LORD is all about.
Do any of you know what the different terms used in labor are? It is usually divided into 4 different stages with terms being used to explain what is happening in the different stages .
1) First stage of Labor: This stage covers beginning, active, and transition. Beginning labor can go on for days. Contractions are trying to become established; they can occur every 5,7,8,10 or 20 minutes. The intensity of the contractions vary, usually they are annoying and mild. The contractions can last 30-40 seconds long. Mom is
2) Active Labor:The active phase of labor usually begins when the mom is 4 or 5 centimeters dilated. Mom is not as happy now and might need to concentrate with each contraction. Walking helps to relieve some of the discomfort. As mom becomes closer to transition she demonstrates signs of restlessness. Mom should continue to eat, she can keep up her strength by eating a protein bar or drink a protein shake. If at all possible, having mom rest will help save her strength for transition and pushing. PRAYER and encouragement by her birthing partners can be a great help. ( Can you think of any songs or verses that might help her at this time?)
3) Transition: This phase is the part of labor most talked about. Transition usually starts when mom is 7-8 centimeters dilated and last 1 to 2 hours long. Mom is not happy in transition Go over to PROMISES FROM GOD'S WORD. Review and memorize the different verses you feel will help you the most. When I am in labor I pray to the Lord with EACH contraction thanking HIM for the contraction and my baby. This prevents me from becoming negative about birth and puts my attention on the LORD and what HE is doing for me. God is there and will help you get through it, remember that God is the God of COMFORT. The Bible teaches that you will be comforted by the GOD of COMFORT and in return you will be able to comfort others. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforteth of God. II Corinthians 1:3,4
Second stage: Second stage of labor begins with complete dilation of the cervix and ends with the birth of the baby. Pushing for 1st time moms can be up to 2 hours.
Third stage: Third stage of labor begins at the end of the birth of the baby. At this time the placenta is delivered. Placenta is usually delivered 10-45 minutes after the birth.
Fourth stage: Fourth stage of labor begins with the birth of the placenta and ends one hour later. This is a transitional period for both mom and baby.
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usually very excited that contractions are actually happening. In this period it is wise to keep mom busy; which should include rest. Mom should keep her strength up by eating good nourshing foods. I can not stress enough the need for rest.
. Prayer with lots of encouraging words can help mom get through this period. Hot packs applied to areas with the most discomfort help along with loving tender words. Mom feels very unattached to her body at this time, it is her way of dealing with birth. Remember mom is very tired and sometimes mom is able to sleep between contractions. Soon mom will be grunting or will express the need to push.
GraceBibleBeliever
