Giving Birth to A Stillborn

 

Nothing hurts more than birthing a still born baby that you have carried for a full term. How do you begin to prepare for labor and birth with a still born baby? A lot of support from family and friends is well needed. It is always a better idea to bring the person you need to the hospital for support.

Having a stillborn does not mean you cannot give birth to healthy living babies. it is one of the most unfortunate moments to take place.

Get all the information and support on giving birth to a stillborn baby, including birthing options, How to prepare yourselves, and what you need to know about spending time with your baby afterwards.

What is A Stillborn?

A stillbirth is a fetal loss that takes place after 20 weeks of pregnancy. A fetal loss that takes place before 20 weeks is typically referred to as a miscarriage.

The cause of stillbirths varies based on gestational age and the underlying risk factors, though in some cases the cause is unknown.

Preparing for Labor

If the unthinkable has taken place and you are told that your baby has died in the womb before your labor has started, the options for giving birth will then be raised with you.

It is likely to be difficult to process anything that you are told at this point because of the overwhelming shock of being told that your baby has passed on.

If there is no medical reason for the baby to be born right away, it may be possible to wait for labor to start naturally. You may not need to decide immediately. It may also be possible to go home for a day or two first.

Vaginal birth or caesarean section?

Your options will then depend on the circumstances, for instance if you have a condition such as pre-eclampsia or an infection, it may be medically necessary to have caesarean section. This may need to happen quite quickly.

However, vaginal birth is safer for the mother than having a caesarean section. You will then be asked if you would like your labor to be induced. This medication may take up to 48 hours, or in some cases longer, to work.

Spending time with your stillborn baby

Although it can be hard to face, you will need to decide whether to spend time with your baby or not after the birth. It is your choice whether you do this, but it can be a vital step in your journey of grieving. If you choose to do it, it will be extremely hard and upsetting but it is also incredibly special.

Recognizing your baby as a real person is important. Take your time to create memories and acknowledge your baby’s existence in the world.

Hold your baby

After the birth you will be able to choose whether you see, and hold, your baby. This is a very personal choice and one that you can discuss with your midwife.

Many years ago, most women who had stillbirths were not allowed to see their babies. Some are still sad they had never had this chance. Think about how you feel now, but also how you might feel in the future.

Read more here

What Are the Most Common Stillbirth Causes? (verywellfamily.com)

By Rebecca Teffo Masina 

Body Shaming - What, Why & How To Overcome it

Body shaming has become a serious issue in our society. There's nothing interesting from body shaming other persons. it is actually disgusting and shameful.

It is Not up to you to decide how others should look. You prefer what you prefer and they also do the same. Why cant you accept people as they are?

I am definitely sure that you also is accepted as you are. Being slim fit and wearing smaller sizes doesn't make you better than anyone.  You are you and you doing you. So, let others do themselves as well.

What is Body Shaming/ Fat Shaming?

Fat shaming, also known as body shaming, is an act in which individuals are being judged negatively based on their physical appearance. What do you get from body shaming other? The satisfaction that you have managed to ruin their confidence?

We are In an age where media and social media are easily accessible, there is a very strong emphasis on idealized beauty on those platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, magazines and even on television.

When we see celebrities and models who are thought to be having “perfect bodies”, people start to become critical of their own bodies. 

Body shaming occurs among both men and women of all different shapes and body sizes. Body shaming has included both criticisms of being “too fat”, or “too skinny”, often picking on flaws that completely irrelevant.

Body shaming Can Occur in many ways:

1. Criticizing your own appearance, through the judgment or comparison to another person.
2. Criticizing another’s appearance in front of them.
3. Criticizing another’s appearance without their knowledge.

Why does body shaming occur?

Growing up in the in front of a mirror can ingrain the conventional notions of beauty and it can result in deep seeded self esteem issues.

Today, persons are more accepting of being different from others. However, with the pressure from social media, young people are more prone to want to look a certain way. 

Negative comments and even provoking images can drive young girls to engage in unhealthy behaviors to change their body type to conform to the norms of society. This may then lead to self-injury or cutting, binging and purging behaviors or even full-fledged eating disorders. 

People with a history of trauma, self-harm, depression, low self-esteem are more likely to be affected by body shaming and may potentially develop an eating disorder or even engage in self-harm behavior.

How to overcome body shaming

Like any other type of bullying, body shaming will always be present unless you stick up for yourself in a positive and healthy way. It is vital to practice self-love and try to not let negative comments bother you. Furthermore if you witness body shaming on social media, you can report it and flag it for inappropriate content. 

Love,

Rebecca Teffo Masina