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
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