UNIT ! PRO

Read the Case Study provided below.  Using what you have learned, discuss how you can help this mother feel more competent about her ability to birth. Include the anatomy and physiology discussed here. Also, include how natural movement can help along with a good diet and nutrition.

Case Study – Health History

First Birth

The first birth was a very traumatic birth where the over feeling seemed to be fear and lack of control. She lost her mucus plug at thirty-four weeks, and then her water broke. When this happened, she felt unsupported by her medical providers, which seems to be a theme with this birth. She was induced with Pitocin and had an epidural, but she still remembers this labor being very painful. She was kept on her back and in bed. She started at a one and was not progressing. They almost gave her a c-section at this point but was able to dilate. This baby was taken to the NICU and the feelings of fear and lack of control and support continued there.

Second Birth

She felt like her birth team here was much better. She was still in bed on her back, but waited until she was at a 6 to get her epidural. The main problem she had was with the anesthesiologist who would get mad at her when she moved. Again, she felt a lack of support. She had a difficult recovery and a major blood vessel had been cut and she bled quit a bit. During this part she also felt the lack of support.

Third Birth

She had pre-eclampsia with her third. The labor went well until the end. They broke her water without her knowing and the baby went into distress. She was rushed back for an emergency c-section.

Other

She mentioned how her mother had to have c-sections with all five of her children because her hips were too small. She is worried about this with her upcoming birth because her first was early and her second was induced and smaller. She is worried that if she goes too far past her due date that she will not be able to birth this baby.