The transition to parenthood is an exciting, yet challenging time for many, especially for the birth mother. Each birthing experience is unique, and many factors must be considered, such as the mother’s health, fetal health, and access to services. Birth mothers experience many biological and emotional changes during and after birth that may influence their ability to bond with their child. Additionally, there are social factors that can support or hinder attachment. Culture and social factors play a role in the birth process as well as in the postpartum experience. Birth mothers and primary caregivers need support to ensure that their needs are met and that they are able to adequately care for their newborn child. These needs can be met with familial support and with comprehensive health care and social policy.

Review of Learning Objectives

1. Identify the stages of childbirth, and examine diverse birthing practices.
2. Compare and contrast the cultural and social influences in the birth and postnatal experience.
3. Analyze the relationship between access to services and life outcomes.

Comprehension Check

Review of Key Terms

• Apgar test: an assessment that is performed on a newborn baby to evaluate the newborn’s heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflexes, and skin color
• Attachment: the emotional bonding between child and caregiver, which is a foundational component for a child’s sense of safety and well-being
• Cervix: the lower part of the uterus, located at the top of the vagina. It is a cylindrical-shaped structure that connects the uterus to the vagina
• Contractions: a natural process of childbirth in which the muscles of the uterus contract and relax to help move the baby through the birth canal
• C-section delivery: a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through an incision made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus; also known as a cesarean section
• Dilation: the widening or opening of the cervix during childbirth to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal
• Doula: a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to a woman before, during, and after childbirth
• Epidural: a pain relief technique commonly used during labor and childbirth that involves the injection of a local anesthetic into the spinal cord
• Fourth trimester: the 12 weeks of adjustment a newborn undergoes once they are born; also known as the postnatal period
• Jaundice: a medical condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes that occurs when there is a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment, in the blood
• Labor and delivery: the process by which a baby is born that typically involves three stages: the first stage, dilation of the cervix; the second stage, pushing the baby through the birth canal; the third stage, delivering the placenta
• Midwife: a health-care professional who provides safe and supportive care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, prioritizing the natural processes of childbirth
• Paternal depression: postpartum depression experienced by fathers due to hormone changes, home and societal shifts, and lack of rest
• Postpartum period: time after childbirth when a woman’s body undergoes a series of physical and emotional changes as it begins to recover from pregnancy and delivery
• Premature birth: the delivery of a baby before the 37th week of pregnancy; also known as preterm birth
• Stages of childbirth: the three-stage process by which a baby is born vaginally, involving dilation of the cervix, pushing the baby through the birth canal, and delivery of the placenta
• Unmedicated delivery: the process of giving birth without the use of pain medications or epidurals; commonly referred to as natural childbirth
• Vaginal delivery: the process of delivering a baby through the vagina, also known as the birth canal

Licenses and Attributions for Conclusion

“Conclusion” by Christina Belli is licensed under CC BY 4.0.