WHEN
TO CALL – WHAT TO BRING
When
your contractions suggest you are in true labor and you are past 37
weeks; call right away if you are 36 weeks or less!
-
1st
baby:
Contractions every 3-4 minutes, lasting for 50-60 seconds, and
are “powerful” (strong enough that it is difficult to walk or
talk during them), and they have been like this
for one hour.
-
2nd
or more baby:
Contractions are every 4-6 minutes, are powerful, and have been
like this
for 45-60 minutes.
If your bag of
water breaks (even if it is in the middle of the night!)
Other problems (if you have
a fever, if the baby is not moving like it usually does, if you are
experiencing bleeding more than a light period, or if you are
worried)
How
To Reach your Midwife
Our phone number is
795-9912**
If it is after regular
office hours, the answering service will answer. Ask them to page
the midwife on call; she should return your call within 10 minutes.
If
you plan to give birth at the Birth
Center, do not come to the
Birth
Center
without first talking to the midwife on call and do not simply tell
the answering service that you are on your way (there may be no one
here when you arrive!).
Once you have spoken to the midwife and
have arrived at the
Birth
Center,
come to the back door (located on the southeast side of the
building) and ring the doorbell.
If
you plan to give birth at
Tucson
Medical
Center,
do not go to the hospital without first talking to the midwife on
call unless it is an emergency. Go to the Labor and Delivery
entrance at the southeast corner of the hospital (on Grant just west
of Craycroft).
**If
for any reason you are unable to reach the midwife on call, call
TMC Labor and Delivery
at 324-5600 and
ask them to contact her for you.
**
What
to Bring
to the Birth Center
Support
people:
You must bring at least one adult
(husband, partner, coach, family member). If you bring other
children, an additional adult must be present for the child;
you may want to bring videos or DVDs/toys/games for the kids (and a
gift “from the baby”!).
Something
for you to wear:
For labor and after delivery: a big t-shirt or gown (this may
get soiled!) and socks. We have
hospital gowns if you prefer. Bring
another gown or robe for after the birth. If your partner plans to
get into the tub, they will need a
bathing suit.
Something in
which to go home: (consider treating yourself to something new!
You’re probably sick of your maternity clothes and your
pre-pregnancy ones won’t fit yet…so buy a medium size
of something new!).
Toiletries:
toothpaste, toothbrush, lotion, chap stick, comb and brush, shampoo
Things for the
baby: diapers, an outfit to wear home, a car seat –
you MUST have one! (TMC has a loaner program)
Food
and drink: We have some teas, juices and crackers,
but please bring what sounds good to you. You need fuel for labor,
so no diet drinks! Some women like to suck on honey sticks
(available at health food stores) or Popsicles. You will also want
to have food for your support people and for yourself after the
birth (we have a refrigerator, stove top, and microwave for your
use); or you can order take out from a local restaurant. Bake a
microwave birthday cake!
Creating the “mood” for labor:
cameras or a video camcorder with batteries and film; music that is
relaxing to you (we have a CD/tape player and an iPod dock for you
to use); aromatherapy scents (if this is appealing to you!);
telephone numbers of people you want to call.
What
to Bring
to the Hospital
Support people:
You must bring at least one adult
(husband, partner, coach, family member). If you bring other
children, an additional adult must be present for the child;
you may want to bring videos or DVDs/toys/games for the kids (and a
gift “from the baby”!).
Something
for you to wear:
For labor and after delivery:
a robe to cover your hospital gown. Bring another gown or pajamas
for after the birth.
Something in
which to go home: (consider treating yourself to something new!
You’re probably sick of your maternity clothes and your
pre-pregnancy ones won’t fit yet…so buy a medium size
of something new!).
Toiletries:
toothpaste, toothbrush, lotion, Chapstick, comb and brush, shampoo
Things for the
baby: diapers, an outfit to wear home, a car seat –
you MUST have one! (TMC has a loaner program)
Creating the “mood” for labor:
cameras or a video camcorder with batteries and film (TMC will not
allow you to film the actual birth; a CD player with music that is
relaxing to you (if you wish); aromatherapy scents (if this is
appealing to you!); telephone numbers of people you want to call.
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