The journey of motherhood is a wonderful experience, and in Nigeria, there are many different experiences (good or bad), and options available to you before, during, and after childbirth.
It is therefore important to be aware of the necessary information about child birthing in Nigeria. Because Ignorance can do more harms than expected.
This guide will help you explore the different kinds of care you can receive, the choices you have for giving birth, and the important support you’ll get after your baby arrives.
Preparing for a Safe and Supported Delivery in Nigeria
It’s really important to have someone with experience and training, like a midwife or doctor, with you when you have a baby. They can keep an eye on you, spot any issues, and help out in case of an emergency.
Planning for a Smooth Delivery:
- Talk to your doctor: Make sure to talk to your doctor about your birth plan and make sure you understand all of your choices for managing pain, different positions for giving birth, and where you want to have your baby.
- Pack a hospital bag: Get ready for your delivery day ahead by packing a bag with essentials things like clothes, toiletries, and any necessary medical documents or identification
- Arrange transportation: Plan how you’ll get to the hospital and have a backup plan in case of the unexpected.
- Know the warning signs: Seek immediate medical attention for heavy bleeding, severe pain, or decreased fetal movement.
- Follow doctor’s instructions: Know when to head to the hospital or birthing center.
- Communicate openly: Talk to your healthcare team throughout delivery, expressing your concerns and preferences.
- Trust yourself: You are strong and capable of giving birth to your baby!
Who May Offer Assistance and Support During Childbirth?
In Nigeria, you have several options for birthing assistance, each with its own benefits:
- Doctors and Obstetricians: Offering the highest level of medical expertise, they manage high-risk pregnancies and deliveries, including C-sections.
- Midwives: Trained professionals specializing in normal deliveries, they provide emotional and physical support throughout labor and delivery. Some midwives offer home birth services.
- Skilled Birth Attendants (SBAs): Healthcare workers who have been trained to help with uncomplicated childbirth in hospitals and clinics.
- Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs): Deeply rooted in communities, TBAs may offer care based on traditional practices. It’s important to note that while TBAs can be culturally familiar, some practices may not be medically sound. Consider consulting a healthcare professional alongside a TBA to ensure optimal safety for yourself and your baby.
What is the Care Given to Mother and Child After Delivery?
Immediately after delivery, both you and your baby will receive essential care:
- Mother: After the birth, the medical team will keep an eye on your health and make sure you aren’t bleeding excessively. You will be encouraged to spend time with your baby and try to breastfeed if you can. If you’re in pain, there are medications that can help you feel more comfortable.
- Baby: When your baby is born, the medical team will carefully check their breathing, heartbeat, and general health. They will also be weighed, cleaned, and given vitamin K to help prevent bleeding.
What Postpartum Care is Standard for Mothers Who Have Delivered?
Postpartum care focuses on your physical and emotional recovery. Here’s what you can expect:
- Hospital Stay: Depending on the type of delivery (vaginal or C-section) and your health, you’ll typically stay in the hospital for 1-3 days.
- Physical Recovery: Nurses will keep an eye on your recovery process, help you manage any discomfort, and give you advice on how to take care of your incision (if you had a C-section).
- Emotional Support:Healthcare professionals will check how you’re feeling emotionally after having a baby and provide help if you’re having a hard time with postpartum depression.
- Breastfeeding Support: At the hospital, nurses and lactation consultants will help you with breastfeeding and also provide support for you if you encounter any difficulties.
- Discharge Planning: Before leaving the hospital, you’ll receive information on postpartum care at home, including wound care, baby bathing, and postpartum checkups.
What is a Postpartum Program?
Some hospitals and clinics have Postpartum programs to help new moms after they have their baby, providing support even after they leave the hospital. These programs may include:
- Follow-up appointments: Regular checkups to monitor your healing and your baby’s development.
- Support groups: Connecting with other new mothers to share experiences and receive emotional support.
- Lactation consultations: Ongoing guidance and support for breastfeeding mothers.
- Parenting workshops: Learning about infant care, feeding, and child development.
Exploring Your Delivery Options:
Nigeria offers various birthing options to suit your preferences and needs:
- Hospital Birth: Provides access to the highest level of medical care and pain management options like epidurals.
- Birth Center: A home-like environment with medical staff and birthing equipment for low-risk pregnancies.
- Home Birth: Midwife-assisted childbirth in your own comfortable space. This option requires careful planning and is best suited for low-risk pregnancies with a healthcare professional’s approval.
Remember:
- Discuss your birthing preferences with your doctor or midwife early in your pregnancy. They can guide you based on your medical history, pregnancy health, and any risk factors.
- Make informed decisions based on your health, risk factors, and comfort level.
- A collaborative approach ensures a safe and empowering birthing experience for you and your baby
Finally
Becoming a mom is a big deal, and it’s normal to feel happy, overwhelmed, and full of love all at once.
It’s important to know about your choices for having a baby, different ways to give birth, and the support you can get after the baby is born.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, get help, and trust yourself. Everyone’s experience with having a baby and being a mom is different, and there’s no one “right” way to do it.
The most important thing is to take care of yourself and your new baby. Congratulations again, and good luck on this amazing journey!
