Birth Canal

• Human babies are about the same size as the birth canal

• In fact, the human birth canal is twisted. This means that babies must twist as they make their egress: entering the birth canal sideways, the baby must rotate so its head is down, and then rotate again to allow its shoulders to pass.

Reproduction - Human Afterbirth

Pregnancy - Vaginal Birth

Labor and its 3 Stages1. Contraction & Dilation - cervix dilates 8-10 centimeters2. Delivery - breech birth means that the butt, knee, or foot enters the birth canal first.3. Afterbirth - the placenta is expelled with small amount of blood

Vaginal Birth-computer animatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xath6kOf0NE

Pregnancy – C-Section

Cesarean Birth or C-section - an incision is made through the abdominal wall and uterus to remove the baby. This can be done 3-4 times if necessary

Cecilia Passed Out 2011 - Hello

Pregnancy - Cesarean Section

1970 - 6%1980 - 17%1990 - 23%2005 - 30%Why?

A surgery that cuts the abdomen and uterus

Why have a C-section?1. Multiple birth pregnancy2. Large baby3. Breech4. Placenta is in the way - placental previa5. Baby is ill6. Mother is HIV positive7. Emergency and speed is needed8. Premature

C-Section

Reproduction - Placenta

serves as a lung, kidney, liver, endocrine gland, and digestive system for the developing fetus.

Umbilical Chord

Swaddle

Pregnancy - Premature Birth - Anna

Birth Spacing

Miscarriage & Still Birth

What is the difference?What causes it?

Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a fetus prior to 24 weeks. After that a loss is considered a still born child.

Causes:1. Nature decides - poor development / nourishment2. Ectopic Pregnancy3. Cervical problems - opens too soon

Breast Feeding

Why breast feed?

How long should a woman breast feed her child?

Should woman breast feed in public places?

Should a woman breast feed in public places

1. No state has a law against it but 42 states have laws protecting the mothers right to do it.

2. Woman have been removed from stores, planes, and restaurants - “nurse-ins”

3. 57% of public uncomfortable with breast feeding4. Breasts are considered sexual

Breast Tissues

Breast Feeding

Breast Feeding1. Baby suckles and sensation travels

to mother’s brain

2. The brain signals the pituitary to release a hormone called oxytocin

3. Oxytocin enters blood stream and within 30 seconds causes secretion of milk in the breast

4. Each breast has 15-20 openings

5. Colostrum – high in protein & low in fat and sugar

6. Foremilk – watery7. Hindmilk – nutrient rich

Why breast feed?

Benefits to baby:1. Bonding with mother2. Nutritionally best3. Provides improved health benefits - boosts immune

system – colostrum

Benefits to mothers:1. Bonding2. Speeds mother’s recovery3. Burns calories - up to 500 a day

How Long should a child be breast fed?

1. Doctors recommendations suggest 6 months2. 70% of woman breast feed3. About 35% last six months4. Fewer than 17% last a year