Section 4: Birth and the Newborn
Why learn about childbirth and the newborn?
Because babies! What comes to your mind when you think about a woman giving birth? Some may describe it as beautiful, a miracle, and a rite of passage. Others may think of pain, fear, and discomfort. Labor and delivery are not easy feats. It is called labor, after all, because it is a lot of work!
In this section, you’ll learn more about the various approaches to childbirth and the actual birth process. Next, we will examine the risks and complications associated with newborns. We conclude by considering how the mother’s body and mind change following birth and by examining the science behind breastfeeding.
Birth
- Describe various approaches to childbirth
- Describe a normal delivery, including the stages of childbirth
- Describe complications of pregnancy and delivery.
The Newborn
- Examine risks and complications with newborns
- Explain the postpartum recovery period
- Compare the advantages and disadvantages of breast-feeding and bottle-feeding
- Discuss the nutritional concerns for infants, such as marasmus and kwashiorkor.
