• Give you company and help pass the time in early stages of labour
• Hold your hand, wipe your face, give you sips of water, massage your back and shoulders, help you move about or change position, or anything else that helps and comforts you as your labour progresses and your contractions get stronger
• Remind you on how to use relaxation and breathing techniques and at times breathe with you if it helps
• Support your decisions about things like taking pain relief and others
• Help you make it clear to the doctor or nurse what help you need - and the other way round which can help you feel much more in control of the situation
• When your baby is born, to tell you what is happening as you can not see what is going on for yourself

During the normal delivery, the labour contractions open the cervix in a slow manner. Once the cervix is open entirely, the contractions help in pushing the baby through the birth canal (vagina). In most of the cases, baby's head comes first which is followed by shoulders and the rest of the body, while in other cases where some women find it difficult,the doctors may use forceps or suction cup only after your permission. Also, several women choose different birthing positions like bending, or semi reclining.
You may get small tear in the region of vaginal opening during the delivery and if your vaginal opening is very close, the doctor may make a small cut around it, to increase the tear (episiotomy).  Mostly, these  tears   need   stitches   but  they dissolve during the healing process. These tears may make you uneasy for a few days.
Generally, the placenta comes out easily after delivery, while in few cases, the doctor removes it manually under anaesthesia when it does not come out on its own. Also, some women lose small amount of blood during the delivery, but if the amount of blood loss is greater, blood transfusion may be required.

During caesarean delivery, the doctor makes an incision in the pregnant women's abdomen to get the delivery done. In this case, the women will be under anaesthesia.
Normally, 15% - 25% of deliveries are caesarean deliveries; amongst them some are planned while others may be due to emergency.
Most common reasons for caesarean delivery are:

• Baby needs quick delivery
• Baby is not in head down position
• Baby's head does not fit in the birth passage
• Labour does not progress as expected
• Mother's or baby's health is at risk

You should carry loose fitted and easy to wear clothes for yourself and for the baby, you must carry a cap, some nappies and a shawl or blanket.
In case of normal delivery, you can go home within 2-3 days while in case of a caesarean delivery; you can go home within 3-4 days, only on doctors' advice.
If you have any concerns about yourself and your baby and how to take care of the newborn, you can discuss them with your obstetrician and paediatrician.

Giving birth to a baby is the most joyful moment in a woman's life. But for most, this moment may become the most frightful and uncomfortable experience of their life, due to lack of proper facilities. At Artemis, we have a dedicated labour and delivery complex with six state-of-the-art LDRP suites, dedicated OT, Level-Ill NICU, and a team of doctors and nurses who are specially trained to provide you the best of care you deserve. We believe every labouring woman should have her own personal space. We respect your privacy, and also understand how troublesome it is to be shifted from one place to another multiple times when you are under such stress. Hence we introduce the concept of LDRP; i.e. Labour Delivery Recovery and Post-partum care in one private room, where you and your family can welcome the new member of the family in a home like setting with all the facilities, equipment and personnel available to ensure a safe and comfortable delivery and tackle any kind of problems to you and your baby. Our endeavour is to make the birth of your baby the most cherished moment of your life.

Regular Contractions: During the latter half of pregnancy, you may feel contractions (Braxton Hicks Contractions). If you experience these contractions regularly and these last for more than 30 seconds, labour may have started. Gradually, these contractions will become longer, stronger and more frequent.

Your gynaecologist or physician may advice you to proceed to the hospital, if:

1. Your water breaks
2. The contractions start. You can wait till they last for about 60 seconds in every 5-minute interval (if you stay near the hospital)
3. Your residence is at a distance from the hospital. Go sooner than later

Do not forget to phone the hospital/unit before leaving home.

You must keep your bags ready six weeks prior to the due date of delivery. During your stay in the hospital, you will wear hospital gowns and your baby will be provided with hospital clothing. Also, you will be given toiletries at the hospital. Personal clothing will be required only at the time of discharge.
Other essential things you must carry to the hospital include:

1. Medical records
2. Address book or list of family/friends
3. Slippers, cosmetics, hair comb/brush
4. Soap.towel.toothbrush and paste (ifyou preferyourown)
5. Glasses/contact lenses
6. Books and magazines
7. Nursing bras and underwear
8. A set of clothes, preferably front opening night suits, track suits and t-shirts (ifyou prefer your own)
9. Clothes to go home in
10. Any medication you are currently taking

When you go into labour:

• Avoid consuming heavy stuff like milk, ghee or dry fruits before coming to the hospital and take clear liquids or nothing till the doctor examines you. Thereafter, the doctor will advise you about your diet
• You should carry your reports to the admission desk
• You will be taken to the labour delivery complex and the nurse will guide you to your room and help you change into a hospital gown or a nightdress. Also, she will check your vitals and baby's heartbeat
• The doctor will examine you regularly to see how far you have progressed. Also, the baby's heartbeat will be checked at regular intervals or continuously with an electronic foetal monitor in case of any concern
• Some blood test might be done when you get admitted
• You can have clear liquids but your doctor may instruct you not to consume anything by mouth in case there are chances of a caesarean section
• An IV line may be essential for women requiring extra fluids, in case of certain types of pain relief, and if the labour is induced or augmented
• After discussing with your doctor, you can take the pain relief, if required

• Learn to relax as it will help you to stay calm
• Your position can also make a difference. Some women like to kneel, walk around or rock backwards and forwards
• Back massage can also help. You may ask your partner to do it for you
• Feeling in control of what is happening to you is important. So do not hesitate to ask questions or to ask for anything you want at any time
• Having a partner, friend or relative you can lean on and who can support you during labour, certainly helps. It has been shown to reduce the need for pain relief. But even if you do not have anyone, don't worry; our nurses will give you the support you need
• Finally, no one can tell you what your labour can feel like in

advance. Even if you think you would prefer not to have pain relief, keep an open mind. In some instances it can help to make your labour more enjoyable and fulfilling