HOSPITAL ESSENTIALS
Where the baby sleeps in hospital
cot
Another word for nappy
diaper
You must support this at all times
the head
Strong pains that come and go and get closer together
contractions
To stay with your partner and give emotional support
to be present
The first skin-to-skin contact
golden hour
Red, irritated skin
rash
Clothes that are easy to put on
stretchy clothes
The stage when the baby moves down and the mother pushes
to push / pushing stage
To say what is happening or what you need in a calm, clear way
to communicate clearly
The part left after the cord is cut
umbilical stump
To clean gently
to wipe / to cleanse
To help an arm go through a sleeve
to guide
Pain relief given in the back during labour
epidural
To make sure something is safe or correct
to check / to double-check
The professional who helps during birth
midwife
A diaper that needs changing
wet / soiled diaper
Part of clothes near the neck
neckline
When doctors decide the baby needs to be born by surgery
C-section / caesarean section
To help someone stay calm during labour
to reassure
A quick check of the baby after birth
newborn examination / check-up
Something you do to avoid infection
wash your hands / use clean supplies
To close buttons or snaps
to fasten
When labour is not progressing as expected
complications / labour complications / prolonged labour
To take care of a baby or situation for a short time
to take over