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In hospitals, certain drugs can be administered to ease birthing pains. The following options may be offered to you: an epidural, narcotics, nitrous oxide gas, or a pudendal nerve block.

The pain of labour is unique and serves a purpose. It signals the start of the opening process that will lead to the birth of your baby. This process happens gradually. A rhythm develops and the intensity of the pain steadily increases.

Throughout labour your body undergoes changes to allow your baby to make his way to the world outside. Labour is divided into these three main stages: First stage: Thinning and opening of the cervix (also called dilation); Second stage: Descent and birth of your baby; Third stage…

The first stage of labour is the period when your contractions start to be regular. These contractions allow the cervix to thin (efface) and open completely (dilate), until it is 10 centimetres wide.

The second stage of labour begins when your baby has dropped well down into your pelvis and the cervix is fully open (dilated). The baby can now descend into your vagina to be born.

Your baby is born, but the delivery isn’t over yet. Contractions will continue for a little while longer to deliver the placenta.

After the placenta is delivered, your uterus will continue to contract to prevent hemorrhages and to regain its original shape. If you breastfeed, your baby’s…

Labour will be induced if there is a medical reason to do so, e.g., a woman’s water has broken (rupture of the amniotic membrane) but she is not having contractions, or the pregnancy has gone beyond 41 weeks.

The caesarean (also called caesarean section or C-section) is a type of delivery performed when the baby cannot be born through the vagina. This surgical procedure involves cutting open the mother’s abdomen and uterus to remove the baby. In Québec, about one in four women give birth by C-section…

Your baby has finally arrived. Who does she look like? Her daddy? Her mom? Maybe a distant relative? Whatever the resemblance, your baby is unique, and now it’s time to get to learn all about her.

Skin-to-skin contact with your newborn in the first hours, days, and weeks of life soothes and comforts her. Skin‑to‑skin contact is an excellent way to get acquainted with your baby and develop an emotional bond.