4 Things They Don’t Tell You in Antenatal

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Antenatal is advised from the time you find out you are pregnant up until when you deliver the baby. In Nigeria it is a forum for the pregnant women to meet and be taught by the nurses “all” things they need to know about child birth and baby care.

The women sing songs, exercise and listen to lectures on the signs of labor, care during pregnancy, nutrition, breast feeding and a few other things, but they do not tell us:

1. That Many Nurses Seem to “Have it In” for Pregnant Women:

For many women that have had babies here in Nigeria, there has been the experience of nurses that seem to be out to get pregnant women. It is not everywhere of course, but, a very common occurrence.

2. That the Cut (Episiotomy) can Hurt:

The major impression is that when they give an episiotomy that you won’t feel it. Not true at all. If you have no labor pains when they give you the cut, you will definitely feel it. Be aware that it is very likely that they will need to cut you to allow the baby pass freely, so brace yourself if you experience no pain in labour.

3. That Not All Mothers Can Breastfeed:

Antenatal is the place of the baby friendly campaign. In itself not a bad thing but, it is only fair that a true picture is given of breastfeeding “Not all women can!” Talking with a pediatrician she said there are cases of women that have bitter milk, others who (no matter what they try) cannot produce enough and then those who get engorged but no milk comes out.

4. How to Take Care of The Bottles:

Since the great focus is on baby friendly, tips on taking care of the feeding bottles, in most clinics, is left out. The impression is that feeding with the bottle can cause diarrhea without actually letting women know that it is more about the way you handle the bottles that can cause the diarrhea.

Bottle Care:

1. After using the bottle, it should be thoroughly rinsed.
2. A bit of liquid soap should be put in the bottle.
3. Add water till still soapy.
4. Wash the bottle with a brush.
5. Rinse the nipples and put salt in them.
6. Rub the salt well on and inside the nipples.
7. Rinse the bottles and nipples and sterilize.
8. Each time you bring out a bottle for feeding from the sterilizer, pour hot water in the bottle, cover with the nipple and shake to rinse.

Your delivery no matter the experience will be crowned with great joy with that new bundle in your arms.