The expectant mother received prenatal counseling from the nurse.
Pregnant with her first child, Ms. Nguyen Huyen Trang ( from Sam Son ward) was both nervous and eagerly awaiting the day she would meet her baby. At 39 weeks pregnant, when she experienced abdominal pain, she went to Thanh Hoa Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital for monitoring. Besides undergoing tests, ultrasounds, and fetal heart monitoring, the expectant mother received guidance from nurses on diet, recognizing changes in her body, and preparing for childbirth. She also received advice on the labor process and what to do immediately after delivery, such as skin-to-skin contact, early breastfeeding, and breastfeeding.
Ms. Nguyen Huyen Trang said: "This is my first time giving birth, so I was quite nervous. Thanks to the nurses' specific advice and guidance on the labor process and how to care for both mother and baby after birth, I felt more at ease."
For expectant mothers, pre-delivery counseling and care not only helps reduce anxiety but also creates conditions for a safer delivery. During labor, the condition of both mother and fetus is monitored through vital signs, fetal heart rate, uterine contractions, etc. This allows for the early detection of abnormalities so that appropriate action can be taken, ranging from choosing to continue with a normal delivery to intervening when necessary.
While the prenatal period involves preparation and monitoring, the very first minute after a baby is born holds special significance. Having just given birth, Ms. Trinh Thi Nhat Le (from Hac Thanh ward) happily held her baby in her arms. After the baby's first cry, it was dried, kept warm on the mother's chest, and skin-to-skin contact was practiced under the guidance and supervision of medical staff. She gently held her child, watching its every movement, and began to breastfeed its first drops of milk. At the same time, she was closely monitored and cared for by medical staff to prevent any potential postpartum complications. Ms. Le shared: "I am very happy. Holding my child, keeping it warm in my arms, having skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeeding its first drops of milk – I find that to be a very special moment."
Not only Ms. Trang and Ms. Le, but all mothers and newborns at Thanh Hoa Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital receive essential care during and immediately after birth. Since 2014, the hospital has implemented essential care for mothers and newborns during and immediately after birth (EENC). By 2018, the hospital implemented skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth for mothers who had cesarean sections, gradually expanding essential care to both mothers who had vaginal deliveries and those who had cesarean sections.
To date, essential care has become an integral part of the mother-baby care process. Immediately after birth, the baby is dried, kept warm, placed skin-to-skin with the mother, supported with early breastfeeding, and continues to receive care and monitoring for the first 90 minutes to 6 hours after birth. During this time, medical staff assess the baby's condition, monitor breathing rate, body temperature, umbilical cord, and any abnormalities; they also identify, weigh, and perform a full body check to detect any potential problems early.
Along with caring for the child, the mother is also continuously monitored. This includes steps such as: vaccinations.
Oxytocin, delayed cord clamping, umbilical cord control, uterine fundoplication, and lochia monitoring are performed according to protocol to minimize the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Mothers are also instructed on proper latching techniques, maintaining breastfeeding, and umbilical cord care.
In some cases, essential care will be adjusted accordingly. For premature or low-birth-weight infants, or for mothers requiring special postnatal care, the doctors on the delivery or surgical team will assess the situation specifically to choose the appropriate course of action. When conditions permit, early contact with the mother is still prioritized. In cases requiring intervention, timely treatment and ensuring safety are paramount.
Midwife Doan Thi Huong from the Obstetrics Intensive Care Unit said: “Essential care is not just skin-to-skin contact or early breastfeeding, but the entire process of continuously monitoring and caring for both mother and baby from the moment they are admitted to the hospital until the first few hours after birth. Each step, when performed at the right time, helps detect abnormalities early, minimize obstetric complications, and support faster recovery for both mother and baby.”
A safe start for a child begins not only with their first cry, but is built upon proper preparation and care at every stage. Careful attention to detail in each step helps mothers feel more secure, recover faster, and allows children to adapt better and have favorable conditions to begin their journey of growth.
Text and photos: Thùy Linh
Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/cham-care-thiet-yeu-khoi-dau-an-toan-cho-me-va-be-303976.htm
