Labor and Delivery

Giving birth can be both exciting and terrifying, whether you are a first-time mom or already have children. Just as the rest of your pregnancy has differed from everyone you know, your birth experience will be unique to you and your baby. 

How is Viva Eve different?

At Viva Eve we understand that no two pregnancies or perspectives are alike and, as a result, there are multiple ways for a family and doctor to choose to guide their delivery. There is no one-size-fits-all model. Our team of expert Ob/Gyns are dedicated to providing highly personalized, expert care through every stage of your pregnancy, and especially childbirth and delivery.

What is Labor and Delivery?

Labor and delivery is the culmination of pregnancy and refer to the process through which a woman gives birth to a baby.

Labor consists of three main stages:

• Early and active labor begins with the onset of regular contractions that are farther apart and less intense as well as the dilation of the cervix. The cervix gradually opens to allow the baby to pass through. Active labor is characterized by stronger and more frequent contractions.
• Delivery is the stage during which the baby is pushed through the birth canal and delivered. 
• Delivery of the placenta which provided nutrients and oxygen to the baby during pregnancy follows shortly after the baby is born.

How do you prepare for Labor and Delivery?

At Viva Eve Ob/Gyn practice, we’ve brought thousands of babies into the world over the years and we enjoy caring for mothers-to-be. As Viva Eve’s patient, you’ll get to know each of our doctors. This ensures that you know and are comfortable with the doctor who delivers your baby. The vast majority of pregnancies go according to plan; however, when emergencies arise, our doctors are available to you 24 hours a day. 

Our doctors each have similar styles and work closely together to make sure you receive consistent, high-quality care and will do their absolute best to make sure that you have a wonderful and positive experience. 

Viva Eve’s Obstetrics labor & delivery doctors will provide you with information, tools and resources to become an active member of your maternity care team and active participant in your care. 

Viva Eve’s expert Ob/Gyns encourage patients to discuss what’s important to them, take the time to answer all their questions and help them make decisions that are right for them and their babies.

Why is Labor and Delivery performed?

While labor and delivery are natural processes, whenever possible it should be supported or managed by trained healthcare professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby. Dursin labor and delivery Viva Eve highly trained healthcare providers will monitor the progress of labor, provide pain management options, and intervene when necessary to address any complications and promote a positive outcome for both mother and baby.

What can you expect during Labor and Delivery?

Babies are still born today in the same way that they have been born for generations, but many things associated with childbirth have changed, including women’s expectations of childbirth, pain management options, and the technology used during pregnancy and birth. 

Your Viva Eve Ob/Gyn will monitor your baby closely during labor if necessary to see how your baby is handling contractions and to make sure the baby is doing okay.

Our doctors work with anesthesiologists that are experts in pain management techniques that are safer and less disruptive to the process of labor. Viva Eve Obstetrics Team will work with you on choosing your options for pain management and/or natural birth, as long as you and your baby are healthy and there are no complications.

Viva Eve’s labor and delivery Ob/Gyns, in collaboration with patients, and those who support them in labor, can help women have the birth experience they have envisioned by using techniques that require minimal interventions and allows patients to have a happy and positive experience. 

What is the followup and recovery like for Labor and Delivery?

The follow-up and recovery after labor and delivery will vary based on the type of delivery (vaginal or cesarean section), individual health factors, and the specific circumstances of the birth. Here are some general aspects of follow-up and recovery:

Hospital Stay:

• For a vaginal delivery, the hospital stay is typically shorter, ranging from 24 to 48 hours after delivery.
• For a cesarean section, the hospital stay is longer, usually around 72 to 96 hours, or more if complications arise.

Postpartum Care:

• Regardless of the type of delivery, the essential postpartum care involves monitoring the mother’s physical and emotional well-being, routine checks on blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs.
• Viva Eve healthcare team will assess the healing of any incisions, whether from a vaginal tear, an episiotomy, or a cesarean section.
• Pain medications in the early days following delivery and especially cesarean sections are crucial and may be prescribed by your doctor to manage discomfort.
• Postpartum mood swings are common and may include irritability and feelings of sadness. Early detection and intervention for postpartum depression by your Viva Eve healthcare team are crucial.
• Follow-up appointments with Viva Eve healthcare providers will monitor the mother’s physical recovery, address any concerns, and provide guidance on postpartum care.
• Mothers who choose to breastfeed and are finding it difficult, should ask their Viva Eve healthcare provider for advice to ensure both the she and her baby are comfortable.
• Physical activity, including exercise, should be gradually resumed based on the healthcare provider’s recommendations.
• Returning to work and other routine activities will depend on each patient’s recovery and the type of work that they do.
• Discussions about contraception and family planning frequently take place during postpartum checkups.

Viva Eve healthcare providers understand that each woman’s experience is unique, and that the recovery process may be different for each patient. They will tailor their post partum recovery recommendations for each individual patient. 

What are the potential costs for Labor and Delivery?

Viva Eve’s staff will work with you and your insurance to help gather information about your  coverage for prenatal care, including labor and delivery and postpartum care.

What are the potential risks for Labor and Delivery?

Labor and delivery, while generally a natural and safe process, can carry potential risks and complications. Some of the potential risks include:

• Fetal Distress: Changes in the baby’s heart rate or oxygen levels during labor may indicate fetal distress, necessitating medical intervention.
• Labor Dystocia: Difficult or prolonged labor, known as labor dystocia, may occur, increasing the risk of complications for both the mother and baby.
• Postpartum Hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding after childbirth, known as postpartum hemorrhage, is a potential risk that may require prompt medical attention.
• Cesarean Section Complications: While cesarean sections are a very common procedure, they potentially carry risks such as infection, blood loss, and longer recovery times compared to vaginal deliveries.
• Infection: Infections can occur during labor and delivery, affecting the mother, baby, or both. Proper hygiene and medical care help mitigate this risk.
• Preeclampsia: A condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage, preeclampsia can pose risks to both the mother and baby if not managed promptly.
• Tearing or Episiotomy Complications: Tears or episiotomies (surgical incisions to enlarge the vaginal opening) during delivery may occur, and complications such as infection or extended healing time can arise.
• Neonatal Complications: Premature birth, respiratory distress syndrome, and other neonatal complications may pose risks to the baby’s health and require specialized medical care.
• Shoulder Dystocia: A rare but serious complication where the baby’s head passes through the birth canal but the shoulders become stuck, potentially causing injury to the baby or mother.
• Umbilical Cord Issues: Prolapsed or compressed umbilical cords can lead to decreased oxygen supply to the baby and may require immediate intervention.

At Viva Eve, labor and delivery complications are rare due to our team’s commitment to comprehensive prenatal care, individualized attention, and advanced monitoring techniques that significantly minimize the likelihood of complications, ensuring a safe and positive childbirth experience for our patients. Our deliveries go smoothly because our doctors are experts at what they do.

Are there related procedures to Labor and Delivery?

There are several related procedures and interventions are associated with the process of labor and delivery. These procedures may be performed for various reasons, including monitoring the health of the mother and baby, managing complications, or assisting with the birthing process. Some common related procedures include:

• Fetal Monitoring involves placing sensors on the mother’s abdomen to track the baby’s heart rate and contractions during labor.
• Amniotomy, the artificial rupture of the amniotic sac to induce or augment labor is typically done using a small hook during the early stages of labor.
• Induction of Labor involves the use of medications or other methods to stimulate contractions and initiate labor when it doesn’t start naturally or needs to be expedited for medical reasons.
• Epidural Analgesia is a common pain relief option during labor which involves injecting anesthetic medication into the lower half of the body and provide relief from labor pain.
• Cesarean Section (C-Section) is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through an incision made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. It may be planned or performed as an emergency intervention.
• Episiotomy (a surgical incision to enlarge the vaginal opening) Repair involves stitching up the incision after childbirth.
• Vacuum Extraction and Forceps Delivery are assisted vaginal delivery techniques used only when completely necessary. Vacuum extraction involves using a vacuum device to assist in pulling the baby out, while forceps are metal instruments that can aid in guiding the baby’s head through the birth canal.
• Cord Blood Banking involves collecting and storing the blood from the umbilical cord and placenta after delivery. This blood is rich in stem cells and can be used for medical treatments in the future.
• Postpartum Tubal Ligation, a surgical procedure that permanently prevents pregnancy by sealing the fallopian tubes. It can be done shortly after childbirth.

These procedures are performed based on medical indications and the specific circumstances of each labor and delivery, and the preferences and needs of the mother. If necessary, they are performed by Viva Eve healthcare providers with the goal of ensuring the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Labor and Delivery Facilities

Many of our patients come from all over the world to deliver in one of the top maternity hospitals in the country, Mount Sinai West. The hospital’s state-of-the-art Many of our patients come from all over the world to deliver in one of the top maternity hospitals in the country,  Mount Sinai West. The hospital’s state-of-the-art birthing facilities include the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Center for Labor and Birth and the Jo Carole and Ronald S. Lauder Center for Maternity Care.

Viva Eve lactation specialists offer breastfeeding support and resources for new mothers and their families. Our lactation consultants are available to work with you and your baby on the basics of breastfeeding positions and latching-on techniques so that your baby gets all the nutrition he or she needs.