Articles related to "Birth Options"

Find articles on topics ranging from prenatal testing, birth, breastfeeding, cesarean, doulas, epidurals and home birth, inductions, labor and more.

It is important for pregnant moms to understand their birthing options and be prepared for this important occasion.

Freebirthing is a trend of non-medical birthing without the guidance of a midwife, OB-GYN, or other medical professional. Many moms also forgo formal prenatal care.

Experts believe that about 1% of mothers choose elective cesarean for their first baby without a medical reason. One reason might be that mothers fear labor pain.

Nursing is the largest healthcare occupation in the USA. There is also a massive shortage for specialty nurses such as a certified midwife who can earn in excess of 75K.

Learning strategies to cope with labor can help you recover from childbirth more easily. Use techniques like the Bradley Method to make labor far less difficult.

An eye-opening childbirth video that looks at birth options in America, and encourages women to question the move away from midwives, natural delivery and home birth.

It is helpful to understand the different types of midwives practicing in the U.S. in order to choose one who best fits your needs.

Few mothers are choosing homebirth today. Even fewer mothers feel comfortable giving birth without a trained professional present.

Using massage to comfort a mother during her labor has been proven to help in many ways. See the benefits of touch for a birthing woman.

This series of articles covers everything from interview questions, why parents hire a doula, becoming a doula and the difference between pospartum and birth doulas.

Hiring a doula for support can help expecting moms ease their fears and create a positive birth experience.

Narcotics can provide rest and relaxation to mothers in labor. However, narcotics can also affect the mother and the baby. Find out what you need to know.

The focus on breathing exercises for different phases of labor has changed over the years. Now the Lamaze method includes many techniques for comfort in labor.

Here is a list of foods to eat during labor, comfort supplies for natural childbirth, and water birth supplies.

Are you considering a natural childbirth? Here is the complete series of articles on ways to avoid unnecessary interventions and have a natural childbirth.

An intravenous drip (IV) can interfere with mobility and increase swelling. IV's can be helpful to mothers in cases of dehydration. Find out more on IV's.

VBAC has become a controversial issue today. However, new research on VBACs shows that going into labor on your own can increase your chances of a vaginal birth.

In Canada, a midwife provides professional prenatal care to low risk women, attends labour and birth, and cares for the mother and baby for six weeks postpartum.

Mothers will often have difficulty sleeping in these last few weeks of pregnancy. Your baby can weigh about 4 pounds and measure 19 inches long.

Tension and labor pain can often be triggered by fear. Find out how relaxation conserves energy, reduces pain and helps labor progress.

Birth Doulas work long hours and often have unreliable income. Yet these women helpers recognize that supporting mothers in labor is very rewarding.

Many expectant mothers have fear about pain, length of labor and how they will cope. Identifying the root of fears and finding truth can help to reduce fears.

Parent-consumers still want to have the option of having a home birth, however support for home births from the medical community may be dwindling.

Here is a list of supplies to have on hand for a home birth, including breastfeeding supplies, newborn necessities, and postpartum must-haves.

One of the most talked-about topics in childbirth circles today is the skyrocketing cesarean rate in the US. Learn as much as possible about cesareans and VBAC.

Studies show that one factor that helps with VBAC success is to go into labor without being induced. A previous labor that ended at 8 cm or later also helps.

There are many ways to try to have an unmedicated birth. One of the best ways to maximize your chances of a natural childbirth is to avoid a labor induction.

Contrary to popular opinion, epidurals are not the only effective method for pain relief during labor. More mothers are discovering the benefits of laboring in the tub.

Magnesium sulfate given to mothers in preterm labor, reduced the incidence of cerebral palsy by 50%.

More hospitals around North America are restricting a laboring mother's access to having labor support by limiting visitors on labor and delivery floors.

Parents frequently have an uphill battle if they are considering a VBAC today. Knowing your options for labor including out-of-hospital birth locations are helpful.

Technology has entered the birthing realm and often replaces the normal physiology of labor. Parents need to know the truth about all procedures.

If your due date has come and gone, your care provider may recommend a non-stress test. An NST monitors your baby's heart rate in response to movement.

The National Center for Health Statistics has released new information on the trends of mothers who are giving birth including their ages, races and marital status.

Experts agree that routine inductions and cesareans are often unnecessary and preventable. Here is how one hospital made a difference.

Even though a large percentage of mothers elect to have a repeat cesarean rather than a VBAC, for those wanting a trial of labor, there is renewed hope in reducing risks.

Methadone is prescribed to prevent withdrawal symptoms from heroin and other opiates. It's use has unique ramifications during pregnancy.

Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein's documentary about birth is a valuable resource for all expectant parents. Learn the truth about hospital birth and home birth safety.

During your second trimester of pregnancy, your uterus is already preparing for labor and birth by practicing Braxton-Hicks contractions.

Causes vary, and drugs used to treat migraine headaches are not recommended during pregnancy. Some dietary and treatment guidelines may avoid and alleviate pain.

Eligible women with a deployed partner have the option of applying for a complementary birth doula to support them during labor through Operation Special Delivery.

If you are interested in reducing your need for pain medication and having an easier labor, consider adding an aquarobics program to your pregnancy exercise plan.

Pregnant women looking for support or assistance during pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood stages may seek the help of a doula.

A safer, more convenient alternative to hot water bottles, wheatie bags are versatile, easy to make and comforting to use!

The number of labor inductions are on the rise today despite increasing evidence that they increase the number of cesareans and complications for the baby.

Not everyone agrees on the term "natural childbirth" and what it means. Does it refer to a vaginal birth versus a cesarean? How do you define natural childbirth?

Consumers should expect that their place of birth and medical care providers practice evidence-based medicine. What interventions should be avoided and what helps?

External versions are typically performed around 37 weeks of pregnancy. They have about a 50% or greater chance of turning your breech baby to head down.

Fetal Monitoring is one way to check to see how well your baby is doing during labor and birth. Types of monitoring can vary so find out more about your options.