Articles written by Brenda Lane
All 320 articles written by Brenda Lane
Breathing Exercises: Several Breathing Techniques to Help You During Childbirth
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
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. more...
H1N1 Threat Limits Support for Mothers: Mothers Have Restrictions On Visitors During Labor
Category: Birthing Options
More hospitals around North America are restricting a laboring mother's access to having labor support by limiting visitors on labor and delivery floors. more...
Vegetables Benefit Baby and Mother: Eating Fruits and Veggies in Pregnancy Can Help You and Baby
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
A healthy diet including a variety of healthy vegetables, fruit and lean meats are crucial for pregnancy. New evidence shoes that vegetables may prevent diabetes. more...
Lactose Intolerance and Pregnancy: Foods to Add to Your Pregnancy Diet if You Cannot Digest Dairy
Category: Prenatal Health
Getting adequate calcium may be one of the biggest challenges for the pregnant woman with lactose intolerance. Find out what calcium-rich foods you can digest easily. more...
Category: Prenatal Health
Developing a safety plan is an important step in getting out of an abusive relationship. Having a strategy when you feel threatened will help you be prepared. more...
H1N1 Flu Vaccine and Pregnancy: Answers to Your Questions About Vaccinations if You Are Pregnant
Category: Prenatal Health
You may have heard mixed advice on whether or not it is safe to be vaccinated if you are pregnant. What do the experts say about the flu, H1N1 and how to stay healthy? more...
Category: Prenatal Health
Artificial sweeteners have received FDA approval but have not passed animal testing. Research shows that aspartame and sucralose can cause organ abnormalities and damage. more...
Expectant Fathers Feeling Left Out: How the Expectant Father's Role is Undermined During Pregnancy
Category: Parental Rights
Expectant and new fathers often feel that they are left out when taking childbirth classes, being included in prenatal visits and learning to parent their new baby. more...
Traveling by Air During Pregnancy: Tips to Make Flying Easier for the Expectant Mother
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Expectant mothers do not need to avoid flying in a plane. Moving around, staying hydrated and eating healthy foods while in flight can reduce discomfort. more...
Fears About Giving Birth: Overcoming Common Concerns Mothers Have About Childbirth
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
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. more...
Category: Birthing Options
There is a belief that childbirth classes are a waste of time unless a mother is planning for natural childbirth. Find out why all expectant parents need classes. more...
Domestic Violence During Pregnancy: What to Do if You are in an Abusive Relationship
Category: Prenatal Health
Domestic violence leads to complications for mothers and their growing babies during pregnancy. Creating a safety plan is one of the first steps in getting help. more...
External Versions for Breech Babies: Turning Your Baby to a Head Down Position for a Vaginal Birth
Category: Birthing Options
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. more...
Omega-3 Fish Oil Aids Pregnancy: How You Can Benefit From Eating Seafood and Taking Supplements
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Omega-3 fatty acids are becoming an increasingly popular dietary supplement. Benefits in pregnancy include decreasing maternal depression and asthma in children. more...
Breastfeeding and Drinking: How to Determine the Alcohol Content in Your Breast Milk
Category: Postpartum Health
Mothers were often told to pump and dump breast milk or drink in moderation. Now there is a test available to identify if your breast milk is safe for your baby. more...
Category: Postpartum Health
Manufacturing infant formula is a massive industry. Marketing strategies may involve stretching the truth about benefits of infant formula compared to breast milk. more...
Guidelines for Breast Milk Storage: Storing Your Extra Pumped Milk Safely in Freezer or Refrigerator
Category: Postpartum Health
Working mothers need safe options to freeze and refrigerate breast milk . The most convenient system for frozen breast milk is to use freezer milk trays. more...
Smoking During Pregnancy: Reasons to Quit When You Discover You are Pregnant
Category: Prenatal Health
Smoking has many harmful effects on the growing baby. Mothers who smoke increase their child's chance of death and learning problems. more...
Guidelines for Labor Induction: Find Out the Facts Before You are Induced
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Not all care providers or childbirth experts agree on the reasons for labor induction. New guidelines established by ACOG may help but are controversial. more...
Breathing Exercises for Labor: Why Using Breathing Patterns Can Help During Childbirth
Category: Birthing Options
Using breathing exercises during childbirth is helpful for relaxation, distraction and to prevent mothers from holding their breath. more...
Category: Postpartum Health
New parents are always looking for ways to cut costs to help reduce their family's budget. Breastfeeding your baby can save thousands of dollars annually for each child. more...
Expecting Twins: What You Should Know if You are Having Two or More Babies
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Not only do you need more calories every day, but your options for giving birth are more limited if you are carrying more than one baby. more...
Saving Ultrasound Images: What to Consider if You Want Prenatal Videos of Baby
Category: Prenatal Health
The growing popularity of keepsake videos of the baby has raised questions from experts about the safety of ultrasound used for non-diagnostic purposes. more...
Walking Epidurals: Answers to Frequently-Asked Questions on This Popular Labor Drug
Category: Birthing Options
One of the newest options for laboring women is known as the walking epidural. This medication allows pain relief and even the possibility of walking to the bathroom. more...
Best Baby Shower Ideas: Top Ten Favorite Gifts for the New Mother
Category: Prenatal Health
If you are looking for the very best baby shower gifts to give the new mother, look no more! Here are some great ideas to help make her new role even easier. more...
VBAC Healthy for Babies: Newborns Have More Complications after Subsequent Cesareans
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Repeat cesareans are often encouraged today as providers argue they are safer for babies. However, evidence suggests that these babies tend to need help in the NICU. more...
Swine Flu and Pregnancy: What You Should Know About This Virus if You are Pregnant
Category: Prenatal Health
Though the spread of swine flu is receding, one of the three reported deaths in the US occurred to a woman who was pregnant. How can you be safe if you are pregnant? more...
Shoulder Dystocia: Risk Factors and Maneuvers to Treat This Serious Birth Complication
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Shoulder dystocia is one of the most serious of all obstetric complications. Large babies can sometimes be a risk factor. One treatment is the Gaskin Maneuver. more...
Autism and Pregnancy: Inductions, Parents' Age and Baby's Position Have Links to Autism
Category: Prenatal Health
Autism has a number of associated factors including the parents' age and breech presentation. New research sheds light on questions surrounding autism. more...
What to Do if Having Sex Hurts: Exploring Vulvodynia Symptoms and Treatment
Category: Family Planning
One barrier to conceiving a baby is if you find sex to be painful. If you have difficulty using tampons or find that intercourse hurts, you may have vulvodynia. more...
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Understanding the Effects of Drinking on the Growing Baby
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Some mothers believe that an occasional drink during pregnancy is perfectly safe. What is the truth about the effects of alcohol on your baby as he or she grows? more...
Reducing Inductions and Cesareans: What One Hospital Did to Decrease Unnecessary Interventions
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Experts agree that routine inductions and cesareans are often unnecessary and preventable. Here is how one hospital made a difference. more...
New Dangers Discovered In Infant Formula: CDC Reports Rocket Fuel Chemical Found In Formula
Category: Postpartum Health
A recent report on infant formula has revealed that 15 brands of powdered formula contained unsafe amounts of perchlorate, an ingredient in rocket fuel. more...
Category: Birthing Options
If the evidence says that some of the old practices are no longer valid, it is time to re-think them. Here are changes you should be asking for with regard to your care. more...
When You Cannot Breastfeed: Breast Reduction Surgery and Other Reasons for Unsuccessful Nursing
Category: Postpartum Health
The vast majority of women choose to breastfeed, however a small number may simply be unable to do so. What are reasons why breastfeeding may not be successful? more...
Weaning Your Baby: What to Consider When You Stop Breastfeeding
Category: Postpartum Health
Weaning your breastfed baby can be more challenging than you anticipate. How long does your baby need breast milk? Is there an optimal time to begin the weaning process? more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
A significant number of new mothers suffer from a range of postpartum mood disorders from mild to severe. Mothers may find at-home counseling is beneficial. more...
How Can I Make More Breast Milk?: Finding Solutions to Breast Milk Supply Issues
Category: Postpartum Health
If you are wondering if you have enough breast milk, here are ways to tell if your baby is getting enough and how to build up your supply if you need to make more. more...
The Latest Trends in Childbirth: CDC Releases Stats on Cesareans, Preterm Birth and Inductions
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Are more babies being born these days? Has the cesarean rate gone up or down? What about the number of teen pregnancies? Find out the latest statistics in birth. more...
Top Foods to Eat During Pregnancy: Here are Some of the Best Foods for Your Pregnancy Diet
Category: Prenatal Health
While there are many healthy foods to eat, some foods are so packed in nutrients that it makes good sense to include them in your pregnancy diet plan. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Sometimes after nine months of pregnancy, you might be looking forward to that glass of wine or beer. How safe is alcohol during breastfeeding? more...
Benefits of Choosing a Midwife: Find Out How You Can Have a Healthier Pregnancy and Childbirth
Category: Birthing Options
Hiring a midwife is no longer a choice just for the "yuppie" couples but makes sense if you want personal and natural care during your pregnancy and labor. more...
Is Homebirth Safe?: Discover the Truth about Homebirth versus Hospital Births
Category: Birthing Options
Medical experts disagree about whether homebirth carries more risk than giving birth within a hospital setting. Studies show that complications happen in either place. more...
Breastfeeding Improves Lung Function: Breastfed Babies Have Fewer Respiratory Problems
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
If you have a history of asthma or a preterm infant and want to protect your newborn, consider the benefits of breastfeeding, more...
Early Elective Cesareans Can Be Harmful: Scheduling a Cesarean Too Soon Increases Risk for Baby
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
If you have been advised by your care provider to have an elective cesarean, here is what you need to know about the timing of your cesarean. more...
Category: Prenatal Health
Pregnancy for some women means a loss of privacy and personal space. We seem to think that pregnancy gives people a license to say or do whatever we like. more...
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
With increasing cesarean rates around the world, research now shows that another factor influencing the mode of delivery could be the mother's diet. more...
Category: Prenatal Health
About 12% of mothers today go into labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy. There are few treatments that are effective to prevent your baby from being born too soon. more...
Category: Prenatal Health
Women who are struggling with obesity will often have additional complications during pregnancy. Gastric bypass could help prevent some pregnancy risks. more...
Is This Postpartum Depression?: Asking Three Questions May Help Identify Postpartum Depression
Category: Postpartum Health
It may turn out that diagnosing postpartum depression is not as difficult as previously thought. New research shows that 3 questions may identify PPD in some mothers. more...
Category: Prenatal Health
Prior recommendations for pregnant women were that 250-300mg of caffeine per day was safe. However new research points to risks with smaller amounts of caffeine intake. more...
New Blood Test Detects Down Syndrome: California Researchers Find Baby's DNA in Mother's Blood
Category: Prenatal Health
In only 2-3 years, this new test could be available to expectant mothers that would detect the baby's DNA with a simple blood test. more...
The Truth About Abortion: Uncovering the Truth about the Effects of Abortion on the Mother
Category: Family Planning
About 50% of pregnancies are unplanned. Some of those mothers may choose an abortion. Knowing the side effects of abortion can help you make a decision. more...
Normalizing Birth: Understanding the True Risks for Pregnancy and Birth Complications
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Mothers today are inundated with the risks for themselves and their babies; however it is crucial to explain risks in terms that are understandable. more...
The Pros and Cons of Using a Pacifier: Soothing Babies with a Binky May Have a Downside
Category: Postpartum Health
New questions have arisen about the disadvantages of using a pacifier with your baby. Safety and interfering with breastfeeding are two major concerns. more...
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
For years, an amniotomy was a routine part of the care mothers received during labor. Now questions arise about whether it helps or hinders the labor process. more...
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Technology has entered the birthing realm and often replaces the normal physiology of labor. Parents need to know the truth about all procedures. more...
Monitoring Your Baby During Labor: Exploring Options to Monitor the Baby's Heartrate
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
All caregivers from homebirth midwives to high-risk obstetricians will need to assess the baby's well-being by using some type of fetal monitor. more...
Has My Water Broken?: Signs of Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes and What You Should Do
Category: Prenatal Health
Contrary to popular opinion, mothers typically do not have their labor start with their bag of waters breaking. What should you do if your water does break? more...
Detecting Preterm Labor: Answering Your Questions about Fetal Fibronectin
Category: Prenatal Health
Fetal Fibronectin is available to mothers starting at 24 weeks of pregnancy. It is a test recommended by the ACOG for women who have symptoms of preterm labor. more...
Formula and Obesity in Children: Getting Behind the Truth on How Infant Formula May Cause Obesity
Category: Postpartum Health
Research has shown that infants who are fed formula may be more likely to be obese. This could be a significant factor in the climbing rates of obesity. more...
Circumcision - Exploring Options: Understanding the Procedure and Your Options on Circumcision
Category: Prenatal Health
Parents may have several options for who performs this procedure, when it is done and what pain medication can be used. more...
Circumcising Your Son: Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Circumcision
Category: Prenatal Health
Controversy exists over whether circumcision carries any health benefit for the male infant or whether it is simply a parent's choice. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 41-2: What Happens When You Go Past Your Due Date
Category: Prenatal Health
Mothers who pass Week 40 of pregnancy may be interested in finding ways to naturally induce labor and discuss medical labor induction options with their providers. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 39: With Only One Week to Go, Getting Ready for Birth
Category: Prenatal Health
At 39 weeks of pregnancy, your cervix may begin to change and ripen for labor. Your baby may weigh around 7 pounds this week. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 37: Your Baby has a Definite Sleep-Wake Cycle
Category: Prenatal Health
As you move into your last 4 weeks of pregnancy, your baby will be able to make various head movements and now has a definite sleep-wake cycle. more...
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Complications occur more often with vacuum assisted deliveries. Using midwives, doulas and a variety of pushing positions can reduce the rate of vacuum extractions. more...
How Soon Can I have an Epidural?: When is the Best Time to Receive Pain Medication
Category: Birthing Options
Many mothers are concerned about not getting pain medication when they need it during labor. The best window for pain medication is often in active labor. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 35: Preparing for Baby and Managing the Last Weeks of Pregnancy
Category: Prenatal Health
With only 5 weeks left to go, mothers should be watching their intake of protein, calcium and iron as the baby's nutritional needs grow. more...
Choosing Elective Cesarean: Cesarean Instead of Vaginal Birth for Your First Baby
Category: Birthing Options
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. more...
Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension: What You Need to know about High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy
Category: Prenatal Health
One of the most common medical complications during pregnancy, PIH is often managed with bed rest and in some cases, induction of labor. more...
Back Labor and How to Prevent It: Techniques to Turn Your Posterior Baby During Pregnancy or Labor
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Back labor often causes labor to be longer and more painful. Turning your posterior baby to an anterior position during pregnancy may help to prevent back labor. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 32: Finishing the 7th month of pregnancy
Category: Prenatal Health
In Week 32 of pregnancy, your baby's fingernails reach to the end of her fingertips. Mothers may begin to slow down physically and feel more cumbersome. more...
Increasing Your Breastmilk Supply: How to encourage your milk to come in and increase your supply
Category: Postpartum Health
Risk factors for delayed lactation include obesity, a prolonged pushing stage and a cesarean birth. Mothers can increase supply by pumping and feeding frequently. more...
Back Labor: Symptoms and Causes of Back Pain in Labor
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Back labor can result in more pain and longer labors. In some cases, it might mean that the baby needs to rotate to face the mother's back. more...
Labor Contractions: How to Time Contractions while You are in Labor
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Parents do not need to time every contraction while in labor. It can be helpful to have a sense of progress by recording the duration and interval between contractions. more...
Childbirth Class - Breastfeeding: Learn more about Breastfeeding Advantages and Techniques
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Is breastfeeding the most natural thing in the world? Learn the best techniques and how to find support. more...
Childbirth Class - Medications: Find out about pain medication and intervention for birth
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
In this class, we look at the medical interventions used during labor and birth and discover when they might be needed. more...
Online Class for Childbirth: Your Last Trimester and Preparing for Labor
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
As you approach your due date, you may have a number of pregnancy discomforts. Are you familiar with labor terminology? Here is more to help you prepare for birth. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 29: Find out how to get ready for the last several weeks of pregnancy.
Category: Prenatal Health
Week 29 of pregnancy is a time when the baby begins to develop more fat layers. Your baby weighs about 2 and a half pounds this week! more...
Recent Trends in Birth: The most recent statistics on the women today who are giving birth
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
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. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 28: As you enter your third trimester, find out more about your baby!
Category: Prenatal Health
Some important milestones occur in week 28 of pregnancy including changes in the baby's pupils and the opening of your baby's eyelids. What should you be doing? more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 27: Entering the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Category: Prenatal Health
As you begin your third trimester of pregnancy, your fatigue may return and some of your discomforts can become more pronounced. Your baby weighs just under 1,000gms. more...
Heartburn during Pregnancy: Coping with pregnancy-related digestive problems
Category: Prenatal Health
Common discomforts during pregnancy include heartburn, indigestion and constipation. There are several ways to treat all of these common pregnancy-related ailments. more...
Pregnancy Headaches: Learn to identify and treat your pregnancy-related headaches
Category: Prenatal Health
Headaches may be more common for some women during pregnancy. Causes can be numerous including sinus congestion and PIH. more...
Frequent Urination and Pregnancy: Find out more about this common discomfort of pregnancy
Category: Prenatal Health
One of the most common complaints during pregnancy is the constant sensation of needing to urinate. Find out what causes frequent urination and how to help. more...
Category: Prenatal Health
As you get closer to your third trimester, there are some interesting changes happening with you and the baby. Have you selected your baby's name yet? more...
Category: Postpartum Health
Colostrum is a rich milk that contains antibodies and good bacteria to protect your baby from illness. Though small in quantity, it is just what your baby needs. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 23: In Your Last Week of Month Five, What You Should Expect
Category: Prenatal Health
As you enter your last week in the fifth month, your baby is growing by leaps and bounds. This is a great time to consider planning the baby nursery. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 21: Entering Month Five of Pregnancy
Category: Prenatal Health
As you enter your fifth month of pregnancy, find out more about what is happening to your baby's development and how you can prepare for your second trimester. more...
The Vital Role of Fathers: Part 1 - Creating Positive Connections with Your New Baby
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Fathers are often left out of the equation in the new family. It is important for fathers to understand their unique role in the family and how to bond with their baby. more...
IV's During Labor: Find out if the Truth on whether You Need an IV During Childbirth
Category: Birthing Options
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. more...
How to Have a Natural Childbirth: Ways to Increase Your Chance of an Unmedicated Birth
Category: Birthing Options
Are you considering a natural childbirth? Here is the complete series of articles on ways to avoid unnecessary interventions and have a natural childbirth. more...
All About Labor: A Series on Childbirth including Everything You wanted to Know
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
From stages of labor, to signs of labor and even when to go to the hospital, here is the complete series of articles on labor and childbirth. more...
Top Reasons to Hire a Doula: Why Parents Hire Birth Doulas Today
Category: Birthing Options
Several reasons parents hire birth doulas today include a desire for more support during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. more...
Definite Signs of Labor: How to read the positive signs of labor
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
There are primarily two definite signs that labor is coming. One is progressing contractions and the other is the mother's bag of water breaking. more...
Choosing to Stay at Home: Why some mothers choose to be full-time mothers
Category: Postpartum Health
While about half of all mothers choose to stay at home, it is still viewed as the lessor of the two choices. There are benefits to full-time mothering more...
When to Go to the Hospital: If you are in labor, when should you leave for your place of birth?
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Parents should consider the number of previous births, travel distance required as well as their health status in deciding when to go to their place of birth. more...
Massage to Start Labor: How to use massage to naturally induce labor
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Massage is one technique that mothers have found can help induce contractions. There are several places on the mother's body that are known to stimulate contractions. more...
Parenting Your New Baby: Getting to Know Your Baby to Help You Develop Good Parenting Skills
Category: Postpartum Health
Good parenting skills develop over a lifetime. Some methods of parenting may offer quick fixes that do not work for every family. Getting to know your baby is crucial. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
The baby grows even longer this week. Mothers may be interested in interviewing a birth or postpartum doula as they near the beginning of month five. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
As you move into your second trimester, your body will continue to grow and change nearly every week. Many mothers will notice breast changes and Braxton-Hicks. more...
Pregnancy Week to Week - Week 15: Moving into the Second Trimester - What is new?
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Are you noticing pigment changes this week? Your baby is about 4 inches long and covered with lanugo. Signing up for a hospital or birth center tour is a great idea. more...
Natural Ways to Induce Labor: Learn Methods of Naturally Inducing Labor
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
The complete series of articles on various ways to induce your labor from pressure points to getting a massage and eating spicy foods. What are the most effective? more...
Pregnancy Week to Week - Week 14: You are now entering the beginning of the second trimester.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Week 14 is the official start of the second trimester. Your baby is about 3-4 inches long. Most mothers feel their best during this time of pregnancy! more...
Spicy Foods to Induce Labor: Will eating spicy food induce labor? Find out the truth.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Eating spicy food has often been thought to naturally induce labor. Stimulating the mother's digestive system may in fact also stimulate contractions. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 12: Discover the changes happening toward end of the first trimester.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Your baby is developing vocal cords and taste buds during this week of pregnancy. Find out more about Week 12 and what you need to be doing. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Week 11 brings some interesting facts about baby as you nearly reach the end of your first trimester. Learn more about what is happening and what you need to do. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Epidurals typically do not remove all of the mother's pain. There also may a delay in getting medication. Other comfort measures are needed to fill in the gap. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 9: The beginning of the fetal stage.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
As you enter week nine of your pregnancy, your baby is no longer an embryo. Several new changes are apparent as your baby continues to grow. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
There are many treatment options for mothers who experience postpartum depression including medication and counseling, in addition to alternative therapies. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Many experts believe that the causes of postpartum depression/postpartum mood disorders are related to hormones, yet that is clearly only part of the story. more...
Postpartum Depression Risk Factors: Are you at risk for getting postpartum depression?
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Postpartum depression has several possible risk factors that expectant mothers should be aware of during pregnancy. Find out if you are at risk for postpartum depression. more...
Pregnancy Exercise Guidelines: The Best Exercise Tips for Pregnancy
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Exercise should continue during pregnancy but there are some guidelines women should follow including new recommendations from ACOG. What do you need to know? more...
Choosing a Name for Your Baby: How to select the best name for your baby
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Finding the right baby name can be a challenge in late pregnancy. Here are some tips to help you decide which name is best for your baby. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Episiotomies used to be a common practice. Today research shows that there are few if any benefits for episiotomies. What should you do to avoid one? more...
Perineal Massage: Instructions for doing perineal massage and when to start.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Research has shown proven benefits for doing prenatal perineal massage. Also discussed are step-by-step instructions for doing perineal massage as well as when to start. more...
Birth Plan Sample: A sample birth plan to use as a guide for your labor and birth.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
A sample birth plan can be used as a starting point for parents when writing their own birth plan. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 5: The baby's brain is making its first appearance.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
As we enter the second month of pregnancy, what are some changes happening both with you and your baby? more...
Best Books for Pregnancy: Resources That Every Expectant Parent Needs
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Are you looking for pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and early parenting books? Here are some of the best pregnancy-related books for parents available online. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 4: The organs of the embryo are well under way!
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Now that you are into your first month of pregnancy, what are some important developments with both you and your baby? more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Having a due date during the holidays can be stressful. Find ways to cope and manage your time while enjoying your family during the holidays. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 2: The amazing events of ovulation and conception occur.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
At the end of week two, your body is ready to conceive. What changes are happening with your body and your baby? more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 1: Preparing for conception
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
As you plan for your upcoming pregnancy, here are some things to consider. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Controversy still exists about safe amounts of alcohol, caffeine and hair treatments used during pregnancy. What does the latest research say about their safety? more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Effects of fetal alcohol syndrome are well-documented. What do we know about the effect on the baby while consuming even small amounts of alcohol? more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Some mothers report more pain with inductions. Is there proof that contractions from inductions actually hurt more? more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
New mothers often worry that their baby is not getting enough breast milk since it cannot be measured. There are signs to tell if your baby is satisfied. more...
VBAC Trends in the US: A look at the trend in VBAC over the years and why it has changed.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
In order to understand why the VBAC rate is lower today, it's important to see what the VBAC history is, what the trends are and where VBAC is headed. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Pushing effectively, helpful positions, conserving energy and how to labor down are crucial information for women to know as they prepare to give birth. more...
Signs of Miscarriage: Identifying Symptoms and Learning What to Do if You are Miscarrying
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Miscarriages in the first trimester are common. There are several signs to look for if you are having a miscarriage. It is common to feel grief after a miscarriage. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Epidurals are administered to a growing number of women in labor today. A frequent question women want to know is whether an epidural will affect their baby. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Not just for pregnancy, massage therapy can be beneficial for men as well as women in many health situations. Read on to find out how you can benefit from massage. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Breastfeeding seems like the most natural process in the world. Yet mothers can make mistakes that cause problems with breastfeeding. Here are the best techniques. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Breastfeeding has definite benefits over breastmilk substitutes. Yet parents are often unaware that formula has been shown to pose many health risks to babies. more...
Breast milk - Best food for Baby: Breast milk is the most nutritionally-perfect food for babies.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
There are many ways that breast milk far outweighs the best formula including its ability to provide perfect nutrition for your baby. more...
Storing Umbilical Cord Blood: Is storing your baby's umbilical cord blood a wise investment?
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Evidence that stem cells from umbilical cord blood is a rich resource is quite clear. What is unclear is whether private storage is a wise investment for parents. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Prenatal testing can sometimes have the effect of opening up Pandora's box as one test leads to another. What should parents consider as they opt for prenatal tests? more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Amniocentesis is one of those most informative prenatal tests available. However, with this information, comes a heavy price. What do parents need to know about amnio? more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
More and more women today are becoming educated about the options they have with regard to prenatal testing. Here are answers to all of your questions. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Chorionic Villus Sampling is one prenatal test that is offered today. Information from CVS can be helpful, however there are risks to CVS as with many prenatal tests more...
Alphabetical Index of Articles: List of Articles With Topics from A thru L
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Find articles on topics ranging from prenatal testing, birth, breastfeeding, cesarean, doulas, epidurals and home birth, inductions, labor and more. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
From widespread use of electronic fetal monitors to liability issues, many experts believe that there are multiple causes of the cesarean rate increase. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
The decision between VBAC and elective repeat cesarean is a difficult one. Finding the best provider & researching options will help you make the best choice more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
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. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Not surprising that items are often forgotten at home when labor starts. The best prevention is to begin packing your labor bag in the last weeks of pregnancy. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Growing numbers of parents today hire birth doulas to assist them through labor and birth. What are the best questions to ask to find out more about her? more...
Writing a Birth Plan: Reasons to write a birth plan and how to write one.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Writing a birth plan has become the "norm" for expectant parents. It is important to think through your options before you are in labor. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
This series is designed to help expectant parents prepare for birth including questions to ask a doula and writing a birth plan. more...
Eating for Two: How to Calculate Calories Needed during Pregnancy
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Do mothers actually need to "eat for two?" There are several factors that affect how many calories you need during pregnancy. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Never before have we known so much about how your baby's growth and long-term health is affected by pregnancy nutrition. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Choosing a prenatal vitamin is not as easy as it seems. Here are the most popular questions women have about taking prenatal vitamins during pregnancy. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Recommendations about fish, cheese and artificial sweeteners vary. Here are the current guidelines on some of these foods to avoid during pregnancy. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
More and more expectant mothers are realizing that getting essential nutrients can be a challenge. Here is a great pregnancy diet plan and tips to make it easier. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
When parents begin to plan for the second baby, they may wonder what the ideal spacing is between siblings. There are many issues to consider when planning your family. more...
Back Pain during Pregnancy: Exploring the causes of and remedies for pregnancy-related back pain.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Back pain is a very common discomfort during pregnancy. There can be multiple causes for back pain so it's important to try a number of remedies to see what works. more...
Epidurals for Birth: Tips for giving birth successfully if you choose to labor with an epidural.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Epidural analgesia often adds other medical interventions into the picture. Are there ways for mothers to use an epidural but avoid some of the pitfalls? more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Anemia often occurs at the beginning of the second trimester and can mask as simply "pregnancy fatigue." What are signs of anemia during pregnancy? more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
HCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is known primarily as the hormone that shows up in blood or urine during pregnancy. What else do we know about it? more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
If you suspect you might be pregnant, there are two tests that are commonly used to confirm your pregnancy. more...
Pregnancy Symptoms: Signs that Can Help You Identify if You Are Pregnant
Category: Prenatal Health
The symptoms of pregnancy include more than just missing your period. Some women also experience fullness and frequent urination in the early weeks of pregnancy. more...
Herpes and Pregnancy: What to do if You are Pregnant and Have HSV
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases among women. Find out how to keep your baby safe from becoming infected with HSV. more...
Preterm Labor Symptoms: What to do if You Think You MIght be Going Into Labor Too Early
Category: Prenatal Health
Preterm labor occurs in about 1 out of every 10 births. Knowing the signs to look for may help you know when everything is normal versus when to call your care provider. more...
How to Gain Healthy Weight During Pregnancy: Tips to Limit Unnecessary Extra Pounds and Feel Better
Category: Prenatal Health
Weight gain is a part of being pregnant. However, your pregnancy diet should be full of nutrient-rich foods so that you are not putting on pounds that you do not need. more...
Labor After You Have Had a Cesarean: More Success for VBAC When Childbirth Start on Its Own
Category: Birthing Options
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. more...
Antidepressants During Pregnancy: Safety of Depression Medications Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac Questioned
Category: Prenatal Health
Research shows Zoloft, Paxil and Prozac can increase baby's risk of heart defects, preterm birth, trips to the NICU and lower Apgar scores. more...
Healthy Breakfast Options During Pregnancy: What Foods to Eat to Start Your Day
Category: Prenatal Health
Eating a healthy breakfast is important whether you are pregnant or not. Yogurt, eggs and quinoa are quick and healthy options for the expectant mother. more...
Bed Rest to Prevent Preterm Labor: Evidence Shows that Restricting Mother's Activities May Not Help
Category: Prenatal Health
A common treatment for preterm labor is to recommend bed rest for the duration of the pregnancy. Recent findings question whether or not bed rest stops labor. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
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. more...
Category: Gynecological Health
Endometriosis causes severe pelvic pain during menstruation. Pregnancy, hormonal medications and surgery can counteract the growth of the endometrial cells. more...
Reducing Spinal Defects in Your Baby: Eating Egg Yolks, Soy and Meat Can Lower Your Newborn's Risk
Category: Prenatal Health
One important nutrient may be missing from your prenatal vitamins. Choline is vital in your pregnancy diet to help lower your baby's chance of spinal defects. more...
Category: Prenatal Health
Your result on a fetal fibronectin test can indicate if you are at risk to deliver a preterm baby. Most care providers alter their care plan based on fFN results more...
Healthy Beverages During Pregnancy: Drinks to Provide Hydration and Nutrients While You are Pregnant
Category: Prenatal Health
Many of the drinks on the market contain caffeine, artificial sweeteners, preservatives or too much sugar. Some of the healthiest choices are drinks you can make yourself more...
Group B Strep Treatment Questioned: Routine Antibiotics Given in Labor may not be Effective
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
A Cochrane review sheds doubt on whether or not routine antibiotics given to laboring mothers who test positive for GBS will reduce the risk of infection. more...
Favorite Foods to Beat Morning Sickness: What to Eat if You Have Pregnancy-Related Nausea
Category: Prenatal Health
The majority of mothers suffer from morning sickness. Foods to help manage first trimester nausea include lemons, bananas, crackers and potatoes. more...
Skin-to-skin Contact: Benefits of Kangaroo Care for Mother and Baby
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
There are numerous reasons why keeping your baby right on your chest, skin-to-skin, is essential. Babies cry less and latch properly to the breast sooner. more...
When Do Memories Begin?: New Findings Show Babies Develop Short-Term Memory in Utero
Category: Prenatal Health
Dutch researchers have discovered that babies in utero show recognition and memory as early as ten weeks before they are born. more...
Relaxation During Labor: Why Relaxation Can Help You Have an Easier Childbirth
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Tension and labor pain can often be triggered by fear. Find out how relaxation conserves energy, reduces pain and helps labor progress. more...
Category: Prenatal Health
During your second trimester of pregnancy, your uterus is already preparing for labor and birth by practicing Braxton-Hicks contractions. more...
Constipation During Pregnancy: Safe Methods to Keep Your Body Regular While You are Pregnant
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Constipation is a common complaint among pregnant women. Laxatives can be harsh and unsafe to use. Increasing the fiber and fluids in your diet may help. more...
Help for Morning Sickness: Newest Treatments to Help Fight Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy
Category: Prenatal Health
Many mothers suffer from morning sickness in the first trimester of pregnancy. Treatments include medication, acupuncture and dietary supplements. more...
Best Ways to Prepare for Breastfeeding: How to Get Ready for Nursing Before Your Baby Arrives
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Several ways to prepare for breastfeeding include joining a breastfeeding support group, attending a breastfeeding class, and locating a lactation specialist. more...
Non-Stress Tests: Measuring Your Baby's Well-Being in Late Pregnancy
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
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. more...
Benefits of Tubs During Labor: Mothers Find Pain Relief With Water Immersion During Childbirth
Category: Birthing Options
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. more...
Fathers and Alcohol Use: Evidence Suggests That Dads Who Drink Cause Harm to Unborn
Category: Prenatal Health
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can be the result of mothers who drink during pregnancy. Research suggests that fathers' alcohol consumption is also harmful. more...
How to Ripen Your Cervix: Learn More about Prostaglandin Gel and Other Ripening Agents
Category: Birthing Options
If you have passed your due date, your cervix may need some help in order to be ready for labor. What cervical ripening agents may be used? more...
Walking During Labor: Benefits May Include Less Pain and Shorter Labors
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Today many mothers have their movement restricted in labor due to fetal monitoring and medication use. Research shows that walking can shorten the first stage of labor. more...
Home Birth Safety: Which Birth Location is Safer? Home or Hospital?
Category: Birthing Options
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. more...
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
One of the most common questions as you get closer to your due date is how will you know a contraction when you are having one? Find out how to recognize contractions. more...
Breastfeeding Benefits for Mothers: Nursing Mothers Experience Many Long-Term Health Benefits
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Research shows that breastfeeding has long-term health benefits for mother including reduced rates of cancer and cardiovascular disease. more...
Using the Bishop's Score for Labor Success: Finding Ways to Evaluate a Mother's Readiness for Birth
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Labor inductions have become commonplace in many hospital settings, even when there is no indicated risk. Using the Bishop's score helps to evaluate potential success. more...
Grieving a Sibling's Death into Adulthood: The Impact of Grief on Surviving Siblings
Category: Postpartum Health
What we know about grief is that it can be a life-long process. Adults who have lost siblings right around the time of birth may need psychological support. more...
Top Reasons To Enjoy Being Pregnant: Our List Of The Ten Best Highlights Of Pregnancy
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Some mothers enjoy hearing the baby's heartbeat for the first time. Others find that one of their favorite things about pregnancy is the ultrasound. What do you enjoy? more...
Patient-Controlled Epidurals: What You Need to Know about the Latest Method of Pain Relief
Category: Birthing Options
In many hospitals around the world, the rate of epidurals during labor reaches close to 90%. New methods of pain relief include the patient-controlled epidural. more...
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
The majority of women are very interested to learn about pain relief options for labor; however they may not know the best questions to ask. Here are sample questions. more...
Breast Infections: Learning about Diagnosis and Effective Treatment for Mastitis
Category: Postpartum Health
Research shows that about 1/3 of mothers will have a breast infection while breastfeeding. Antibiotics are a common treatment, however they may not be effective. more...
Defining Natural Childbirth: Moving Toward a New Way of Identifying Birth as Normal
Category: Birthing Options
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? more...
Soreness and Breastfeeding: Answers to Your Questions about Breast and Nipple Soreness
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Does breastfeeding have to hurt? Some experts say that if breastfeeding hurts, mother is doing something wrong. Breast soreness is preventable and treatable. more...
When to Start a Bottle: What to Consider When Offering the Bottle if You are Breastfeeding
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Babies often have a learning curve when it comes to breastfeeding. But they can also become set in their ways and refuse a bottle later. When should you start a bottle? more...
Reducing Your Chances of Uterine Rupture: New Test Measures the Thickness of Previous Cesarean Scar
Category: Prenatal Health
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. more...
The Truth about Cesareans: Dispelling the Myths about Cesarean Birth versus Natural Childbirth
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
If you might have heard that cesareans are a safer way to have your baby, think again. New research shows that more mothers have severe complications after a cesarean. more...
Top Reasons to Avoid Induction: Find Out Why You Should or Should Not Consider Inducing Your Labor
Category: Birthing Options
Labor induction, whether by natural means or by IV pitocin is very common. If you are thinking about induction, learn when it is better to wait for labor. more...
Top Ten Things to Do During Pregnancy: Mothers Should Eat Well, Exercise and Get Good Prenatal Care
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Most women know the basics of having a healthy pregnancy. Here are good reminders about what to do and what not to do to benefit mothers and their babies. more...
Category: Prenatal Health
There is new evidence that shows that pesticide exposure can reduce a child's behavioral development. Find out how you can reduce your own child's risk from pesticides. more...
Category: Birthing Options
Consumers should expect that their place of birth and medical care providers practice evidence-based medicine. What interventions should be avoided and what helps? more...
Category: Birthing Options
The standard protocal in many hospital settings today for hydration is ice chips and IV fluids. Policies regarding fluids and light foods may be changing. more...
Say No to Labor Inductions: Reasons to Avoid Being Induced Before the Holidays
Category: Birthing Options
Many mothers believe that being induced to avoid conflict with the holidays is preferred over going into labor on their own. Here are reasons to reconsider an induction. more...
Water Exercise Benefits Childbirth: Aquarobics Reduces Need for Pain Medication During Labor
Category: Prenatal Health
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. more...
Category: Prenatal Health
A recent UK study discovers that the majority of older women mistakenly believe that fertility treatment such as in vitro fertilization can overcome the effect of age. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Increasingly today mothers are discouraged from a trial of labor and instead encouraged to plan cesareans. Research shows that labor benefits a mother who wants a VBAC. more...
Should You Stay Away from Soy?: The Dangers of Soy's Hormonal Effect on Adults and Children
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Though the health benefits of soy have been touted in the media, new questions are arising about the effect of soy in altering male and female hormones. more...
Category: Prenatal Health
As flu season quickly approaches, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has released a statement to recommend pregnant women receive a flu vaccine. more...
Category: Birthing Options
The majority of mothers give birth in hospitals today in the United States and Canada. Options from tubs to mobility and eating can vary in many places of birth. more...
The Spirituality of Giving Birth: Using Faith to Help with Challenges of Labor, Birth and Parenting
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
More and more people are seeking wisdom and guidance from spiritual sources in their lives today. The time of pregnancy and birth are no exception. more...
Category: Prenatal Health
About 1 in every 4 women today are survivors of some form of sexual abuse. How does that history affect mothers, fears about labor and concern about flashbacks? more...
Category: Prenatal Health
The more nuts you eat during pregnancy, the more likely your baby will develop asthma, according to new research conducted in the Netherlands. more...
Coping with Pregnancy Stress: Ways to Reduce Anxiety and Stress During Your Pregnancy
Category: Prenatal Health
While pregnancy can be a time of great joy and anticipation, for some mothers it can also bring stress. What are the effects of stress? And how can you learn to cope? more...
Stripping Membranes: Does Sweeping the Membranes Start Labor?
Category: Birthing Options
New research shows that stripping or sweeping membranes does not induce labor or reduce the mother's chance of going past her due date. more...
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Cervical abnormalities are often treated with a surgical procedure known as LEEP. Evidence shows that women have more pregnancy complications following a LEEP. more...
How to Reduce Tears During Birth: New Reseach Shows that Providers Can Help to Avoid Tears
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Most mothers write a birth plan today. They will typically include preferences to avoid an episiotomy and reduce the amount of tearing during birth. more...
How to Have a Successful VBAC: Options to Consider when Planning a Vaginal Birth after Cesarean
Category: Birthing Options
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. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week Series: All 40 Weeks of Pregnancy at a Glance
Category: Prenatal Health
No matter what week of pregnancy you are in, you will find helpful information on baby's development, changes with you and a list of things to do each week. more...
Pregnancy Third Trimester: A Look at the Last Trimester of Pregnancy Week by Week
Category: Prenatal Health
Your last trimester of pregnancy can bring with it more fatigue and discomforts. Here is a look at Week 27 through Week 40 of pregnancy. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 40: Preparing for Labor and Birth
Category: Prenatal Health
If you are in your 40th week of pregnancy, you may be experiencing preliminary signs of labor such as a lingering backache and frequent Braxton-Hicks contractions. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 38: Only Two Weeks of Pregnancy to Go
Category: Prenatal Health
Your baby is now growing by leaps and bounds with just two weeks to go. She may have dropped into your pelvis to prepare for birth. more...
Fathers and Daughters: The Beginning of an Amazing Relationship that can Last a Lifetime.
Category: Postpartum Health
Expectant fathers prepare for the arrival of their daughters differently than do mothers. Setting the stage now for developing those bonds is crucial. more...
Category: Prenatal Health
Ultrasound is used for several purposes during pregnancy including estimating the baby's weight. Controversy remains about the accuracy of ultrasound. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 36: With Only One Month to Go, What Preparations You May Need for Baby
Category: Prenatal Health
Your baby is will be arriving in about 4 weeks. By 36 weeks of gestation, your baby's gastrointestinal system is mature and ready for digestion. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 34: Your Baby will Arrive in 6 Weeks! Are You Ready?
Category: Prenatal Health
At week 34 of pregnancy, you should begin preparations for labor including toning exercises and perineal massage. Your baby weighs about 2200 grams. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 33: Your baby may be about 4 pounds this week!
Category: Prenatal Health
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. more...
Epsom Salts for Preterm Infants: New Report shows Decrease in Cerebral Palsy in Preterm Babies
Category: Prenatal Health
Magnesium sulfate given to mothers in preterm labor, reduced the incidence of cerebral palsy by 50%. more...
Benefits of Folic Acid: Taking folate, a B vitamin, before pregnancy reduces preterm labor.
Category: Prenatal Health
Folic acid has been shown to decrease a mother's chance of neural tube defects. New research also suggests that folic acid may reduce preterm birth. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 31: Just two months to go before baby comes! Are you ready?
Category: Prenatal Health
Mothers may notice an increase in appetite as they approach their 8th month of pregnancy. The baby will add a layer of subcutaneous fat during week 31 of pregnancy. more...
Childbirth Class Series: An Online Course for Busy Parents-to-be
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Six classes in this online course discuss labor, pain management, questions to ask your provider, cesarean birth, breastfeeding and postpartum issues. more...
Childbirth Class - Postpartum: Class Six Covers Postpartum, Recovery and the Newborn
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
In the final class of our online childbirth preparation series, we discuss identifying postpartum depression, soothing babies and packing our bag. more...
Unassisted versus Homebirth: What are the differences between these two birthing options?
Category: Birthing Options
Few mothers are choosing homebirth today. Even fewer mothers feel comfortable giving birth without a trained professional present. more...
Childbirth Class - Cesarean Birth: Learn about Inductions, Cesareans and Naturally Inducing Labor
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
In our online class series, class four consists of learning more about the medical aspects of labor as well as what you can do to naturally induce labor. more...
Childbirth Class - Stages of Labor: Learning more about identifying signs and coping with labor.
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Find out more about the possible and definite signs of labor, what to do when your water breaks and how your partner can help you in the first stage of labor. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 30: Your baby may be moving into a birth position this week.
Category: Prenatal Health
As you progress into your pregnancy, your baby continues to develop more fat stores and has a more rounded appearance. Her sense of taste has developed. more...
Recovery Tips for New Mothers: How to survive the first few week of postpartum
Category: Postpartum Health
After you give birth, the work may be just starting. Adequate rest, nutrition, exercise and support are crucial. more...
Grief during Pregnancy: Help for mothers who have experienced a loss
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
If you have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss, you are not alone. Grieving this huge loss takes a long time. What can you do for help? more...
Is this Preterm Labor?: Identifying the Signs of Preterm Labor
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Some signs of preterm labor include cramping and a dull backache. Knowing when to call your provider is very important if you suspect you are experiencing preterm labor. more...
Discomforts of Pregnancy: Learn Ways to Cope with Your Aches and Pains during Pregnancy
Category: Prenatal Health
There are many pregnancy-related discomforts, including heartburn, headaches and back pain. Finding treatment or relief can be challenging. more...
Treating Insomnia during Pregnancy: What to do if you have sleep disturbances during your pregnancy
Category: Prenatal Health
Almost all pregnant women suffer from insomnia and disturbances with their sleep. There are practical ways to get some help. more...
Pregnancy Second Trimester: Weeks 14 through 26 of Pregnancy at a glance
Category: Prenatal Health
The second trimester is generally more enjoyable for mothers than either the first or third trimesters. Find out more about your pregnancy from Week 14-26. more...
Fetal Monitoring During Labor: Ways that Your Baby's Heart Rate can be Monitored during Labor
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
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. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 25: How are You coping with Month Six of Pregnancy?
Category: Prenatal Health
As you progress through your second trimester, your baby is growing rapidly and you are indeed becoming more uncomfortable. Find out more about the changes happening. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 24: What is Happening at the Start of Month Six? Find out more!
Category: Prenatal Health
As you enter your sixth month of pregnancy, you may notice several changes including more frequent urination. Your baby is also changing and growing. more...
Category: Prenatal Health
Often one of the most comfortable times during pregnancy, the second trimester is also a time of rapid growth and change. Find out more about Week 22 of pregnancy! more...
The Vital Role of Fathers: Part 2 - Continuing to Make Connections with Your Child
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
As your child grows, it is crucial for fathers to find age-appropriate ways to interact and continue to build connections with their baby. more...
Using Stadol as Labor Pain Relief: How Narcotics affect Mother, Baby and the Mother's Labor
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
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. more...
Having a Fast Labor: Learn More about Precipitous Labors and How to Manage them
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Fast labors can be challenging for expectant mothers. Find out if you are more likely to have a fast labor and what you can do to cope with a fast labor. more...
Everything About Doulas: Find out more about hiring a doula or becoming a doula.
Category: Birthing Options
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. more...
Choosing a Career as a Doula: Factors to consider if You want to become a Birth Doula
Category: Birthing Options
Birth Doulas work long hours and often have unreliable income. Yet these women helpers recognize that supporting mothers in labor is very rewarding. more...
The Three Stages of Labor: How to identify the signs and symptoms of labor
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
The first stage of labor includes early labor, active labor and transition. Second stage is the pushing stage and the third stage is the delivery of the placenta. more...
Possible Signs of Labor: How to read the possible signs and symptoms of labor
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
There are several possible that labor may be on its way including more frequent Braxton-Hicks contractions as well as more back pain. How do you know if labor is coming? more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 20: The Start of Month Five of Pregnancy - Respiratory Movements Begin
Category: Prenatal Health
As you enter Week 20 of pregnancy, your baby's legs lengthen and early breathing movements can be detected. What can you be doing to prepare for labor? more...
Waterbirth and Hydrotherapy: The Pros and Cons of laboring and giving birth in water.
Category: Birthing Options
More mothers today are seeking options to labor and give birth in water. Benefits include improved pain relief and decreased tearing. more...
Pregnancy Toning Exercises: The best and easiest exercises for late pregnancy.
Category: Prenatal Health
Mothers can benefit from toning exercises to stretch and strengthen her body for the discomforts of late pregnancy as well as the many hours of labor and birth. more...
Long Labors and What to do?: Why having a long labor may be beneficial and necessary.
Category: Childbirth - Labour & Delivery
Labor may last for several days for some mothers. This slower process may be helpful to further ready the mother's body and the baby for active labor. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 18: Are you feeling your baby move?
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Babies have an amazing ability to move and stretch inside the uterus. Mothers can become more in tune with the movements and even begin to distinguish them. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 16: The baby's handprints and footprints are forming this week.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
As you start your fourth month, your baby is beginning to grow hair on her scalp. Find out what you can be doing to prepare for the rest of pregnancy. more...
Pregnancy First Trimester: From Week 1 through Week 13 - The first trimester at a glance
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
The first thirteen weeks of pregnancy comprises the first trimester. Find out more about the development of the baby from conception into the fetal period. more...
Herbs for Inducing Labor: Discovering the truth about herbs to induce labor and their safety.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Herbs are sometimes used to induce labor contractions. There are potential unwanted side effects with herbs that all pregnant women need to know. more...
Making Love to Start Labor: Old Wives' Tale or One of the Best Methods to Induce Labor?
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Oxytocin is secreted during love-making which, in turn, can also stimulate the uterus to contract. Love-making can be effective to induce labor if your body is ready. more...
Pregnancy Week to Week - Week 13: Finding out more as you complete the first trimester of pregnancy.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Your baby may be as little as 3 inches long but he or she continues to grow and look even more like a human. Your pregnancy diet does not require any more calories. more...
Pressure Points to Induce Labor: Pressure points that may help you to naturally induce your labor.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Acupressure has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of illnesses. There are points that can stimulate contractions or induce labor. more...
Castor Oil to Induce Labor: How using castor oil can help you induce your labor.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Using castor oil is an effective way to induce labor. Yet castor oil induction can have negative side effects for some expectant mothers. Find out how to avoid problems. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 10: Find out more about the baby's size and development!
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
The baby's growth is occuring at a more rapid pace. Many organs are functioning. Mothers are busy choosing care providers to support them during pregnancy and birth. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
If you think you might have postpartum depression or you might be at risk for developing it, here is the latest information on symptoms, causes and treatment options. more...
Postpartum Depression Self Test: Using the Edinburgh Scale as Test for Postpartum Mood Disorders.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
The Edinburgh Scale is well-known as a tool for new mothers to determine whether or they might have postpartum depression. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Identifying postpartum depression can be challenging for many women. As mothers adjust to their new roles, it is helpful to be able to distinguish PPD symptoms. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Here is a helpful interview from a homebirthing mother with information about pain relief, midwifery care and payment for homebirths. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 8: Detecting the baby's heartbeat on ultrasound.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
As you finish the second month of pregnancy, some amazing things are now occuring with your baby. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Finding the right baby name is now easier with a list of the top baby names and best baby name websites to help you find the perfect name for your baby. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 7: Every major system is now formed in the baby!
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
At the end of week seven of pregnancy, the beginnings of every major system in the human body is in place. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 6: The baby's skeletal system is developing.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
More changes are occurring with your pregnancy and your tiny baby growing inside. Have you taken a pregnancy test yet? Find out how to cope with morning sickness. more...
Midwife or Obstetrician: How to choose between a midwife and an obstetrician for your birth.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
The roles of a midwife and an obstetrician are quite different. What are comparisons and contrasts between these providers to help you decide which is best for you? more...
Vaginal Breech: Is having a vaginal breech birth an option for you?
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Though most women choose a cesarean for a breech baby, there may be an option to have a vaginal breech safely. Find out more about this little-known technique. more...
Operation Special Delivery: Reaching military mothers through labor support.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Operation Special Delivery is a program to help expectant mothers who have husbands/partners in the military. Here is an interview with the director, Mary Beth Nance. more...
How to Lose Weight after Pregnancy: Top Ten Ways to lose Unwanted Pregnancy Weight
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
It is common to retain additional pounds after the baby arrives. There are several things to consider about weight loss as well as ways to help you shed unwanted weight. more...
Pregnancy Week by Week - Week 3: The beginnings of the embryo
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Conception has occurred! The journey of traveling down the fallopian tube to the uterus has begun. The two-celled structure rapidly divides into an embryo. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
There is little known about the potential risks of chemicals in many forms of hair treatments today. However, mothers can reduce the potential risk to their baby. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Here is a list of the top holiday gifts for the pregnant woman on your shopping list! more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
X-rays carry levels of radiation that are very small. Here is information women need to know about getting an x-ray. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Although more is known about the direct effects of smoking on the baby if the mother smokes, how does secondary smoke affect the baby? more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
The majority of women today choose a hospital as the place to give birth. However there may be advantages for some mothers to give birth outside of a hospital setting. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Research shows that not all inductions are done for true medical reasons. Mothers should ask several questions to their provider if an induction is recommended. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
The most recent recall of acetaminophen may affect how confident pregnant women feel about its safety. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
It is not uncommon for husbands to feel uncomfortable in the birthing room. The fact is that not everyone is cut out for the role of primary labor partner. more...
Baby too Big?: Find out more about inductions, cesareans and having a big baby.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Is having a big baby a good reason for inducing labor or having a cesarean? Can you deliver a large baby without risk to the baby? more...
Tired of Being Pregnant!: Waiting for Labor to Begin Versus Ways to Naturally Induce Labor
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Though many mothers are tired of being pregnant in late pregnancy, there are several things to consider before you use natural ways to induce labor. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
As you gather information about breastfeeding, be sure to visit these articles on breastfeeding issues from how to latch on and benefits for mother and baby. more...
Breastfeeding Healthy for Mothers: A look at the healthy benefits of breastfeeding for mothers.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Breastfeeding has long been known for its great nutrition, antibodies and health benefits for babies. There are many ways that breastfeeding is also healthy for mothers. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Breast milk has a unique ability to not only nourish the baby but provide antibodies that are crucial protection against disease and illness. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
It is no doubt that the female breast has become a sex object in our culture. Somehow the many advantages to mother and baby of breastfeeding have been lost. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
All women are typically screened for gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Here are answers to all of your questions about glucose testing, diet changes and labor. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
The nuchal fold translucency screens for genetic problems by using ultrasound. It can be done early in pregnancy so that other testing is possible if needed. more...
AFP- Triple Screen and Quad Screen: A review of available blood tests for prenatal screening.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
The AFP test has been used for many years and has no direct risks to the baby. There are additional markers that may be added to increase accuracy of the AFP. more...
Group B Strep (GBS): Taking a look at Group B Strep and how it may affect your labor.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Group B Strep is more common than what most people believe. Though it is virtually harmless to mothers, it can cause serious problems for newborns if untreated. more...
Is Ultrasound Safe?: What should parents know about the safety of ultrasound today.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Ultrasound has multiple purposes during pregnancy including confirming the pregnancy, checking for defects and the growth of the baby. Questions about safety exist. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Often times, people describe cesareans as "emergencies" when in fact very few cesareans are life-threatening. What are the most common reasons for a cesarean? more...
Reducing the Cesarean Rate: A look at the increase in the cesarean rate and ways you can reduce it!
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
The cesarean rate in this country is at an all-time high. What are ways that you can help to reduce your own chances of having a cesarean? more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
The statistics of successful VBAC's have drastically decreased in the last 10 years. Current research shows the latest about the safety of VBAC vs. repeat cesarean. more...
Turning A Breech Baby: Here are 17 Ways to turn a breech baby!
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
If your baby is breech and you want to avoid having a cesarean, there are many ways to learn how to turn a breech baby to head down (vertex). more...
Birth Doulas or Postpartum Doulas?: Which type of doula is the best choice for you?
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
While the roles of birth and postpartum doulas can overlap, there may be a particular type of support that is more helpful to you and your family. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Early in your pregnancy, there are several interview questions you can ask while selecting your own obstetrician or midwife. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
The benefits of natural childbirth are numerous. There can be situations, however, when mothers can benefit from pain medication. How do you decide? more...
Cravings During Pregnancy: How common are pregnancy cravings and what do they mean?
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Do cravings means that you are lacking nutrients in your diet? What are some healthy foods to snack on? Find out the facts on cravings. more...
Pregnancy Nutrition Series: Everything you wanted to know about pregnancy nutrition is right here.
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Nutrition is one of the most important issues during pregnancy. Find answers to nearly every question you might have about healthy pregnancy nutrition. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
There are often missing nutrients in special diets of pregnant women. What are some ways to get what you and your baby need? more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Organic foods are one of the hottest trends in nutrition these days. What are benefits of eating organic food during pregnancy and it is worth the extra money? more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Recommended weight gain for pregnancy can vary from 15-40 pounds. How the weight gain is distributed and figuring your own weight gain from BMI are discussed. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
There are numerous pain relief techniques that can be used either with or without pain medication. What are the best comfort measures for labor? more...
Labor Inductions on the Rise: Part 1 - Exploring the Reasons for Increasing Inductions Today
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
The labor induction rate has more than doubled in the last 15 years. Some of the reasons may be the mother's choice, convenience or provider preference. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Historically women have been advised to eat during labor. Sixty years ago, all of that changed. Find out why benefits of eating during labor may outweigh the risks. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Have you wondered whether or not you can safely have caffeine during pregnancy? The answer may surprise you. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
Parents who are interested in taking a childbirth class need to know what questions to ask the educator before signing up for their childbirth class. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
The vast majority of women experience some degree of morning sickness. Learn how to manage morning sickness as well as watch for warning signs. more...
Category: Pregnancy & Childbirth (general)
If you think you might be pregnant, there are signs of early pregnancy that can help you identify whether or not you are pregnant. Why do women often mistake them? more...
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