No morning sickness. No cravings. For me, being pregnant had felt a lot like not being pregnant, so I was eager to discover how my perceptions of labor would compare to the real thing. On the night before my due date, I climbed into bed and felt a kick, then a trickle. “My water just broke,” I announced to my husband. Except for being damp, I didn’t feel any different. … [Read more...] about Real birth stories: Dream labor
Childbirth
Scary trend: Going without medical help during birth
"Dangerous." That's the assessment the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists gave the practice of unassisted childbirth. Yet, despite this warning, 7,000 U.S. women turn qualified medical help away each year and go solo during labor. Sadly, the results are as you'd expect, with more complications during birth and higher mortality rates for both mom and baby. So, … [Read more...] about Scary trend: Going without medical help during birth
Doctor versus midwife: Which is right for your pregnancy?
We talk a lot about the importance of choosing the right health care provider - one who will support you and the birth you envision. After all, deciding who will help you bring your baby into the world is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. The first step to finding your delivery team is deciding which camp you'll choose: Doctor or midwife? Here's what you … [Read more...] about Doctor versus midwife: Which is right for your pregnancy?
Real birth story: Unexpectedly pregnant
A couple without hope becomes unexpectedly pregnant After eight years of marriage, and countless failed attempts at pregnancy, my husband and I completely lost hope of having a baby. We were living our lives in despair. Then one day I went in for my regular checkup for diabetes. My endocrinologist examined my stomach and said I had a baby inside. Of course, I didn’t believe … [Read more...] about Real birth story: Unexpectedly pregnant
What is hypnobirthing? How can it help prepare you for labor and delivery?
When you hear the word hypnobirthing, you might start to imagine yourself lying in a hospital bed with someone swinging a pocket watch in front of your face trying to get you to fall into a trance. While it might seem like a peaceful way to get through labor and delivery, hypnobirthing isn't exactly what it sounds like. Hypnobirthing and self-hypnosis Actually, the method is a … [Read more...] about What is hypnobirthing? How can it help prepare you for labor and delivery?