You know exactly what you want to pack in your birthing bag, but do you know who you want carrying it into L&D for you? These days, many moms are taking doulas and midwives into labor and delivery rooms. They’re also bring their mothers, sisters, best friends, and even their own fathers with them. And this isn’t something new. Ancient Malaysians and Indonesians gathered all … [Read more...] about Buddy Up for baby delivery day
The Big Day
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
3 tips for natural childbirth success
You may have your ideal birth plan in mind, but we can't always predict how labor and delivery will unfold. To better your chances for achieving the natural delivery you want, tick these three items off your prenatal to-do list: Find the right team Take the time you need to ensure you find the right health care team for you. When you meet with a doctor or midwife, be sure to … [Read more...] about 3 tips for natural childbirth success
Is a water birth right for you?
When I first heard of women giving birth in bathtubs, I couldn't help but laugh. It sounded so new age and hippie - the sort of birth people who believed in healing crystals and morning meditation would go for. But then I hit 32 weeks of pregnancy, and the thought of an unmedicated childbirth (like I had planned) scared me enough to try any measure promising calm and comfort. … [Read more...] about Is a water birth right for you?
Quicker labor with a peanut ball
A peanut ball. Never heard of it? Yeah, I hadn't either, until a new research study concluded it could shorten labor times and decrease the risk of a Caesarean. Now, the peanut ball is my new favorite invention. What is it? First an apology to the ravenous pregnant woman in front of her computer screen: This has absolutely nothing to do with eating. Instead, the ball is … [Read more...] about Quicker labor with a peanut ball