birth

Bloody Show: What Is It, and What Does It Mean?

When you hear about seeing a “bloody show” at the end of your pregnancy, it sounds as if you are in for something dramatic and gory. But it’s not dangerous or necessarily a sign that something has gone wrong; and in fact, many women never experience it. » Read more

Kids in the Delivery Room

Having your older children with you in the delivery room while you give birth is not such a radical idea. Not too many generations ago, babies were born at home with the help of a family doctor or midwife, and childbirth was simply a fact of life for older siblings. » Read more

Birthing Alone: Single Moms Can Have a Great Birth Too!

If you are preparing to become a mother, you are about to learn how incredibly strong you really are. You will endure all of the physical demands of labor, delivery, and recovery; and you will have a love for your child that is more powerful than you could ever imagine. Of course most women would prefer to go through the birthing process with a partner at her side. » Read more

Dealing With Back Labor

By Nancy Da Silva

Pain is an expected part of labor for the majority of women, though thankfully these days due to the miracle of epidurals, we need not suffer as intensely as our ancestors. » Read more

How many c-sections can you have?

There is no medically established firm answer to the question, How many c-sections can you have? However, most health care providers in the United States agree that for healthy women who have had no complications during prior cesarean deliveries, the procedure can be performed 3-4 times without worry. » Read more

The Pros and Cons to Home Birth

By Maria T. Pepin

As you prepare for birth, one of the choices you will need to make is where to deliver your baby. Women can choose between a hospital, birthing center or the comfort of their own home. It’s a good idea to research each option in advance and make an informed decision. Interestingly, around 16,000 women each year choose to have their baby at home. » Read more

Five Reasons to Skip the Birth Plan and Go With the Flow

Nearly every expectant mom considers drawing up a birth plan at some point, and there are certainly many benefits if you take the time to do so. If nothing else, it will give you an opportunity to think through and talk about all of the various choices you have. » Read more

Preterm Labor

Preterm labor is a fear of many expectant mothers. Preterm labor is defined as labor that occurs after 20 weeks but before 37 weeks of pregnancy. » Read more

Premature Labor Risk Factors: Are You at Risk for Premature Labor?

Delivering a premature infant is a very traumatic experience. When we find out we’re pregnant, we plan our lives around the estimated 40 week “incubation” period. There is almost no way possible to prepare yourself mentally and physically for a premature birth. » Read more

Breech Baby - What Can You do if Your Baby is Breech

According to the American Pregnancy Association, every 1 out of 25 full-term births end up being a breech birth. As a woman’s due date approaches, many babies become settled head down in a woman’s pelvis. When a baby is in any position besides head down, this is called a breech presentation. » Read more