Birthing Options
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Labor Pain Relief with Acupressure
Acupressure is a helpful technique during pregnancy to treat morning sickness. It can also help to increase the intensity of contractions or relieve pain. more...
Heat is an effective tool to reduce labor pain. Making your own heat pack is easy; however, following guidelines about the use of heat packs is essential to avoid burns. more...
One of the best ways to reduce childbirth pain is to provide cold ice packs. Cold packs can be purchased or made with a few simple ingredients you may have at home. more...
Touch is a powerful way to provide both reassurance and comfort during the long hours of labor. Mothers may prefer light touch such as effleurage or kneading massage. more...
H1N1 Threat Limits Support for Mothers
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...
Labor After You Have Had a Cesarean
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...
Reasons to Take Childbirth Classes
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...
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Epidural Anesthesia for Childbirth
By: Mary Earhart
Epidural analgesia is standard pain management for 66% of mothers giving birth in U.S. hospitals. Women are often not told about all the side effects. more...
When to Cut the Umbilical Cord
By: Mary Earhart
Most parents expect to have their newborn's umbilical cord clamped and cut shortly after birth. But there may be reasons to wait until the placenta delivers. more...
Epidural Anesthesia Side Effects
By: Stacy Herlihy
Epidurals can provide relief during labor. The use of this technique can also have potentially serious side effects. Determine if the benefits outweigh the risks. more...
The Bradley Method of Labor and Delivery
By: Stacy Herlihy
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. more...
The Benefits of Having a Home Water Birth
By: Emily Rogers
Home births are becoming more popular as women understand the many benefits. One of the most popular ways to experience a home birth is through a home water birth. more...
By: Stacy Herlihy
Deciding where to give birth can be very hard. Think carefully about whether to give birth at home or to give birth in a hospital ward. more...
Considering Vaginal Birth after C-Section
By: Molly Markey
Pregnant women who want a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section) instead of another cesarean section need to know VBAC risks and benefits, and choose a supportive OB/GYN. more...
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