Birthing Options

Acupressure is a helpful technique during pregnancy to treat morning sickness. It can also help to increase the intensity of contractions or relieve pain.

Nov 20, 2009 - Brenda Lane

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.

Nov 19, 2009 - Brenda Lane

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.

Nov 17, 2009 - Brenda Lane

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.

Nov 12, 2009 - Brenda Lane

More hospitals around North America are restricting a laboring mother's access to having labor support by limiting visitors on labor and delivery floors.

Nov 9, 2009 - Brenda Lane

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.

Nov 1, 2009 - Brenda Lane

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.

Sep 29, 2009 - Brenda Lane

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.

Sep 18, 2009 - Brenda Lane

Using breathing exercises during childbirth is helpful for relaxation, distraction and to prevent mothers from holding their breath.

Jul 29, 2009 - Brenda Lane

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.

Jun 11, 2009 - Brenda Lane

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.

Jun 3, 2009 - Brenda Lane

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?

May 18, 2009 - Brenda Lane

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.

May 7, 2009 - Brenda Lane

If the evidence says that some of the old practices are no longer valid, it is time to re-think them.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.

Apr 9, 2009 - Brenda Lane

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.

Apr 8, 2009 - Brenda Lane

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?

Mar 31, 2009 - Brenda Lane

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.

Feb 11, 2009 - Brenda Lane

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.

Feb 8, 2009 - Brenda Lane

Medical experts disagree about whether homebirth carries more risk than giving birth within a hospital setting. Studies show that complications happen in either place.

Feb 5, 2009 - Brenda Lane

Consumers should expect that their place of birth and medical care providers practice evidence-based medicine. What interventions should be avoided and what helps?

Jan 9, 2009 - Brenda Lane

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.

Jan 1, 2009 - Brenda Lane

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.

Dec 19, 2008 - Brenda Lane

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.

Oct 6, 2008 - Brenda Lane

New research shows that stripping or sweeping membranes does not induce labor or reduce the mother's chance of going past her due date.

Jul 22, 2008 - Brenda Lane

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.

Jun 18, 2008 - Brenda Lane