Labor Basics
Step by Step Guide to the Stages of Labor and Childbirth
Ever wanted to know what the process of labor looks like? Here are the stages of labor starting with the signs of labor.
Eating in Labor - What did you want to eat while in labor?
When you were giving birth what did you eat or what did you want to eat, if anything?
How long will labor last? - Length of Labor
Just how long will labor last? Is there a way to know before it starts?
Positions for Labor and Birth
Choosing the right positions in labor is key to having a more comfortable birth. Here is a look at your options.
6 Ways to Speed Up a Slow Labor
Sometimes labor goes really slowly. Sometimes labor stalls. What do you need to know about speeding up a stalled labor?
Will I have a bowel movement during labor?
Are you worried about having a bowel movement in labor?
When did your baby drop for labor?
Lightening or dropping is a sign that your baby is getting ready for labor. When did your baby drop before labor?
Fetal Positions for Labor and Birth
Every baby lays in the pelvis a certain way. This will tell you a bit about labor, birth and how to help ease pain and speed labor.
What is the one thing you couldn't live without in your hospital bag?
Packing your bag for labor and delivery - what's the one thing that would have to come with you...
Labor and Birth Interventions
We all hope that childbirth will go smoothly. Most women are dreaming of a nice, quick labor and birth. However, some women will have complications or require interventions due to issues like induction. Some of these interventions include: IV, fetal monitoring, breaking your water with an amnihook, forceps or a vacuum extractor. Here is...
Videos from Labor and Delivery
Sometimes it's hard to visualize what goes on during a birth. These birth videos show you exactly what goes on, inside and out.
Building a Calm Room for Labor
How does the stuff around effect your labor? A lot. Here are ideas to create the perfect environment for you in labor.
How to Survive a Long Labor
Long labors can be hard. But a well thought out plan is helpful. What can you do to survive a long labor?
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions are not true labor, but what are they and how do you tell the difference?
Emergency Childbirth - How to Deliver a Baby
What to do if you have to give birth without your doctor or midwife!
Things to Say to a Laboring Woman
Labor is a time when the soft whisper of a kind word or encouraging thought can go a long way to helping your mood and pain tolerance. Learn how to ensure that you say the right thing in labor and delivery.
Labor Positioning with a Partner
Having someone help you with positioning for labor and birth is of great benefit. Not only is there someone else to remember which position works well with what situation, but there is also the physical comfort of having someone touching you.
Breaking Your Water is Not Beneficial
While the trend towards breaking your water at the beginning of labor is common, studies now show us that this may lead to an increase in cesarean sections and fetal distress.
Emergency Childbirth
What to do when it's just you and your partner or you're all alone.
Squatting for Birth
This can actually speed your labor and decrease complications. What do you know about it?
10 Ways to Comfort a Laboring Woman
During labor many of us feel helpless when it comes to comforting a laboring woman. Knowing a couple of right things to do and say is always helpful, as well as knowing a few tips on what not to do.
Why do you want a natural birth?
Natural birth - why would you want to do that?
Postpartum Maternity Hospital Gowns
You're packing your labor bag and you realize - you need something for your postpartum stay. What are you going to choose and what do you need to plan for...
Delivery Room Don'ts
You're often told things you can do in the delivery room when your baby is being born or when you are assisting someone. Here are the things you shouldn't do!
Labor Tools
Some great ideas on tools to help you during labor. From massage to lotion and more.
How did you handle back pain?
Sometimes in labor, you experience back labor. This can make labor harder and or longer. What did you do for back labor?
Labor Positioning with a Birth Ball
Here are some great labor positions to use with a birth ball.
How far dilated were you when admitted to the hospital for labor?
When you get to the hospital in labor, they will do a vaginal exam to see how far long your cervix is dilated. How far dilated were you when you got to the hospital?
5 Ways to Increase Your Relaxation Practice Time
Relaxation practice is important to help you use relaxation as a form of pain relief in labor. But without practice, relaxation isn't as helpful as it could be. If you find yourself short on time for relaxation practice, try these tricks!
Pushing Techniques
Looking for a great guide on the best ways to push your baby out during labor? Brenda Lane has some great advice for you.
Labor & Birth
Charts of what happens to your body and baby as birth occurs.
What is a lip of cervix?
A look at what happens when you have just a lip of cervix left prior to full dilation.
Sources of Pain in Labor
Information about where pain comes from in labor as well as resources for coping with labor.
Mental Fitness for Labor and Delivery
A great look at being mentally ready for labor and it's many paths.
Turning a baby from a posterior position
We've all heard the horror stories of back labor. Posterior babies tend to be the culprit, learn what you can do before labor.
Managing Back Labor
Information on what causes back labor and how to deal with back labor including pelvic tilts, lunges and different positions for labor and birth.
Positioning of Baby
"Normally, the position of a fetus is upside down and facing rearward (toward the mother's back) with the neck flexed, and presentation is head first."
What happens is your water breaks and you don't have contractions?
Sometimes your water breaks before you have contractions. What happens next?
Who's who in the delivery room?
When it comes times for you to give birth, you'll want to know who is around you and what your options are for bringing your own personal support.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is the love hormone, but it also plays a part in labor.
10 Things to Help Dad Cope in the Delivery Room
Dads can be concerned about how well they will perform when it comes to the delivery room. Here are ten tips to help ease their anxiety and mom's too!
How Many People Can I Have in the Delivery Room?
Ever wonder who you're allowed to have with you when you give birth? Do you wonder if that number will be limited by anything?