Labor Basics

Ever wanted to know what the process of labor looks like? Here are the stages of labor starting with the signs of labor.

Labor and birth can be a very exciting time in your life. It is definitely one of the most memorable. Learning to work your way through can help you enjoy the experience and relax. Here is our basic level quiz!

Just how long will labor last? Is there a way to know before it starts?

Choosing the right positions in labor is key to having a more comfortable birth. Here is a look at your options.

When you were giving birth what did you eat or what did you want to eat, if anything?

Are you worried about having a bowel movement in labor?

Learn about labor, how it is divided up and what the keys are to each stage.

Sometimes labor goes really slowly. Sometimes labor stalls. What do you need to know about speeding up a stalled labor?

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.

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 information on these practices in labor and birth, including what they are and how to try to avoid them.

Lightening or dropping is a sign that your baby is getting ready for labor. When did your baby drop before labor?

Packing your bag for labor and delivery - what's the one thing that would have to come with you...

How does the stuff around effect your labor? A lot. Here are ideas to create the perfect environment for you in labor.

Don't forget this precious memento - your baby footprint!

Sometimes it's hard to visualize what goes on during a birth. These birth videos show you exactly what goes on, inside and out.

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.

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 are not true labor, but what are they and how do you tell the difference?

Instructing a woman to push in labor and telling her when and how apparent has very little benefit despite widespread use.

What to do if you have to give birth without your doctor or midwife!

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.

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.

A definition of the word childbirth.

What to do when it's just you and your partner or you're all alone.

Some great ideas on tools to help you during labor. From massage to lotion and more.

This can actually speed your labor and decrease complications. What do you know about it?

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.

Here are some great labor positions to use with a birth ball.

Looking for a great guide on the best ways to push your baby out during labor? Brenda Lane has some great advice for you.

Charts of what happens to your body and baby as birth occurs.

A great look at being mentally ready for labor and it's many paths.

Information about where pain comes from in labor as well as resources for coping with labor.

We've all heard the horror stories of back labor. Posterior babies tend to be the culprit, learn what you can do before labor.

"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."

Natural birth - why would you want to do that?

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!

Sometimes your water breaks before you have contractions. What happens next?

Oxytocin is the love hormone, but it also plays a part in labor.

A look at what happens when you have just a lip of cervix left prior to full dilation.

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!

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...

Information on what causes back labor and how to deal with back labor including pelvic tilts, lunges and different positions for labor and birth.

Sometimes in labor, you experience back labor. This can make labor harder and or longer. What did you do for back 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?

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!