1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Pregnancy & Childbirth

Birthing & Beyond

By Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE, About.com Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth

Labor and birth is such an important topic. You will learn what you need to know to have a safe and satisfying childbirth experience. From cesarean birth to home birth and everything in between - there are many options for you to choose from no matter where you live. Once you've given birth you will then need to take care of your newborn baby and your postpartum body. Not only do you need to deal with your changing body, but worries about postpartum depression are real. You need to do this all while taking care of your baby from feeding to diapering.

  1. Your Guide to Labor & Birth
  2. Pain Relief for Labor & Delivery
  3. Induction of Labor
  4. VBAC and Cesarean Section
  1. Complications in Birth
  2. Caring for Your New Baby
  3. Postpartum Life & Body
  4. Breastfeeding Your Baby

Your Guide to Labor & Birth

Mother with Newborn on her Chest

Doulas, cesareans, and epidurals - oh my! There is a lot to learn about giving birth. Do you know what kind of childbirth class you're taking? Do you know what an epidural is or when fetal monitoring is used? Be prepared for childbirth by educating yourself with birth stories and photos about birth.

Pain Relief for Labor & Delivery

Epidural Anesthesia

There are many options for pain relief in labor from IV pain medications like narcotics to epidural anesthesia to natural childbirth. Which medication or technique you choose will depend on your medical history, your preference, your practitioner's preference and what is available at your place of birth.

Induction of Labor

Pushing with IV

Sometimes nature needs a nudge in the form of a labor induction. This can be true if you have completed 42 weeks of pregnancy or if there is a medical complication for mom or baby.

VBAC and Cesarean Section

Postpartum IV

Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) takes some planning and thought. As the cesarean rates creep up over to nearly a third of all women you need to learn about cesarean birth in case it becomes a necessity for you and your baby. This means if you've had a previous cesarean, VBAC is something to think about for upcoming births.

Complications in Birth

This is an external fetal monitor used to listen to baby in labor.

Sometimes problems arise in birth. This can be something that is a known issue or something unexpected. Using fetal monitoring and other techniques, your practitioner will watch you and your baby closely to intervene when necessary.

Caring for Your New Baby

Newborn at Birth with Vernix

Congratulations on your new baby! Now that your baby is here you are probably wondering about some of the basics like diapering, bathing and feeding your newborn.

Postpartum Life & Body

Mom Jogging with New Baby in Stroller

Let's face it, after you've had a baby your body is quite different. Here is your chance to help figure out how to get back in shape and enjoy your new life.

Breastfeeding Your Baby

Discrete Breastfeeding - Baby Nursing Photo

Once your baby is here you'll need to figure out a feeding method. Here you'll find information to help you make your decisions, including information on breastfeeding, breast pumps, baby bottles, weaning and more.

Newsletters & E-courses
  1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Pregnancy & Childbirth

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.