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.
- Your Guide to Labor & Birth
- Pain Relief for Labor & Delivery
- Induction of Labor
- VBAC and Cesarean Section
Your Guide to Labor & Birth
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.
- Labor & Birth Guide
- How to Time Contractions
- Top Signs of Labor
- Getting to the Hospital - The Drive
- When should I go to the hospital?
- Packing Your Labor Bag
- Positioning for Labor
- Do I want medications for labor?
- Common Interventions in Labor
- Labor & Birth With Twins
Pain Relief for Labor & Delivery
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.
- Do I want pain medication for labor and delivery?
- IV Pain Medications
- Choosing an Epidural
- Epidural Anesthesia Step by Step
Induction of Labor
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
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.
- 10 Reasons to Choose Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
- 5 Ways to Find VBAC Support
- What to Do if You're Denied VBAC
- VBAC Birth Stories
Complications in Birth
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.
- Fetal Monitoring
- Preterm Labor
- Cord Around the Baby's Neck
- Forceps for Labor and Delivery
- Vacuum Extraction
- Meconium - Baby's First Stool
- Postpartum Hemorrhage
- Shoulder Dystocia
- Fetal Distress
- Complications of Labor
Caring for Your New Baby
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.
- Baby Sleep Books
- Umbilical Cord Care
- Before You Buy a Diaper Bag
- New Baby Diaper Chart
- Newborn Care Class Online
- When to Call Baby's Doctor
- How to Diaper a Baby
- How to Hold Your Baby
- Newborn Photo Gallery
- How to Bathe a Baby
- Reasons to Cloth Diaper
- Breastfeeding Your Baby
- Handling Unwanted Baby Advice
- Feeding Your Baby
Postpartum Life & Body
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.
- Postpartum Pain Relief
- 10 Tips for Losing the Postpartum Weight
- Have Great Postpartum Sex
- Postpartum Depression (PPD) Quiz
Breastfeeding Your Baby
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.
