Pregnancy

If you are planning to have a young child or children at your homebirth, it is best to prepare them. Explaining the process ahead of time to them will help alleviate fears about birth and will make it more enjoyable for both of you. Here…

A good labor coach can impact the birth experience. Labor coaches provide support and encouragement during the labor process. A good labor coach helps the expecting mom through her labor and works to keep her focused, relaxed and…

Birth emergencies, which are rare, can happen whether you give birth in a hospital, birth center or at home. The difference is that when you experience an emergency while giving birth at home, you must be a more active participant in the…

At the end of your pregnancy, it may seem like a lifetime until you finally go into labor and welcome your new bundle of joy. If you're full term and have yet to start contracting, you may want to try natural methods to induce labor. One…

Damage to vaginal tissues during birth is a common concern. It usually takes longer to heal with a tear or a cut and can make your postpartum experience unpleasant. Following these simple steps can help reduce your chances of having a…

Fetal monitoring is watching and listening to the baby's heart rate for indicators of stress, particularly during labor and birth. There are essentially four different types of monitoring available-therefore it is good to know the…

Back pain in labor is very common. Although there are many positions you can try to alleviate the pain, the seated knee press is one that has yielded great results. It works by "pressure directed via the femur straight into the flexed…

Emotional dystocia in labor that is unresolved can lead to a cesarean. Emotional dystocia is the clinical term for emotional stress. When a woman experiences emotional stress in labor, the catecholamines in her body rise. The excessive…

Moms who choose an epidural in labor often get stuck in bed. If the epidural works properly, your bottom half (from your waist to your toes) is usually too numb to squat or stand. However, you can do a supported squat position on the bed…

Having to make difficult choices while you're in labor may be one of the hardest and most frustrating things you'll have to do. Before consenting to certain procedures during labor, you'll want to know exactly what you are consenting to.…