Pregnant women and those in labor often find a birth ball indispensable throughout the process. The positioning allowed by the ball helps alleviate much of the pain and discomfort present throughout the last trimester and during birth. In addition...
The use of birthing tubs for labor and delivery has been gaining popularity in Western cultures since the 1970s. Benefits may include increased relaxation and comfort for the mother and a smoother transition for the newborn. Babies breathe when...
Although it doesn't typically occur, uncontrolled heavy bleeding from the umbilical cord in a newborn baby can lead to loss of blood and death. The blood vessel-lined cord connects the placenta to the baby's body through an opening in the abdomen....
Supplies needed during childbirth can vary, depending on whether the birth takes place in a hospital or at home, and the type of delivery. However, some standard supplies are commonly used for all types of births.
Immediately after your baby's birth, the attending medical staff assesses her vital signs to ensure that the birthing process did not have any adverse effects on her health. These vital sign checks are performed at one and five minutes after...
Pregnancy and its endpoint, labor, mark the start of parenthood, a new phase of life, for millions of women worldwide each year. During this exciting time, the baby develops from a fertilized egg into an infant ready to be born. After a gestation...
About a month before your due date, pack a couple of bags of things you might need for your stay in the hospital. Although hospitals often provide many items you need to care for your new baby, such as diapers, formula and bottles, bringing some...
As many as 7.4 percent of moms-to-be chose midwives for their births in 2006, reports "Fit Pregnancy" magazine. If you're considering a midwife for your birth, the midwife-mother relationship may be one of the factors influencing your decision....
Home births were the norm until the 1900s, when hospitals become the choice location for childbirth, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Home births are once again becoming a serious consideration for expecting couples. The comforting...
The feelings of excitement and anxiety that come with the onset of labor can be intense. You may not have much time or energy to put together all of the items necessary to have a successful and comfortable hospital stay for you and your new...
John Campbell was a linebacker in the NFL from 1963 to 1969. He played for the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Colts. He made the All-Pro team, which names the best NFL players of a particular year, in the midst of his career....
Whether you're a friend or a partner, being the birthing coach for a woman in labor is a big responsibility. It is your job to be her advocate, her cheerleader and quite possibly, her punching bag through the long hours of labor and delivery....
The birth of a new baby is a joyful occasion, however for those who want to expand their family or can't have children, adoption is just as happy an occasion. At first, adoption may seem scary and out of your reach, but following adoption protocol...
Infant adoption can fulfill the dreams of a couple waiting to start a family. There are various avenues that lead to infant adoption, and families must be willing to sort through the possibilities. While the process may be long and demanding,...
If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future, one of the first decisions you will need to make concerns the type of health care you will receive. While many women seek the services of a traditional obstetrician, certified...
At 3.1 miles, a 5K run offers an achievable goal for moms who want to ease into running. The busy schedule of a mom makes training for a 5K more difficult, but the relatively short distance means you won't have to be gone for long when you run....
An exercise ball, often referred to as a birth ball when used during labor, can provide support for pregnant and laboring women. Sitting on the ball instead of a chair during pregnancy can strengthen your back and open up your pelvis in...
You gave your child up for adoption several years ago and you never forgot about her. You remembered each birthday and quietly marked milestones in her life. While her adoption might have taken place several years ago, you have decided that now is...
Whether they dream of a low-intervention, unmedicated birth, or want all of the technological advantages available, women today can make a number of important decisions regarding their baby’s delivery. Although your insurance coverage and...
A holistic approach to health care involves treating the entire person. Holistic practices involve a team of professionals, each specializing in a different facet of health care and wellness. Increasingly, parents with a holistic mindset seek a...
Cervical dystonia, or spasmodic torticollis, is a painful condition that causes an involuntary contraction of the muscles in your neck. This causes your head to twist to one side, bend to the front or tilt backward. The Mayo Clinic says there is...
Pregnant women should begin exploring their pain-relief options several weeks or months before labor begins. Even women who plan to have a natural birth without pain-relieving drugs need to learn what options exist for coping with contraction...
Care from midwives can very greatly. A certified nurse midwife working in a hospital with an obstetrician will use medically minded induction methods, such as Pitocin, artificial rupture of the membranes and vaginal prostaglandin preparations....
Midwifery is an ancient tradition. The midwife acts as a helper for the pregnant mother as she comes to term, helping her through labor and delivery. However, specially trained physicians and surgeons with access to medications and surgical...
As more unmarried people choose to have babies, it can be difficult to determine the prenatal rights of fathers. While laws vary between states, unmarried fathers do have some rights about the care or custody of their unborn children. You can...
There is no way to predict in advance whether your labor will last several hours or several days. Packing a bag with essentials can help you prepare for virtually any scenario you might encounter while at the hospital or birth center. To avoid...
Packing a complete maternity bag can help make your labor and delivery less chaotic and more comfortable. The bag you choose should be big enough to carry your belongings as well as clothes and other essential items for your newborn. Place the...
The rhythm method is a type of birth control that uses a woman's menstrual history to predict ovulation. During the days that a woman is most likely to ovulate, she and her partner can abstain from sex or use a barrier method, such as a condom, to...
Pregnancy can be a frightening and isolating experience for an expectant mother. Do your best to alleviate her negative feelings by talking, taking part, reinforcing your bond with her and, as much as possible, making the experience of bringing a...
