When there's a new baby on the way, people often get so excited about the child they momentarily forget about the mother's needs. If you're close to a mother-to-be, giving a pregnancy-themed gift that's just for her can be a great gesture of...
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...
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...
In the last weeks of your pregnancy, you may notice increased pressure in the pelvic area. This is usually caused by your baby dropping into position. If your due date is right around the corner and your baby has not yet dropped into position,...
Don't forget Mom when buying gifts for a newborn or a baby shower. Late-night feedings, extra laundry and the needs of the rest of the family often push Mom's needs aside. Many new moms have trouble reconciling their new role with their identity,...
Parenting classes cover a wide variety of topics. Some brand new parents need classes on childcare basics, breastfeeding or childbirth. Seasoned parents may seek to improve their skills, more effectively communicate with their children or better...
Whether this is your first pregnancy or your fourth, the prospect of laboring to deliver your baby can be both exciting and frightening. As you count down the last weeks of your pregnancy, remember that very few babies are born on their due dates....
When a baby is born in a hospital, the administrative staff provides the new parents with the forms they need to register the baby's birth. If a child was not born in a hospital, however, the parents or midwife are responsible for obtaining...
When you become pregnant your body goes through a drastic transformation to prepare itself for the delivery of your baby. The ancient practice of yoga eases some of the discomfort that comes along with this transformation, but it also increases...
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...
If you're a new mother-to-be getting ready for labor, it can seem as though there are numerous things on your "to do" list to check off before your baby arrives. Your hospital bags are packed. Your newborn's crib, changing table and diapers await...
A fetal heart rate monitor is exactly what it sounds like: a device that tracks your baby's heart rate during labor and birth. Changes in your baby's heart rate can indicate fetal distress, which can turn a basic labor and birth into a risky...
Postpartum depression is a serious condition which affects many women after giving birth. This type of depression, commonly known as "the baby blues," is gaining attention as a serious condition which sometimes accompanies postpartum recovery....
A pregnancy is considered term between 37 and 42 weeks. Labor induction, whether at-home or by a medical worker, should be avoided prior to that time to ensure that the baby is fully developed. Any woman considering at-home remedies to start her...
If you are pregnant and looking for a relaxing and challenging way to stay fit, then prenatal yoga may be the solution. Austin, Texas has many yoga studios and gyms that offer prenatal yoga to expectant mothers. Locate one of Austin's many yoga...
When you take yoga classes, you benefit from the expertise of the instructor. Not only does the instructor help ensure your safety, she also ensures proper positioning, which can optimize the workout you get during prenatal yoga. Many fitness...
Exercises on a ball can help your baby turn and move into the birth canal. Once your baby moves into the correct position, your labor is likely to begin. Midwives and doulas have been using exercise balls for decades as a way to help speed up...
More than 4 million babies are born in the United States each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of these pregnancies are healthy and low-risk, thanks to modern advances in prenatal care. Those same...
Due to the availability of doulas, midwives, at-home nurses and other birthing experts, numerous options exist for mothers wishing to give birth in natural settings. Although having such experts on hand can help to make nearly any environment...
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...
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...
During labor and delivery, massage can dramatically relax a woman's muscles, ease her pain and improve her sense of overall well-being. The response to massage varies widely, however, from one individual to the next. The chief concern when...
A Caesarean section is a major abdominal surgery. If you've recently had a C-section, your body will need several weeks to heal. Your doctor may tell you not to use the stairs for a week or more following the procedure. Always follow your doctor's...
Your baby spends nine months swimming in a warm, watery environment. Home birth supporters feel that transitioning the bay from one warm, wet environment to another is more calming and soothing and thus helps to prevent complications, according to...
The pain of childbirth causes fear in many expectant mothers. Knowing your options for relieving the pain and making the delivery easier prepares you to make decisions when you go into labor. A birth plan offers a way to document your preferences...
Sweet almond oil is a commonly prescribed aromatherapy aid for pregnant women because it is a fairly mild oil that's appropriate for most skin types. According to the book "Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby," the moisturizing and...
You've carried your baby for nine months and you've finally started having contractions, your water broke, or both. Just as going into labor can vary from woman-to-woman, so is the entire delivery experience. Some women are in the delivery room...
Weight gain during pregnancy is a source of anxiety for many expectant women. Not only do pregnant women feel self-conscious or worry about returning to pre-pregnancy form, but health care professionals also monitor weight as a standard practice...
The TENS machine, also known as transcutaneous nerve stimulation, is a machine that uses electrical impulses to treat pain. Normally used in patients with arthritis and cancer, the TENS machine is also used to relieve labor pains during the birth...
Views 25
Views 41
Views 11
