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NATURAL PREGNANCY  

Part of my series on pregnancy, this should answer some of your questions about labor and delivery. Be sure to check my other articles, including my articles on homebirth!

There are several excellent books that will help you feel informed and prepared for during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.

How do you know when to push? What if something goes wrong? How do you cut the cord? The answers to these questions and more!

This article explores the different mentality of homebirth supporters. A birth story is presented from two viewpoints, as well as some of the reasoning behind why homebirth supporters believe so strongly in a natural, unhindered birth.

What to expect in the days before labor and delivery. See my other articles on pregnancy and homebirth for more information.

If you think there are risks that come with taking an epidural during labor, you are correct.

When seeking a more natural childbirth experience, ask your physician about the options for spontaneous birthing and spontaneous pushing.

An overview of the Bradley Method and natural childbirth classes. Includes an explanation of the importance of drug free labor and the unique features of Bradley's philosophy.

Natural childbirth is an overarching term used to describe a labor and delivery without medication. Here are some of the best websites if you are looking for resources and information regarding natural childbirth…

Recently I have had several friends give birth for the first time, and after talking to them I found that many were not prepared for the actual labor and delivery experience.

Drug-free, "natural" childbirth is possible by using hypnosis and hypnobirthing techniques.

See the best articles available on Associated Content for childbirth; labor and delivery process that makes you a parent. With so many choices and options out there, see the best resources to guide you!

No matter what kind of birth you want you must plan ahead, play it safe and be prepared for the unexpected.

Unassisted Childbirth is the act of birthing your baby without a 'professional'. Learn more about it here. This article goes along with my pregnancy and homebirth series. Feel free to evaluate your birth options, arm yourself with knowledge.

I'm not a martyr. And yes, I am fully aware that a successful natural childbirth does not earn me a medal.

On September 24, 2007, Cedric Orin was born into his father's hands at home in our bed with his older brother watching. Here are the details of our amazing labor and birth experience!

To have the best possible labor and birth in the hospital, I highly recommend educating yourself on standard hospital procedures and recognizing you always have the choice to limit or refuse any procedure

There are a variety of options out there to dull the pain of childbirth. Discussing the options with your doctor in advance will help.

If you have decided that UC is the best option for you, but are unsure of what to do next, allow me to point you in the right direction.

Freebirth is nothing new, but much ignorance surrounds this practice. The act of birthing without a medical professional is not only gaining in popularity but in media coverage.

Our birth story has been met with surprise, fear, even delight by strangers. It has had positive effects on all of our loves and our relationship as a family, forever altering the perceptions of all involved.

Whatever your preconceived notions about those who chose this path are, the truth is here exposed. You decide if it's irresponsible--or empowering!

Outlining the risks of labor induction and the potential complications. See my other articles on pregnancy, labor, and homebirth for a better understanding of birth and your options.

Women today almost expect to be given an epidural and even a C-section. Is it any wonder that they have so little faith in their ability to birth?

Many labor interventions are dangerous and unnecessary. Learn the risks and find out how to know when intervention is truly needed.

There is surmounting evidence that homebirth is safer for infants. At home he is protected from unnecessary intervention and painful practices.

Congratulations! The miracle of life is taking place right inside your body. While every pregnancy is different, the issues covered here will more than likely be important to you at some point in your forty-week term.

There are some things you can do to avoid getting an epidural during your labor and delivery, but there are also some situations when it can't be avoided. Here are some tips to avoid an epidural, and my own experience that made it necessary.

During pregnancy you will have to make so many important decisions. Choosing which hospital to have your baby in may be one of the most important. Follow this guide to make the best decision about where to experience your labor and delivery.

The power which can be found in labor and delivery is something which has lost all meaning and importance in our over-medicated society.

A first time pregnancy, labor, and delivery is a whole new world for moms-to-be. Despite all of your research there are some things that you just don't know about ahead of time. This top 10 list will help you avoid some unwanted surprises.

What to expect in the labor/delivery room.

Cool-Cap System (CoolCap) offers new hope preventing or limit in many cases, disabling complications when infants receive inadequate or cut off oxygen during labor or delivery. In December 2006, FDA approved this Cool-cap System.

There are options for giving birth and not all of them are well-known. I tell about my experiences giving birth to illustrate some of the different ways available.

Is natural childbirth difficult? Absolutely. Does it hurt? Just a little bit. But for me it was worth it. I did it not once, but twice because I could and for a few other reasons too. Let me tell you how.

So many women in today's world automatically decide to have an epidural rather than experience the joy of natural childbirth. Is that the best decision? You be the judge.

If you even want to try for natural birth, you will find yourself swimming against a very strong tide. In order to achieve your goal you must develop attitudes and gain knowledge that will strengthen your resolve and help you cope with labor naturally.

Giving birth at home is increasing in popularity, but how do you feel about delivering with no doctor, midwife, or other assistance? Learn about unassisted childbirth in this article.

Changing positions, and moving around during labor and birth, offers several benefits.

For many pregnant women, the use of hypnosis in the four weeks before delivery, and during labor and delivery, can significantly reduce the pain associated with the birthing process.

Women have many choices available to make their labor and delivery a special, memorable time. Here is some advice in developing a birth plan with your doctor and your family that can help make the birth of your child go smoothly.

With 75 percent of all births delivered vaginally, women, in many cases, are offered scheduled deliveries through the use of labor induction. This is an overview of the labor and delivery process with induction.

Despite how helpful technology has been to us, the rapid rise of technology and addition of new procedures regarding childbirth has allowed the neglect of natural birthing practices...

Some tips for mothers-to-be to have a natural birth experience in a hospital setting

Examine the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy has on the actual labor and birth experience itself.

Are you considering an unassisted home birth? Find out about the pros and cons involved in giving birth at home without the assistance of a healthcare professional.

Using the shower during labor can get a laboring woman over a difficult hump in her labor, get her past the point where she needs the epidural, or buy her an hour or two so she can delay getting the epidural.

Yes, but there are 3 important things to consider if you're planning an unassisted birth.

Emma was born while her grandfather waited for her. When her grandfather was dying, Emma waited with him. Grandmother/wife stuggled to make sense of the events.

One reason women choose to birth unassisted is to be in control. But it goes so much deeper than that...

Couples who engage in sexual activity must realize that doing so can bring about a pregnancy. There are natural alternatives to hormonal or barrier methods. Three natural methods are: The Billings Ovulation, The Symptothermal and the Rhythm Method.

It is possible to have a natural, beautiful, empowering birth experience, even in a hospital setting. I did it!

Aromatherapy for Pregnancy and childbirth, including morning sickness, stretchmarks, and labor pains

Pregnancy and childbirth can bring about all sorts of mixed emotions, whether you've been planning your baby for some time or whether it is just a happy surprise. You may find yourself in need of a little emotional support from time to time. Bach Flower Remedies could help.

An examination of why to avoid a C-section including common myths about Cesarean sections, and ten steps to take to help minimize your chance of a surgical birth.

This article covers the basics of preparing for labor with introductory information on three common childbirth philosophies, tips for planning ahead for the big day, and most importantly, words of encouragement for the mother to be.

Here, I help you decide how to choose the place of your baby's birth.

An Epidural is suppose to help with the pain of labor and childbirth. The thing is doctors do not inform you of the long term effects of the epidural.This is my personal story of my dealings with the epidural.

Advice and an example of how to write a birth plan for the woman that desires to have a natural, medication-free childbirth.

Anyone who has given birth will agree that it is the worst pain on earth. So deciding to get an epidural is a choice that almost every mom-to-be will end up having to make.

Bringing Humanity to Back to Birth

Laboring in a reclining or semi-reclining position is common practice in America. What most women don't know is that these positions can hinder labor progress and lead to unnecessary interventions.

Closer2Nature.net is a new website and forum about attachment parenting and natural family living. Stop on by for a minute!

All midwives, mothers, and people interested in birth should read these 4 blogs.

Forceps are an instrument used in helping in the delivery of newborns during difficult labors. Here is a basic overview of what a forceps delivery entails and some of the issues surrounding the use of forceps in delivery.

How to recognize the symptoms of childbirth fear, and how to dispel it.

If you are going to childbirth, one way on how to reduce childbirth pain is to forget your fear. Pain and fear are connected with each other.

Many believe that technology, prenatal care, and hospital interventions are the reason why birth is now so safe (and thus that homebirth & freebirth are not safe)...but how true is this really?

Choosing between an epidural or natural childbirth

Birth trauma doesn't only occur in infants but in mothers who have traumatic childbirth expressions. It can affect them for the rest of their lives.

This is the big question with homebirth in general. The simple answer is that the mother prepares herself to handle anything that may go wrong!

Birth can be a beautiful, natural experience. Through reading, doing birthing exercises and taking classes, a woman can gain much needed experience to pull off the birth that she has envisioned.

Those who chose homebirth deliver without the aid of technology and interventions such as pain killers and are proud of that achievement.

I have made mistakes and have regrets. Some of my actions would disappoint other attachment parents, shock mainstream parents. But I'm doing my best.

Offering an overview of the pregnancy, labor and delivery risks associated with genitourinary infections such as sexually transmitted disease or those attributed to yeast infection.

This piece informs the reader what Labor and Delivery nursing is about.

What to Expect During Labor and Delivery, including an overview of common medical interventions.

Offering an overview of the risks many women face during the third stage of labor and delivery, including risks associated with placenta delivery and hemorrhage

In early November I found out that I was pregnant, so I called to make my first OBGYN appointment to confirm the pregnancy and that is when the nightmare began!

During labor and delivery, it is not uncommon for the obstetrician to order enema use as a way to shorten labor and reduce risks for maternal and neonatal infection.

Learn about signs of miscarriage and how to deal with them naturally as well as get in touch with other moms who are choosing a natural pregnancy.

The early labor time is filled with great anticipation of what is to come, and enjoying it will lead to a greater progression of labor and delivery of your precious baby!

Offering an overview of the complications involving the herpes simplex virus and the impact to a newborn, during labor and delivery, when impacted by cervical tissue complications.

An introduction to doulas and the many ways they can help women in the labor and delivery process as well as in the weeks following birth.

If a woman is planning to deliver a baby by natural childbirth, it is important that she knows...

Natural childbirth is called so because it allows our body to do exactly as nature intended it to do. It is what we are built for.

For some women, like me, the natural childbirth experience is preferred. Is it difficult? Absolutely. Does it hurt? Just a little bit. But for me it was worth it. I did it not once, but twice because I could and for a few other reasons too. Let me tell you how.

This article will offer tips on preventing premature labor and delivery.

The Bradley Childbirth method was started by Dr. Robert A. Bradley over thirty years ago. The role of the Doctor is minimized and the father steps in to help coach with the delivery.

Offering an overview of the complications that may occur when shoulder dystocia occurs during labor & delivery of your infant.

This is a guide to packing a bag for the hospital for labor, delivery, and after the birth of your child. This is a list of essentials as well as items that will make you more comfortable.

Your recovery from vaginal birth may depend on what kind of pregnancy, labor and delivery you had.

This is an overview of the commonly misunderstood natural hormone, Oxytocin.

This article covers many of the options that today's pregnant women have for labor pain management.

This article focuses on medicines and methods that relieve the pain of childbirth.