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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.
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!
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!
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!
On the surface it seems that the growing trend towards home births and unassisted birth is something to feel shocked about, but our foremothers might have begged a differ.
By taking our cues from the natural world and trusting fully in a woman's ability to give birth, my husband and I birthed our first child unassisted at home on August 14th, 2006.
One reason women choose to birth unassisted is to be in control. But it goes so much deeper than that...
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.
All midwives, mothers, and people interested in birth should read these 4 blogs.
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.
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?
Yes, but there are 3 important things to consider if you're planning an unassisted birth.
Any woman who wants a natural birth experience in American really has to fight for it. Here are several books that will educate you and encourage you on your journey towards natural birthing.
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!
Sometimes a homebirth is out of the question, but that doesn't mean that you can't have a great hospital birth.
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.
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 is surmounting evidence that homebirth is safer for infants. At home he is protected from unnecessary intervention and painful practices.
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.
You have always heard that when you have a baby at a hospital that you will have to fill out a lot paperwork, well what about if you have the baby at home or unassisted.
Drug-free, "natural" childbirth is possible by using hypnosis and hypnobirthing techniques.
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...
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.
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.
Having a "natural" birth actually takes preparation and planning, but it's well worth the work.
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.
There are several excellent books that will help you feel informed and prepared for during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.
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!
also known as free birth, unassisted births happen without midwives or doctors and often with the pregnant woman delivering the baby alone.
Many people worry that something will go wrong during pregnancy, especially if they are going unassisted. Most complications are actually rare and can be managed at home by the mother.
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.
Advice and an example of how to write a birth plan for the woman that desires to have a natural, medication-free childbirth.
If you think there are risks that come with taking an epidural during labor, you are correct.
Closer2Nature.net is a new website and forum about attachment parenting and natural family living. Stop on by for a minute!
The medical establishment has a vested interest in discouraging homebirth and doing their best to make anyone advocating alternatives to hospital birth seem crazy or even dangerous.
How to recognize the symptoms of childbirth fear, and how to dispel it.
Aside from actually deciding on a homebirth in and of itself, picking your midwife is probably the most important choice. Here are some ideas to make sure you make the right choice.
It is possible to have a natural, beautiful, empowering birth experience, even in a hospital setting. I did it!
Looking at the different places to birth.
Three inexpensive, painless alternatives to sutures after giving birth.
The shockingly honest story of how I gave birth, including the details you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask.
A midwife by definition is a person who assists women in childbirth.
Choosing between an epidural or natural childbirth
My point of view as a previous homebirther
What to expect, both physically and emotionally, during the first trimester of pregnancy. Briefly touches on the development of the embryo.
Thousands are hoping to affect change in legislation to allow the certification of midwifes in Alabama to legally attend homebirths again and become recognised by the state.
Dr. Amy uses Google ads to target people who are interested in homebirth by unethical means. I have gotten several complaints about her actions. More information on her stance and her actions are here, as well as links to other people who have complained.
What to expect in the days before labor and delivery. See my other articles on pregnancy and homebirth for more information.
It has long been assumed that the hospital provides a safer environment for women to give birth.
This is a set of the best tips for going into the labor process and trying to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). This is mostly for hospital births, but I do touch on home births, which I do not recommend.
There are strong medications given in the hospital to stop premature labor, but they are not without risks and side effects. Before running off to the ER, try some of these natural methods of halting preterm labor.
Giving birth at home should be encouraged rather than discouraged. We as mother or potential mother should consider the various effect of drugs that has on our babies.
Unlike labor-inducing drugs which can be harsh and have serious side effects, Acupuncture is a much softer and easier approach to inducing labor.....
Exploring between obstetrician vs midwife based care, and the different birthing options available. Includes personal experience and a "further reading" section.
Interested in finding midwives and alternative birthing centers and options in and around Eugene, Oregon? Here are some of the best resources in Eugene...
This is the first of what I hope will be several articles about homebirth. In this article I address the main reason that people don't like to consider homebirth, and I help them confront it. I also outline future potential articles.
A list of the supplies you will need, including your birth kit, and why you may need them. I've even explained why you would need a straw, which no one ever seems to answer.
Homebirth affects many aspects of your parenting long after the birth of your child. Can it make you a better parent? It can indeed...
Having a Doula present during your baby’s birth may seem like a new trend but in reality doulas have been supporting mothers for many centuries. A Doula provides the mother-to-be with helpful information, physical and emotional support during labor and childbirth.
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.
The frightening trend of free birthing and the repercussions that may come from it.
Red Raspberry Leaves can help tone the uterus in preparation for childbirth. It can be drank as a tea or swallowed in pill form. Recommendations vary but it is known to benefit pregnant women.
An outline of all forms of induction available, including ones you can try at home.
"Birthlady" is what is called a Doula. I interviewed her about what she does.
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.
If a woman is planning to deliver a baby by natural childbirth, it is important that she knows...
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.
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.
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…
I'm not a martyr. And yes, I am fully aware that a successful natural childbirth does not earn me a medal.
On Thursday, March 13th, 2008 I was blessed with a beautiful little bundle of joy. My birth was completely unassisted except for my husband who was there to take video and photographs.
I am due any moment to experience natural childbirth for the fifth time, so preparing my body for this amazing event is of utmost importance to me.
The Bradley Method of Husband-Coached Childbirth is a 12 week series of classes that prepares a couple to give birth naturally through relaxation, good nutrition, and education.
Some tips for mothers-to-be to have a natural birth experience in a hospital setting
This article is meant merely to inform men and women as to some basic facts about childbirth and planning for parenthood. It is not meant to be a medical reference or provide medical advice.
Hypno-birthing is the name given to the practice of using hypnosis as a method of pain management during childbirth. The purpose of hypnosis is to keep the pregnant woman relaxed to make childbirth as easy, peaceful, pain-free, and intervention-free as possible.
Is pregnancy and childbirth a beautiful and euphoric experience? The simple answer is usually 'yes'. The real answer is 'sometimes'. Here are a few things you may have heard about from friends or even your doctor on the subject.
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.
Childbirth has a history that is filled with traditions, strong community bonds, and power. Every person who has an interest in becoming a childbirth educator should make it a priority to know the this history of women's birth.
Childbirth classes are an excellent idea for any new mom, especially first-time moms, and they are helpful even if you do not plan on giving birth without the use of drugs. So where can you find childbirth classes in Louisville, Kentucky?
These items are both esentials that make your labor and childbirth experience more comfortable and memorable.
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.
Examine the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy has on the actual labor and birth experience itself.
When I heard about all these mothers inducing labor early so they wouldn't have a 6/6/06 birth; frankly, I was a little shocked (and upset).
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.
Aromatherapy for Pregnancy and childbirth, including morning sickness, stretchmarks, and labor pains
There are a few different kinds of childbirth preparation courses offered. In this article I give a description of what each course teaches and what to do if childbirth classes are not offered in a specific area.
When I was expecting my first baby I read so much about childbirth. Yet, when it came to the big event, I felt like I knew hardly anything - and almost nothing matched my birth plan. This info from my personal experience just might be the only place you'll read it.
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.
Many women are choosing to hire doula's to attend to them during their labor and childbirth. Doula is a Greek word that means for a woman to serve another.
What is an episiotomy and how is it performed? Is it a necessary part of childbirth or can you avoid it? Here are some things you can do that may save you from the discomfort of an episiotomy during childbirth and my experiences with it.
Women are getting abortions for all sorts of reasons. The pro-choice population feels that rape and birth defects are legitimate reasons to terminate a pregnancy. Knowing rape victims and being born with a severe birth defect gave me a new perspective.