Birth Plan and Preparing for Birth Preparing for Birth

Braxton Hicks Contractions vs. True Labor

Overview Braxton Hicks contractions are sporadic “practice” contractions that many pregnant women experience during the second and…

Interventions and Tools Preparing for Birth

Using a TENS Machine During Labor

Overview A TENS device is a small handheld device with wires coming out of it attached to…

Interventions and Tools Preparing for Birth

Misoprostol (Cytotec)

Overview Prostaglandins are used in labor induction and help to ripen your cervix, meaning they cause it…

Interventions and Tools Preparing for Birth

IV Fluids and Drinking During Labor

Overview It is essential to stay hydrated during your labor and birth, and if you are dehydrated,…

Birth Plan and Preparing for Birth Preparing for Birth

Siblings at the Birth of a New Baby

Overview Deciding whether to have your child or children attend the birth of a sibling is a…

Birth Plan and Preparing for Birth Preparing for Birth

One Page Birth Plan

Overview Writing your birth plan is an integral part of preparing for the birth experience you want…

Complications Preparing for Birth

When Birth Does Not Go as Planned

Overview You spend nine months dreaming about the day you get to meet your baby. You meticulously…

Complications Preparing for Birth

Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) and the 24 Hour Rule

Overview The technical term for your water breaking before labor starts is premature rupture of membranes (PROM)….

Birth Plan and Preparing for Birth Preparing for Birth

I’m so scared about giving birth!

Overview It is very common for first-time expecting moms to be scared of giving birth. This is…

Complications Preparing for Birth

Retained Placenta

Overview The birth of your baby starts the third stage of labor, during which you birth your…

Birth Plan and Preparing for Birth Preparing for Birth

Do I really need a written birth plan?

Overview The process you go through to create your birth plan, which includes educating yourself and working…

Interventions and Tools Preparing for Birth

Fentanyl

Overview Fentanyl is an opiate that can decrease the intensity of contractions but will not numb the…

Interventions and Tools Preparing for Birth

Pudendal Nerve Block

Overview A pudendal nerve block is an injection of an anesthetic that works to block the pudendal…

Birth Plan and Preparing for Birth Preparing for Birth

Evening Primrose Oil

Overview Evening primrose oil comes from seeds of a wildflower that grows in the United States.  It…

Interventions and Tools Preparing for Birth

Induction

Overview Rupturing the membranes refers to breaking your water, also known as an amniotomy, which is one…

Interventions and Tools Preparing for Birth

Natural Hospital Birth

Overview If you want to have a natural birth, that does not mean that you have to…

Cesarean Preparing for Birth

VBAC

Overview In the past, it was assumed once you had one cesarean section, every subsequent birth would…

Preparing for Birth Start Here

Home Birth

Overview It was not too long ago in our history that all births took place at home. …

Cesarean Preparing for Birth

C-section Suture Methods

Overview Cesarean section uterine incisions can be closed either with a single layer or a double layer…

Interventions and Tools Preparing for Birth

Hypnobirthing

Overview Hypnobirthing is a practice that uses calming and relaxation techniques to create a calm, positive birth…

Birth Plan and Preparing for Birth Preparing for Birth

Birth Classes, Why You Should Take One

Overview Would you run a marathon without any training?  No, of course not. That would be crazy. …