Labor & Birth

How to Ask For and Get an Epidural

By Berlyn

7 comments

Do you want to make sure you get the pain relief you need during labor? Here’s an simple guide to getting an epidural while in labor... more »

How to Choose an OB/GYN

By eHow Parenting Editor

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Choosing an OB/GYN is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your life. This is the person who will be responsible for bringing your future son or daughter into the world and helping to take care of the mother along the way. You ... more »

How to Do the Double Hip Squeeze

By Heidi Gonzales

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Many moms in labor experience low back pain or pressure. As the baby settles lower into the pelvis, the head puts more pressure on the sacrum. To counter this pressure, moms generally like the hip squeeze. It's an effective, non-medicinal pain ... more »

How to Heal a C-Section after Having your Babies

By momoftwingirls

3 comments

After having a C-Section, the nurses will give you some kind of pain medication at the hospital and probably for home use once you are discharged from the hospital. When the pain medication wears off, you will still have some pain and your ... more »

How to Prepare Yourself for a Baby Delivery

By Ellie Ward

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Every mother knows how big the excitement is in waiting for her baby delivery. It's the happiest day ever when your baby is in your arms. The time during the baby delivery is time you will never forget and there is nothing greater than to bring a ... more »

How to Print Your Placenta

By Heidi Gonzales

1 comments

Placenta printing is a very interesting way to preserve the memory of your baby's life source. Placentas can be different shapes and different sizes. Each one is unique. Printing your placenta is pretty simple and can be done with blood or ink. ... more »

How to Provide Emotional Support During Early Labor

By Heidi Gonzales

1 comments

You don't have to be a doula or professional labor support person to support a mom through the greatest journey of her life. What she will need more than anything is emotional support from someone she loves and trusts. The following steps will ... more »

How to Reduce Your Risk of Having a Cesarean Section

By danielzrib

9 comments

While some cesareans are unavoidable, it is estimated that half of the nearly one million c-sections performed in the U.S. each year are medically unnecessary. C-sections present increased health risks for the mother and the baby, not to mention ... more »

How to Stretch Your Back in Labor Using a Hands and Knees Position

By Heidi Gonzales

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Laboring moms love to stretch their backs. All of those back muscles get really sore from the added weight and the intensity of the contractions. Lots of women in labor find that getting on their hands and knees helps their back pain and allows ... more »

How to Support a Mom During the Immediate Postpartum Period

By Heidi Gonzales

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Your first reaction after the baby's born is to run over and watch everything the nurses are doing. It's exciting, challenging, and scary all in the same moment. You were probably an excellent labor coach, but your work isn't done after the ... more »

How to Survive the Postpartum Pain After Vaginal Delivery

By Krisse2420

1 comments

Postpartum pain after vaginal delivery can be very frustrating. All you want to do is spend time with your new bundle of joy but you have pain slowing you down. Here are some tips and tricks to ease the pain and speed up your recovery... more »

How to Use a Hanging Squat Position in Labor

By Heidi Gonzales

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Laboring moms often want to change positions throughout their labor. Not only does it feel good, but it assists the baby in his or her rotation through the pelvis. One position that is particularly helpful in assisting a baby to drop down into ... more »

How to Use a Left Side Lying Comfort Position in Labor

By Heidi Gonzales

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Lying comfort positions in labor are generally a welcomed suggestion. Moms in labor get tired of standing, squatting, or kneeling during their contractions. Although lying down isn't usually the best position in labor, it is one of the more ... more »

How to Use a Sitting Comfort Position in Labor (Using a Birth Ball)

By Heidi Gonzales

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Sitting in labor is generally uncomfortable for moms in labor. However, sitting on a birth ball is usually more comfortable because it contours to her body. Sitting on the birth ball also allows her to take the pressure off of her legs and feet ... more »

How to Avoid an Episiotomy

By eHow Parenting Editor

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Performing some simple exercises can prepare your perineum for the crowning and delivery of your child and lessen your chances of having an unnecessary episiotomy... more »

How to Be a Guest During Birth

By April Hall

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Birth is probably one of the most amazing things in creation. That a woman develops a child inside herself and then releases it in the world is fascinating, but to see it in person is marvelous. It’s terrifying and exhilarating. Tears will flow ... more »

How to Become a Natural Childbirth Instructor

By eHow Parenting Editor

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Many couples aim for a natural childbirth, but feel their hospital-based childbirth classes don't prepare them well. However, a natural childbirth instructor, whose goal is to prepare couples committed to natural childbirth, is becoming a popular ... more »

How to Prepare for a Cesarean Section

By eHow Parenting Editor

10 comments

If you're scheduled for a cesarean section, you'll want to prepare ahead to make the day go smoothly... more »

How to Recognize Fetal Distress During Labor

By eHow Parenting Editor

0 comments

During labor, it is possible that a fetus will be in fetal distress. Fetal distress is not terribly common, but if it occurs, it's important for it to be dealt with right away. There are some things that can be done to recognize fetal distress ... more »

How to Set Up a Labor Room at the Hospital

By Heidi Gonzales

2 comments

The birth of your baby is a special event whether you're at home, a birth center or a hospital. If you are birthing in a hospital, you will have to bring some extra equipment to make your birth room more comforting and familiar. Making small ... more »

How to Simply Have an Easier and/ or Faster Childbirth Experience

By MotherWisdom

1 comments

Have you ever thought about how easy it is to have a naturally wonderful childbirth experience? Or does it just seem impossible to imagine? Well have no fear, because this article will clear some of the doubts that you may have, answer some ... more »

How to Assist a Surprise Home Birth

By eHow Parenting Editor

2 comments

Sometimes a baby comes at an unexpected time or place. The key is not to panic - the mother's body will do most of the work... more »

How to Handle Early Labor

By Heidi Gonzales

0 comments

When you begin labor, you might be extremely anxious about the start of the journey that will finally bring your baby. Most women are very happy and relieved that labor has finally started. While it is great to be excited about the start of ... more »

How to Hire a Midwife or Doula

By eHow Parenting Editor

0 comments

Being pregnant is a life-altering transition. Your questions and concerns will grow right along with the new life in your belly. Many women are finding the answers and reassurance they need with nurse-midwives and doulas (labor coaches)... more »

How to Pack a Hospital Bag

By AmyU

0 comments

Planning a trip to the hospital? Packing your hospital bag is easy, if you know what you may need! If you know how many days you will be staying then it makes it so much easier!.. more »

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