Labor & Birth

When it comes to making birth less painful, drugs aren't the only option. Natural birth is healthier for mothers and babies. Women who forego anesthesia have faster delivery and shorter recovery...

Weather it’s an emergency or planned first time or repeat, c-sections are major surgeries. Here are some helpful guidelines to make your recovery as smooth as possible.

Giving birth can be scary, painful and emotional, whether it's your first delivery, second or third. But it also can be an exciting experience. Deciding on a birthing method and how to deal with...

The post pregnancy, also known as the postpartum, period extends for approximately six weeks after birth. During this time, a woman's body is recuperating from labor and delivery, and returning to...

After giving birth to a child, many woman experience at least some pain. There are many different things you can do for postpartum pain relief. Fortunately, most of the things you can do require...

According to the March of Dimes, the average labor for a first-time mother lasts 12 to 14 hours. The idea of experiencing baby delivery pain for that many hours can throw many mothers-to-be into...

Whether it is your first child or your last, here are some techniques to reduce your labor pain during your delivery.

Childbirth is a stressful time that involves many variables that are largely controlled by others in hospitals and birthing centers. Many expectant mothers now seek to take control over their own...

Water, showers and baths are great for labor pain relief during the childbirth process. Learn more about using water for labor pain relief during childbirth with tips from a certified doula in...

Many women giving birth use music and sound to help relieve labor pains. Use music and sound for labor pain relief during childbirth with tips from a certified doula in this free pregnancy video.

Women in labor often appreciate a firm touch or massage to help control labor pain during contractions. Learn more about using massage for labor pain relief with tips from a labor educator in...

Muscle observations can be very helpful for controlling labor pain during contractions. Learn more about using muscle observation for labor pain relief with tips from a labor educator in this...

Many women in labor use visualization to relieve labor pain and speed up labor. Learn more about using visualization for labor pain relief with tips from a labor educator in this free pregnancy...

An encouraging partner can be one of the best things for labor pain relief. Learn more about encouraging your partner during labor pain with tips from a labor educator in this free pregnancy video.

Deep breathing has been used for centuries by women in labor in order to deal with labor pain. Learn more about using deep breathing for labor pain relief with tips from a labor educator in this...

Meditating during labor pains will help the mother achieve a relaxed state of mind. Learn more about using meditation for labor pain relief with tips from a labor educator in this free pregnancy...

Using healing meditation during labor will promote relaxation and healing. Learn more about using healing meditation for labor pain relief with tips from a labor educator in this free pregnancy...

For calming meditation during labor try to find the most comfortable position possible. Learn more about using calming meditation for labor pain relief with tips from a labor educator in this...

During labor all of your sensations are intensified and using non-focused meditation may be able to help with the pain. Learn more about using non-focused meditation for labor pain relief with...

Taking a warm bath during labor may help the pain of giving birth by taking the pressure off your back. Learn more about using warm baths for labor pain relief with tips from a labor educator in...

Using ice for pain substitution during labor is a great way to distract your mind from birthing pains. Learn more about using pain substitution for labor pain relief with tips from a labor...

During labor many women will use instinctual coping mechanisms for labor pain relief. Learn more about using instinctual coping for labor pain relief with tips from a labor educator in this free...

During labor, fear can be your worst enemy. Fear of labor pain can cause the naturally occurring labor-enhancing hormones to come to a halt. Fear can cause your uterine muscles to tighten against...

If you’ve ever had a disappointing birth experience or things didn’t go as planned, you may experience a bit of sadness and frustration. After all, you had your vision of the perfect birth and...

The Pain Gate Control Theory is about flooding your brain with positive stimulus while using your five senses. When you do this, your brain accepts the more positive stimulus and minimizes the...

Back labor happens when a baby is positioned with its head on the mother's back. Women with back labor are more likely to experience longer labors and much back pain. Lean here how to cope with...

Child birth comes with a lot of pain. During pregnancy, your uterus expands from the size of an apple to the size of your baby. Now, during labor, the uterus contracts repeatedly to push the baby...

There has been a recent epidemic with doctors pushing birth inductions, epidural and other pain medications for childbirth. Women are not well informed about the dangers of these procedures and...

Back pain in labor is very common. Although there are many positions you can try to alleviate the pain, the seated knee press is one that has yielded great results. According to Penny Simkin, it...

Labor is broken up into four stages: early, active, transition and pushing. Transition is the shortest phase, but often the most challenging phase of labor for most women. Powerful contractions...

Back pain in labor is extremely common. Many women experience it from early labor through delivery, while some never experience it at all. Back pain can be extremely uncomfortable, and unlike...

A birth advocate can be someone close to an expectant mother or a paid professional like a doula. The primary role of the birth advocate is to support the mother during the birthing process and...

A birth plan is a great way to discuss what you hope to have happen during your labor and delivery. This is a general form that includes things that are meaningful to you and would help ease your...

After a cesarean there are a few things you can do to heal quickly.

Paracervical blocks, given during childbirth, were once very common. While paracervical blocks can give good pain relief from the discomfort of dilation and can be used quickly without the woman...

An epidural is a regional anesthesia that can reduce and eliminate labor pains while keeping the mother mentally alert during delivery and posing little risk to the baby. When mulling over the...

Hypnobirthing or the Mongan Method is a new concept that promises laboring women a "pain-free" birth. Using basic hypnosis, women in labor focus their pain away and breathe their babies through...