Orgasmic Birth, visual storytelling at its best, is Debra Pascali-Bonaro's response to the crisis in birth today, with its increasing obstetric medicalization of labor and escalating cesarean section rates. It alternates nine birth stories with commentary by midwives, physicians, and educators.

Want to know what positions you can birth in? Standing, sitting, side-lying, kneeling... What are the advantages and disadvantages of birthing different positions? Read "Birthing Positions" and find out!

Our understanding of anatomy, modern medicine, the mechanics of childbirth, and technology have significantly increased, causing more and more women to explore the idea of a home birth. As the curiosity in home birth grows, the number of studies and statistical data will continue to grow and give us a greater understanding of the risks and benefits. Read "Home Birth to help increase your understanding as you move toward an informed decision.

QUESTION

Dear Midwife,
I've had fast labor before 2 1/2 hours from when I woke up barely cramping to the three pushes till he was born.

I live over an hour from the hospital and afraid I wont make it. What can be done to make sure I make it in time.

QUESTION

Dear Midwife,
I have placenta previa. I also have to take Prometreum because I do not produce enough progesterone. I am approximately 22 weeks and am about to go in for my second ultrasound.

I am scared to death of what is going to happen if the placenta doesn't move up. I know that I will have a C-section if it does not. But I am still worried about bleeding a lot and healing times. I was wondering if you could help put my mind at ease.

Thanks,
Brittany

Usually a few weeks before birth, most babies will move into delivery position, with their head moving near the birth canal. If this does not happen, the baby's buttocks and/or feet, will be in place to be delivered first. Breech births occur in about 1 of 25 full-term births. Read "Breech Presentation" to learn more.

If you want to avoid a C-section, look for a hospital and a doctor with low C-section rates, preferably 15% or less for first-time moms delivering full-term, head-down babies. Read "Avoiding a C-Section" to learn more.