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Labor

  • Epidurals Potentially Cause Fevers During Labor

    A recent study found that more women undergoing an epidural run a fever during labor. As mother's temperature rose, the baby was more likely to experience problems.

  • Home Birth Advocate's Own Home Birth Ends Tragically

    In a sadly ironic moment, Caroline Lovell of Australia, an outspoken advocate for legal protection and midwife funding in Australia, died on January 24th, 24-hours after being rushed to the hospital during labor.

  • Things No One Tells You About Birth

    Childbirth Hollywood style: Five sweaty and unpleasant minutes and a smiling, swaddled baby appears. We've found the reality to be a wee bit different!

  • Lifetime Interview with Dr. Jones and Nurse Amanda from "One Born Every Minute"

    We recently had an exclusive opportunity to connect with Dr. Stuart Jones and one of his head nurses, Amanda Monaghan of "One Born Every Minute," on LifetimeTV. See what they have to say about the show and the families!

  • Exercise Tip: Belly Breathing Tones Abdominal Muscles

    Can a simple exercise strengthen abdominals, relieve stress and help you relax in labor? It sure can! Learn how to "belly breathe" and reap wonderful rewards.

  • Exercise Can Make Childbirth Faster and Easier

    Want to make your birthing experience faster and easier? Would you just love to avoid an arduous and prolonged second stage of labor?

  • Looking Ahead: Signs and Symptoms of Labor

    Even though you've been anticipating the birth of your baby for several months, it may be difficult to tell when labor actually begins. People say, "you'll just know," but that's hardly reassuring. In fact you might feel like rolling your eyes! You will need to interpret your body's changes as labor approaches. Although every woman's pregnancy is unique there are a number of signals your body is gearing up for labor.

  • Questions to Ask Your Doctor About: Epidurals

    Here is a list of questions you'll want to ask your doctor about epidurals and if it is right for you!

  • What is Pitocin (Oxytocin)?

    Pitocin is a medication that is used to start or improve uterine contractions.

    When is Pitocin Required?

    Pitocin is used:

    1. To initiate (induce) uterine contractions when the mother's medical condition or suspected fetal jeopardy prevents natural onset of labor (e.g., water has broken, risk of rapid delivery, etc.)

  • Pre-labor at 30 Weeks?

    QUESTION

    Hi,
    I'm 30 weeks pregnant with a low lying placenta. I've had one previous birth at 35 weeks.

    I've been having a lot of backache, low dull constant back pain. The baby is head down and my cervix is soft. I have a lot of pelvic pressure. It's really painful even to walk -- feels like I can barely close my legs and as if she's goin to just pop out.

  • Exercise Can Make Childbirth Faster and Easier

    Want to make your birthing experience faster and easier? Would you just love to avoid an arduous and prolonged second stage of labor?

  • Home Birth Advocate's Own Home Birth Ends Tragically

    In a sadly ironic moment, Caroline Lovell of Australia, an outspoken advocate for legal protection and midwife funding in Australia, died on January 24th, 24-hours after being rushed to the hospital during labor.

  • Perineal Massage

    Perineal massage is the gentle stretching and massaging of the skin between the anus and vagina (perineum) during the last few weeks of pregnancy. This massage has been shown to reduce the incidence of episiotomy and perineal tears during birth.

  • Nolan's Birth

    I started having contractions on Monday, December 1. They were about 5 minutes apart the whole day and we were excited that it finally seemed to be "IT." I was due November 23, so I was ready!

  • Using Narcotics for Pain Relief During Childbirth

    Many women choose to use some type of method to deal with pain during childbirth. As you prepare for your labor experience it is important to become educated ahead of time on what different pain medications are available, how they work, as well as what the risks and benefits are.

  • Ensuring Natural Labour and Delivery

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    I am 26 years old and 36 weeks pregnant with my first child. I am passionate about having the most natural birth experience possible (although, having said that, I am not having a home birth for this one - I'd like one "under my belt" before going that route!).

  • Nitrous Oxide Analgesia for Child Birth

    So many women could use is a "middle path;" a mild analgesic that could be safely used during birth, with little or no effects on the baby. It would be okay if this analgesic let in some pain. It would make all the difference to have just "a little something to take the edge off."

  • How Long Can Labor Be With a 2nd Pregnancy?

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    Hello, I am only 7 weeks pregnant as of now but this is my second child. I was wondering if the labor time will be less than with my first pregnancy.

  • Dad Doesn't Want to Be In The Delivery Room

    QUESTION

    Dear Mr. Dad,
    My wife is going to have a baby next week and I really don't want to be there for the birth -- I just don't think I can handle all the blood. I know I should tell my wife but I'm afraid I'm going hurt her feelings. Is there a nice way to break it to her?

  • Laboring at Home

    Consider staying home for most of your labor, allowing yourself the comfort of your familiar surroundings. You will be able to employ your hypnosis techniques much better in your own, quiet surroundings, and as long as there are no danger signs.