Labor And Delivery

Mom story: I helped deliver my own grandkids

Maria Mora — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Doula and childbirth educator Nancy Rae calls herself a birth junkie. Find out how this experienced doula began a lifelong journey assisting women with childbirth.

What you need to know about prodromal labor

Monica Beyer — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:00:00 -0700

You’re near your due date, and every night, contractions arrive like clockwork — but they don't seem to go anywhere. Learn more about prodromal labor and how to deal with it.

My water broke, what happens next?

Ami Burns — Thu, 16 May 2013 09:00:00 -0700

We've all watched movie scenes that show mom's water breaking in the grocery store before dad frantically rushes her to the hospital — is this what really happens when water breaks? Get to know the real facts about what to do if your water breaks before labor begins.

Recovering after childbirth: When going natural pays off

Maria Mora — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Childbirth isn’t a contest. For many moms, an epidural is the way to go. If you’re on the fence and considering going natural, here are some post-delivery benefits that may not have occurred to you.

Mom story: I gave birth in my living room

Maria Mora — Thu, 09 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

Meet author Tristina Wright, a creative mom to two daughters who gave birth to her second child on her living room floor. Wright shares her inspiring birth story and why she chose to have a home birth her second time around.

Linda Cardellini on childbirth: "It was very intense and scary"

Kristyn Burtt — Thu, 02 May 2013 06:43:00 -0700

Mad Men actress Linda Cardellini opens up about her difficult childbirth and the issue she had after her delivery. Sometimes childbirth is scary.

Why doulas are becoming more popular

Monica Beyer — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Childbirth support in the form of a doula is becoming more popular for moms who want the additional help during their labor and delivery. We talk to moms to find out why they went that route and what the benefits are.

Birth photos: How low should the camera go?

Ami Burns — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:00:00 -0700

Are you thinking about having your baby's birth photographed? You know, from down south? Moms share their stories about how extreme they let the camera go for birth photography and if they loved it or lived to regret it.

Tips for the first stage of labor

Michelle Maffei — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:00:00 -0700

Do the mysteries of what to expect during labor and delivery have you feeling anxious? You can relax a little bit when you have insider tips from the pros — and the moms who've been there. From signs of labor to coping with early labor, here are tips for the first stage of labor.

Forceps during delivery

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:00:00 -0800

You dream of the perfect delivery and birth of your baby, but your bun in the oven may have plans of his own. Although forceps are used less often nowadays, it is still a possibility your baby will need a little help from these obstetrical instruments. Before you make your way into the delivery room, give yourself a little peace of mind by learning when and how forceps are used during the delivery of your baby, including common concerns and possible risks.

Would you avoid a holiday birth?

Monica Beyer — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 11:00:00 -0800

So you’re due on or around Christmas and your doctor has offered to induce you a week or so before the big day. Do you take her up on it, or do you wait until you go into labor on your own?

Doula or don’t?

Maria Mora — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 13:00:00 -0700

If you’re planning on a drug-free labor, you may benefit from the assistance of a professional birth coach. Examine your birth plan and find out if a doula is right for you and your birth partner, or if you’re better off flying solo.

What is a lotus birth?

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 10:00:00 -0700

You want your baby's grand entrance into the world to be smooth and stress free, but is opting to cut the cord doing more harm than good? The practice of leaving the cord and placenta attached after birth is gaining popularity with parents looking for a gentler approach to childbirth, but extended-delayed cord severance may not be the best choice for those with a delicate constitution. So before you decide whether or not umbilical nonseverance is for you, find out: What is a lotus birth?

The truth about epidurals

Monica Beyer — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 11:00:00 -0700

Epidurals are often hailed as the golden standard of childbirth pain relief, and generally go off without a hitch, but there are real risks involved. How likely is it that you will experience a side effect?

Benefits of natural childbirth

Naomi de la Torre — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 -0700

Birth is part of the natural cycle of life. Empower your birth by laboring naturally and discover the many benefits of natural childbirth.

Mom survives placenta percreta and 35-gallon blood transfer

Tracee M. Herbaugh — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:30:00 -0700

San Antonio mom Gina Walker, 31, miraculously survived the birth of her fifth child after a rare complication nearly took her life on the operating table. Walker was diagnosed with placenta percreta, where the placenta implants too far into the uterine wall and can, in extreme cases, grow into the bladder.

5 Surprising things you can do with your placenta

Naomi de la Torre — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 -0700

From stuffed animals and soothing face creams to smoothies and art for your wall, learn more about the strange and surprising things you can do with your placenta.

Dangerous birth: Is childbirth becoming over-medicalized?

Naomi de la Torre — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:00:00 -0700

C-section rates are at an all-time high in the U.S. at 1 in 3 births, endangering the lives of thousands of women and babies. Has labor and childbirth become over-medicalized?

The dirty truth: 6 gross facts about birth no one tells you

Naomi de la Torre — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:00:00 -0800

Maybe you didn’t think childbirth was going to be a unicorn fantasy, but you also probably didn’t know that you might poop on the delivery table in front of your husband, doctor, mom and twelve other random people passing by. Learn the dirty truth about labor and childbirth.

Sleep deprivation can lead to preterm labor

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0800

You know that the aches and discomforts of pregnancy make it hard for you to catch some Zs, but did you know that lack of adequate shut-eye can also lead to premature labor and delivery? Recent research shows that poor sleep quality is linked to an increased risk of preterm birth, emphasizing the importance of quality slumber when you’re expecting. So, before you accept that living on limited sleep is just a normal part of pregnancy, learn how sleep deprivation can lead to preterm labor.

How to write a birth story

Christina Holt — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:00:00 -0800

You don’t have to be a writer to write the story of the day your child entered the world. Follow these prompts to remember your special day and document it forever.