Pregnancy and Birth

Pregnancy and birth are as ordinary and extraordinary as breathing, thinking or loving. And both call on an individual’s creativity, flexibility, endurance and humor.

Pregnant women face many choices that will affect the pregnancy, birth experience and life as a new mother. Learning as much as you can about the developing pregnancy and various childbirth practices will help as you consider such questions as: What kind of care do you want to receive during pregnancy? Where do you wish to give birth? Who would you like to be with you when you are in labor?

Most pregnant women are bombarded with advice from well-meaning friends and relatives — and even strangers. Everyone seems to have an opinion on what women should or shouldn’t do, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by conflicting recommendations.

1=>Pregnancy & Birth in the U.S.

The History of Midwifery
Recommended Films About Childbirth
Decreasing Your Chance of Having a Cesarean Section
Models of Maternity Care
Problems With U.S. Maternity Care System
Approaching Pregnancy and Birth with Confidence

2=>Choosing a Provider & Birth Place

Is it Safe to Give Birth at Home?
The Role of Doulas
Questions to Ask When Selecting a Doctor or Midwife
Choosing a Place to Give Birth
Choosing a Maternity Care Provider

3=>Challenges in Pregnancy

How Sexual Abuse can Affect Pregnancy and Birth
Depression and Other Mental Health Challenges During Pregnancy
Pregnancy After Infertility or Previous Pregnancy Loss
Miscarriage in the First Trimester

4=>Your Pregnancy

Testing for Fetal Impairments
Sexuality and Pregnancy
Third Trimester: What’s Happening in Your Body
Second Trimester: What’s Happening in Your Body
First Trimester: What’s Happening in Your Body
Unexpected Pregnancy

5=>Cesarean Sections

Women of Size and Cesarean Sections: Tips for Avoiding Unnecessary Surgery
Maternal Request for Cesarean Delivery: Myth or Reality?
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) or Repeat Cesarean Section?
Birth by Cesarean Section

6=>Labor & Birth

What Happens in Labor?
Thinking about Labor Pain
Non-medication Coping Strategies
Medications for Pain Relief
Giving Birth
Personal Stories of Labor and Birth

7=>Life as a New Mother

Postpartum Mood Disorders
Your Physical Recovery

8=>Feeding Your Baby

Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding
Getting Breastfeeding Off to a Good Start
Challenges to Breastfeeding