Pregnancy and Birth

Pregnancy and birth are as extraordinary as breathing, thinking or loving.

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