Question:
What can I do to get the birth experience I want?
Consider carefully your place of birth
Women have the option now of choosing which hospital they prefer to give birth in, or even if they would prefer a free-standing birth center or a home birth. There are advantages and disadvantages to each option. Most people do not realize that statistics consistently show home birth to be as safe or safer than a hospital birth for healthy low-risk women. You will labor most effectively and easily in the environment in which you are most comfortable. Research the options available to you in your community carefully and decide on what is best for you.
Take childbirth classes
Be sure to take at least one childbirth class that is not sponsored by your doctor or hospital. Often these classes are more oriented to teaching you how to be a good (i.e., compliant) patient than to teaching you the pros and cons of different procedures. An independent instructor will be more objective and more consumer-oriented. Taking the hospital's class is fine (and will help you familiarize yourself with their unique policies,) but don't let it be your only one.
Child Birth Frequently Asked Questions
How can I induce labor naturally?
What can I do to make my labor easier?
What type of childbirth education class should I take?
How can I induce labor naturally?
What position can I give birth in?
Will having sex cause labor to start?
How is nipple stimulation done in augmenting labor?
What can help me to dilate my cervix?
What should I read to prepare for birth?
Is it important to change positions during labor?
How can I help my wife through labor?
How can I cope with being overdue?
What is a method of medical labor induction?
What are the different birthing positions?
Do I need to take childbirth education classes?
What can I do to help my baby transition to life outside the womb?
When should I go to the hospital?
Can baby´s sex be determined before birth?
How can I make the labor process easier?
What are my options for pain relief during labor and delivery?
How can I make the labor process easier ?
What can make the labor process easier?
How can I make the labor process easier?
Can having intercourse induce labor?
How can I tell if labor will begin in the next few weeks?
Am I candidate for home birth?
What will help me ease through the delivery?
How can I reduce the likelihood of receiving an episiotomy?
How can I make the circumcision decision?
What do I pack in the hospital bag?
How early do I need to be prepared for the baby?
How can I keep my energy level up during labor?
How do I cope with preterm labor?
If I´m planning a homebirth - is it necessary to have a doctor too?
How can I aid relaxation during labor?
Is it necessary to take a childbirth class?
What can I do to get the birth experience I want?
How will I know I´m having a true contraction vs a Braxton Hicks?
How can I help ensure an easy trip to the hospital?
What type of childbirth classes are there?
How can I keep from or cope with hyperventilating?
How can I get comfortable to sleep?
How can I ease back labor pain?
How do I know if my water has broken?
What are true emergencies during labor?
How can I tell if labor will begin in the next few days?
How can I calculate my due date?
What is an epidural/spinal combination?
How can I plan my hospital birth?
What should I know about a water birth?
How can I ease the pain of labor and childbirth?
Is my attitude during pregnancy important?
How can I encourage progress in second stage?
What are my options for pain relief during labor and delivery?
How can I prepare for the birth?
What should I do about Braxton Hicks contractions?
Does my baby need eyedrops after birth?
What is the difference between an obstetrician and a midwife?
How can I get the birth experience I want?
What if I end up with an epidural?
How can I prepare for labor and delivery?
Will bed rest help my preterm labor to go away?
Where is the safest place to give birth?
How can make my baby´s transition to life outside the womb easier?
What will I need for my baby before I give birth?
How can I care for my premature baby?
When is it considered premature or preterm?
How is the due date calculated?
What should I do before going to the hospital?
What is a transverse presentation?
What does "gravida" stand for on my chart?
What is meant by the baby´s "lie?"
What is the function of the placenta?
When should baby´s cord be clamped?
Is protein in my diet important?
Is it okay to eat or drink during labor?
What should I eat during pregnancy?
What can I do about postpartum birth control?
What is the best role for Dad during labor?
How can I prepare for a multiple birth?
How can I cope with an early pregnancy loss?
What is a placental abruption?
Are there any good parenting magazines?
What is a breech presentation?
How can I make the transition to new parenthood smoother?
What is RhO (D) Immune Globulin?
What should I read to prepare for breastfeeding?
What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
What is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin?
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
When are Braxton Hicks contractions the cause of preterm labor?
Is rubella dangerous during pregnancy?
What is meant by the baby´s position?
What is a cephalic presentation?
What is meant by the baby´s presentation?
Should I stick to the birth plan no matter what?
What is meant by the baby´s presenting part?
What is the function of the umbilical cord?
Can I have sexual intercourse right after giving birth?
What is meant by a premature baby?
How can I cope with the baby blues
What type of natural childbirth would help me to manage pain?
Name a way to calm me during labor.
Is it okay to take hot baths while you are pregnant?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Jerry Mayo |
