Giving Birth
Ready to bring your baby into the world? From packing a hospital bag to getting through labor, here's what to know about giving birth.
Giving Birth
All About How to Induce Labor
By Leigh Lindsey
Learn about labor induction, its risks, benefits, and methods. Find out how to prepare, what to expect, and when induction may be necessary for a safe delivery.
Learn How to Time Contractions
Learning how to time your contractions can help you track how your labor is progressing. Find out all about contractions, and access our contractions timing chart.
All About Skin-to-Skin Contact (Kangaroo Care)
Learn the benefits of skin-to-skin contact after birth, how to do it safely -even after a C-section- and how long to continue kangaroo care with your baby.
How to Prepare Your Baby's Nursery
Create a safe, cozy nursery with our checklist, layout ideas, and expert tips on setup, baby sleep safety, and childproofing your home.
When Does Your Baby Drop and How Soon After Will Labor Start?
One of the signs you’re getting ready for labor is when your baby drops. Learn what it means, when it usually occurs, and how to tell that it's happened.
Baby Birth Announcements and Card Wording Ideas
Get our best birth announcement ideas for all babies, including baby girls, baby boys, and multiples! We’ve got 25 ideas, so choose your favorite!
Hospital Bag Checklist—What to Pack for Mom, Baby, and Partner
Your due date is coming up, and it's time to get packing. Use our hospital bag checklist to make sure you have everything you need for mom, baby, and partner.
Tips for Taking Great Photos of Your Baby in the Hospital
It may not be the first thing on your mind, but hospital photos are a great way to capture those magical first moments, so don’t forget your camera!
Stocking Up on Baby Basics
Going into a store that's bulging with baby goods can be a little overwhelming. Here's a list of basic layette items to get you started for your baby's early days. Some of the amounts may seem like a lot, but with extra items on hand, you won't have to do laundry every day.
FAQ: Vaginal Birth
Read about some of the most frequently asked questions on vaginal birth, and feel more prepared for the labor and delivery of your little one.
VBAC: All About Vaginal Birth After a Cesarean Delivery
Ever wonder if you can give birth vaginally after having a cesarean section in a past pregnancy? Find out if it’s possible, and what the benefits and risks are.
Understanding Natural Birth and How to Prepare for It
Learn all you need to know about natural childbirth, including its benefits, how to create a birth plan, and what your pain relief options are here.
What I Wish I’d Had the Chance to Say to the Nurse Who Took Care of My Baby
The nurses who care for us before, during and after delivery are a vital part of ensuring giving birth is as stress free as it possibly can be. Here's my open letter to say thank you for everything she did for me and how I couldn't have done it without her.
What to Expect After Birth
Immediately after birth, the delivery room can be a whirlwind of activity. Learn what to expect so that you're aware of what is happening.
FAQs: Can Castor Oil Help Induce Labor Safely?
Does castor oil help to induce labor? Read this article to find out whether it can actually help and what the potential risks are.
Comfort Measures and Pain Relief During Labor
Labor can be uncomfortable and painful - but it doesn't have to be. Learn about natural pain relief techniques and which medications are available, too.
How to Choose a Childbirth Class
You want to learn all about having a baby and taking care of a newborn, But which class should you pick? Get some background and basics on choosing a childbirth class.
15 Moms Reveal the One Item They Brought to the Hospital and Couldn’t Live Without
What’s the thing that will make giving birth more comfortable? From fluffy socks to clip on fans, 15 moms reveal the thing they couldn't have gone without.
My Birth Didn’t Go as Planned and I Wouldn’t Change it for Anything
Many moms-to-be want to be as prepared as possible as they enter the later stages of pregnancy. Giving birth is, however, unpredictable. Read on for an honest account of how birth plans can change in a second.
We’ve Come A Long Way Baby: Surviving Preeclampsia and Delivering Premature Twins
A mom who suffered from preeclampsia during her twin pregnancy shares her birth story, which ends up as a very happy one! Read here for a heartwarmingly positive account of how to overcome pregnancy issues.
Effacement: A Sign That Labor Has Begun
Effacement occurs towards the end of pregnancy when the cervix becomes thinner in preparation for birth. Read more about effacement and its role during labor.
Breech Baby: Causes, Positions, & Delivery Options
Learn about breech baby positions, causes, and delivery options. Discover when babies turn head-down and what to do if your baby remains in a breech position.
Birth Plan: How to Create Yours with Tips and Examples
Create a personalized birth plan to prepare for labor and delivery. Explore tips and templates to outline your preferences while staying flexible with your provider.
FAQ: Cesarean Section
A cesarean, also known as a c-section, is when a baby is delivered through an incision in the mom's abdominal wall and uterus, rather than delivered vaginally. Currently, a little more than 30 percent of deliveries in the United States are by c-section.
Diastasis Recti During and After Pregnancy
Learn about the causes of diastasis recti (abdominal separation) during pregnancy or after childbirth, and the treatment options available.
What Is a Mucus Plug?
If you’re curious about the mucus plug, we’ve got all the details, including what it is, what it looks like, and what it means for your pregnancy.
Episiotomy
Learn about episiotomy, its healing process, potential risks, and care tips. Find out what to expect and how to prepare. Read more for helpful insights!
What Is an Epidural?
Discover what an epidural is, how it works, and when to get one during labor. Learn about the benefits and potential side effects. Explore your options today!
What Is the Apgar Score and What Do the Test Results Mean?
Apgar stands for appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration. The test is a way to quickly assess your newborn’s condition in the minutes after birth.
What Is a Doula and Should You Hire One?
By Amy Wiford
Find out what a doula is, how one can help you during labor and delivery, and the potential benefits of having a doula with you before and after you give birth.
What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions and What Do They Feel Like?
Braxton Hicks are contractions that happen before actual labor. Learn more about when they normally start, what they feel like, what causes them, and more.
What Do Contractions Feel Like?
Contractions feel different for each woman and may differ from one pregnancy to the next. Find out what they feel like and read real parent experiences.
All About Cervical Dilation: Chart, Stages, and Symptoms
Learn about cervical dilation, understand its stages through our visual chart, and recognize associated symptoms. Decode this pivotal labor phase.
When Will Your Baby Turn Head Down?
Delve into fetal development to learn when and why a baby typically turns head down during pregnancy, a significant milestone in preparation for birth.
All About the Stages of Labor and Delivery
Explore early labor, active labor, and more: a guide to the stages of labor. Learn what to anticipate and how to prepare for labor and delivery.
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