Choosing a childbirth class
There are many choices when it comes to choosing a childbirth class. The type of class you choose depends on the type of birth experience you are looking for. Many hospitals have affordable classes but they often teach generic skills and what to expect in the...
Initial Bonding Time
The first moments after a baby is born are precious bonding time. This baby has just made the most amazing transition any (and every) human being has ever made. If you can imagine what the baby must be thinking; he or she is searching for something familiar. At this...
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a narcotic that is sometimes administered during labor. It is placed directly into an I.V. so an I.V. access is needed to receive this comfort measure. One benefit of fentanyl is that it reacts very quickly. A woman can often feels its effects within...
Pain and Perception
In our society we are generally taught that childbirth is terrifying and painful and therefore something we should be afraid of. This is an unfortunate misconception that is often deeply embedded and certainly not always the case. While it can be incredibly intense it...
Effacement, the thinning of the cervix
SROM
SROM stands for “spontaneous release of membranes.” Unlike the movies, this only happens about 10% of the time before labor has begun. Some women may experience it as a “pop” followed by an obvious gush of fluid. Others may experience a slight trickling of fluid...
Fetal Positioning
There is a lot more to the position of the baby than just “head down.” Knowing the position of your baby can be key in having a successful and comfortable labor and birth. So much of what is going on during labor is the mother’s body getting the baby into an ideal...
Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used during labor to enhance any coping plan. As aromatherapy, it is important to cease the use of oils within about an hour of the baby's birth. Babies are wired to smell their mother, her colostrum, not to smell lavender or peppermint. It is...
