Childbirth

Articles In This Section

• Choking

  Choking is an emergency - so it's important to recognize the signs of choking and know what to do if happens.

• Natural Childbirth

  Some women choose to give birth using no medications at all, relying instead on relaxation techniques and controlled breathing for pain. Get more information on natural childbirth.

• Inducing Labor

  Find out why doctors may induce labor if you're past your due date, how it may be done, and how it may affect you and your baby.

• Epidurals

  Women once had to endure labor and delivery without medication to ease the pain. Now, techniques like epidurals can make giving birth more calm, controlled, and comfortable.

• Cesarean Sections (C-Sections)

  Many babies are delivered via cesarean sections. Learn why and how C-sections are performed.

• Lena’s Birth Story

  By turns overwhelming, touching, and sometimes even humorous, the stories surrounding the birth of a baby become part of a family's folklore.

• Barbara’s Birth Story

  By turns overwhelming, touching, and sometimes even humorous, the stories surrounding the birth of a baby become part of a family's folklore.

• Samala’s Birth Story

  By turns overwhelming, touching, and sometimes even humorous, the stories surrounding the birth of a baby become part of a family's folklore.

• Cord-Blood Banking

  Should you bank your newborn's cord blood? This article can help you decide.

• Looking at Your Newborn: What’s Normal

  When you first get to see, touch, and inspect your newborn, you may be surprised by what you see. Here's what to expect.

• The First Day of Life

  Your baby's first day of life is one of the most eventful days in your own life. Here's what to expect on that special day.

• Birthing Classes

  Expecting your first baby? Many soon-to-be parents find that birthing classes really help calm their worries and answer many questions.

• Recovering From Delivery

  After giving birth, you'll notice you've changed somewhat - both physically and emotionally. Here's what to expect after labor and delivery.

• Birthing Centers and Hospital Maternity Services

  Where you choose to give birth is an important decision. Is a hospital or a birth center right for you? Knowing the facts can help you make your decision.

• Midwives

  Choosing a health care provider to care for you and your baby during your pregnancy is a big decision. For some women with low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancies, midwives are an increasingly popular option.

• Dealing With Pain During Childbirth

  Alleviating your anxiety about childbirth pain is one of the best ways to ensure that you'll be able to deal with it when the time comes.

• Birth Plans

  In the happy haze of early pregnancy, the reality of labor and birth may seem extremely far off - which makes this the perfect time to start planning for the arrival of your baby by creating a birth plan that details your wishes.