GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY Empowering Each Woman Giving Birth Naturally. Our mission is to encourage each woman giving birth naturally to make informed decisions and to stimulate open, honest discourse with care providers to improve outcomes for the families they serve. We provide evidence-based resources from a variety of reputable sources: peer-reviewed research VIEW OUR CHILDBIRTH VIDEO GALLERIES This section represents a selection of commercially available childbirth and pregnancy dvds that can be utilized at home for self education on the process of giving birth. Please be aware that some of the childbirth video selections are graphic in nature. Some show FOR WOMEN GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY TRANSITION: THE MOST INTENSE STAGE OF LABOR Transition: The Most Intense Phase of Labor. Transition, unlike active labor, is the storm before the calm that is the pushing stage . It is by far the hardest part of birthing, but also the shortest. It is here that a mother's focus might falter. This is the stage where women may doubt their ability to birth the baby and request medications. TELEMETRY FOR FETAL MONTORING Telemetry for Fetal Monitoring. Telemetry is a form of electronic fetal monitoring without wires. It uses the same sound wave technology as an external electronic fetal monitor to track the baby’s heartbeat. It can also be used for continuous fetal monitoring to keep a running record of the fetal heart tones. The benefits of this form

of

WATCH THIS NATURAL CHILDBIRTH VIDEO Tweet. This natural childbirth video shows the planned unassisted homebirth of our third child, born into my own hands while I knelt on our bed, in 16 contractions, with my husband and two daughters (ages 7 and 5 at the time) by my side. I awoke on this morning, Tuesday, March 9th, 2010, to bloody show and the loss of an intact mucus plug when WHICH HERBS INDUCE LABOR? BLUE COHOSH. Blue cohosh is similar to the black although its primary function is to strengthen uterine contractions. A protocol for use is as follows: Take 10-15 tinctures of the blue every hour. Then take 5-10 of the black cohosh every half and hour. Do this until labor starts, or for one full day. MEDICAL WAYS TO INDUCE LABOR AMNIOTOMY. This is commonly referred to as "breaking your water" but is also known as "artificial rupture of membranes" (AROM). It is also considered the most "natural" of all the medical ways to induce labor. An amniotomy hook, similar to a crochet hook is inserted to tear open the bag of waters and release the amniotic fluid. PLACENTA DELIVERY: THE THIRD STAGE OF LABOR The third stage, the placenta delivery, is fairly anticlimactic for most. However, there are two critical events to avoid prevent in the placenta delivery stage: early cord clamping and manual cord traction. Once the baby is born, you are so delighted and overwhelmed with its presence and the emotional high you experience that it can be easy to USING A CHILDBIRTH SQUAT BAR OR BIRTH COMPANIONS FOR Using a Childbirth Squat Bar or Birth Companions in Labour. Squatting with a childbirth squat bar or birth companion for support is beneficial as a birth position in that it opens the pelvis while using gravity to encourage the baby to descend. GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY Empowering Each Woman Giving Birth Naturally. Our mission is to encourage each woman giving birth naturally to make informed decisions and to stimulate open, honest discourse with care providers to improve outcomes for the families they serve. We provide evidence-based resources from a variety of reputable sources: peer-reviewed research VIEW OUR CHILDBIRTH VIDEO GALLERIES This section represents a selection of commercially available childbirth and pregnancy dvds that can be utilized at home for self education on the process of giving birth. Please be aware that some of the childbirth video selections are graphic in nature. Some show FOR WOMEN GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY TRANSITION: THE MOST INTENSE STAGE OF LABOR Transition: The Most Intense Phase of Labor. Transition, unlike active labor, is the storm before the calm that is the pushing stage . It is by far the hardest part of birthing, but also the shortest. It is here that a mother's focus might falter. This is the stage where women may doubt their ability to birth the baby and request medications. TELEMETRY FOR FETAL MONTORING Telemetry for Fetal Monitoring. Telemetry is a form of electronic fetal monitoring without wires. It uses the same sound wave technology as an external electronic fetal monitor to track the baby’s heartbeat. It can also be used for continuous fetal monitoring to keep a running record of the fetal heart tones. The benefits of this form

of

WATCH THIS NATURAL CHILDBIRTH VIDEO Tweet. This natural childbirth video shows the planned unassisted homebirth of our third child, born into my own hands while I knelt on our bed, in 16 contractions, with my husband and two daughters (ages 7 and 5 at the time) by my side. I awoke on this morning, Tuesday, March 9th, 2010, to bloody show and the loss of an intact mucus plug when WHICH HERBS INDUCE LABOR? BLUE COHOSH. Blue cohosh is similar to the black although its primary function is to strengthen uterine contractions. A protocol for use is as follows: Take 10-15 tinctures of the blue every hour. Then take 5-10 of the black cohosh every half and hour. Do this until labor starts, or for one full day. MEDICAL WAYS TO INDUCE LABOR AMNIOTOMY. This is commonly referred to as "breaking your water" but is also known as "artificial rupture of membranes" (AROM). It is also considered the most "natural" of all the medical ways to induce labor. An amniotomy hook, similar to a crochet hook is inserted to tear open the bag of waters and release the amniotic fluid. PLACENTA DELIVERY: THE THIRD STAGE OF LABOR The third stage, the placenta delivery, is fairly anticlimactic for most. However, there are two critical events to avoid prevent in the placenta delivery stage: early cord clamping and manual cord traction. Once the baby is born, you are so delighted and overwhelmed with its presence and the emotional high you experience that it can be easy to USING A CHILDBIRTH SQUAT BAR OR BIRTH COMPANIONS FOR Using a Childbirth Squat Bar or Birth Companions in Labour. Squatting with a childbirth squat bar or birth companion for support is beneficial as a birth position in that it opens the pelvis while using gravity to encourage the baby to descend. GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY Empowering Each Woman Giving Birth Naturally. Our mission is to encourage each woman giving birth naturally to make informed decisions and to stimulate open, honest discourse with care providers to improve outcomes for the families they serve. We provide evidence-based resources from a variety of reputable sources: peer-reviewed research

BIRTH VIDEOS

The first selection is a montage of birth videos complied by ICAN, the International Cesarean Awareness Network, from women who received a c-section after their OBs told them their babies were too big for vaginal birth. All of these women went on to vaginally birth babies of the same or much larger sizes. The abbreviations in the video refer to UPRIGHT POSITIONS FOR CHILDBIRTH The Slow Dance. The "slow dance" is one of the vertical childbirth positions that uses gravity and movement to increase comfort during labor. It is also easy to use other comfort measures while in this position, such as any of the relaxation techniques, breathing, counter-pressure, or hot/cold tools. This position can also be very

emotionally

SIDE LYING POSITIONS FOR LABOR AND BIRTH Side Lying Positions for Labor and Birth When using a side lying position during labor or for the pushing stage, the mother will rest on one side, with her body slightly curled, or in the "fetal" position (pun intended).These birth positions are particularly effective for maintaining relaxation. The mother is able to reduce unnecessary muscular effort, which, in turn, lessens fatigue in a long HOME BIRTH | GETTING BACK TO OUR ROOTS Until 1900, home birth was the typical birth setting for Americans. In fact, more than 90% of people alive today were born at home. Hospital births did not rise in popularity until the 1920s, when use of motorized vehicles and medical promotion rose. THE EARLY SIGNS OF LABOR CHALLENGE This, in part, can be due to the fact that they vary so greatly from woman to woman, and from pregnancy to pregnancy. The following factors are commonly cited as potential symptoms of labor: Contractions. Cervix Dilation. Lightening. Losing the Mucus Plug. Bloody Show. Cervix Effacement. Fetal Movement. NATURAL CLIP OF CHILDBIRTH VIDEO GALLERY The next childbirth video is an example of what birth doesn't have to be. It highlights many non-evidence based interventions and practices that occur routinely during hospital births. The woman is flat on her back; her legs are being pulled back, forcing her to push uphill against gravity. She has an external fetal monitor strapped to her

belly.

BENEFITS AND RISKS OF EPISIOTOMY Local anesthetics given with episiotomies will cause the perineal tissues to swell, decreasing their flexibility and increasing the chance of a tear. Tears actually heal better than episiotomies. With proper perineal support, both tearing and episiotomy can be avoided. Over 1 million unnecessary episiotomies are performed each year. UNDERSTANDING THE FETOSCOPE FOR FETAL MONITORING A fetoscope, one of the tools used for fetal monitoring, is similar to a stethoscope. It works by amplifying the sound of the baby's heartbeat. It can be used at any time during labour. It is a non-invasive method of monitoring, meaning that it carries no side effects, risks, and does not require the use of extra interventions. CORD BLOOD STORAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY Cord Blood Storage Life Expectancy. Cord blood storage life expectancy is a controversial issue, in that it is unknown how long a cord blood sample can be sucessfully frozen. Some research has shown that it can be frozed indefinitely, but there is no hard and fast answer to this question. This dilemma raises serious ethical and moral questions UPRIGHT POSITIONS FOR CHILDBIRTH The Slow Dance. The "slow dance" is one of the vertical childbirth positions that uses gravity and movement to increase comfort during labor. It is also easy to use other comfort measures while in this position, such as any of the relaxation techniques, breathing, counter-pressure, or hot/cold tools. This position can also be very

emotionally

TRANSITION: THE MOST INTENSE STAGE OF LABOR Transition: The Most Intense Phase of Labor. Transition, unlike active labor, is the storm before the calm that is the pushing stage . It is by far the hardest part of birthing, but also the shortest. It is here that a mother's focus might falter. This is the stage where women may doubt their ability to birth the baby and request medications. SIDE LYING POSITIONS FOR LABOR AND BIRTH Side Lying Positions for Labor and Birth When using a side lying position during labor or for the pushing stage, the mother will rest on one side, with her body slightly curled, or in the "fetal" position (pun intended).These birth positions are particularly effective for maintaining relaxation. The mother is able to reduce unnecessary muscular effort, which, in turn, lessens fatigue in a long TELEMETRY FOR FETAL MONTORING Telemetry for Fetal Monitoring. Telemetry is a form of electronic fetal monitoring without wires. It uses the same sound wave technology as an external electronic fetal monitor to track the baby’s heartbeat. It can also be used for continuous fetal monitoring to keep a running record of the fetal heart tones. The benefits of this form

of

PLACENTA DELIVERY: THE THIRD STAGE OF LABOR The third stage, the placenta delivery, is fairly anticlimactic for most. However, there are two critical events to avoid prevent in the placenta delivery stage: early cord clamping and manual cord traction. Once the baby is born, you are so delighted and overwhelmed with its presence and the emotional high you experience that it can be easy to MEDICAL WAYS TO INDUCE LABOR AMNIOTOMY. This is commonly referred to as "breaking your water" but is also known as "artificial rupture of membranes" (AROM). It is also considered the most "natural" of all the medical ways to induce labor. An amniotomy hook, similar to a crochet hook is inserted to tear open the bag of waters and release the amniotic fluid. WHICH HERBS INDUCE LABOR? BLUE COHOSH. Blue cohosh is similar to the black although its primary function is to strengthen uterine contractions. A protocol for use is as follows: Take 10-15 tinctures of the blue every hour. Then take 5-10 of the black cohosh every half and hour. Do this until labor starts, or for one full day. JOIN THE GIVINGBIRTHNATURALLY.COM AFFILIATE PROGRAM Join the GivingBirthNaturally.com Affiliate Program to earn commissions from your pregnancy, birth or baby-related website, blog or mailing list. Our affiliates earn a 30% commission on sales generated by click-through purchases from links on your site. Our program is free to join, it's easy to sign-up and requires no technical knowledge. BENEFITS AND RISKS OF EPISIOTOMY Local anesthetics given with episiotomies will cause the perineal tissues to swell, decreasing their flexibility and increasing the chance of a tear. Tears actually heal better than episiotomies. With proper perineal support, both tearing and episiotomy can be avoided. Over 1 million unnecessary episiotomies are performed each year. CORD BLOOD STORAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY Cord Blood Storage Life Expectancy. Cord blood storage life expectancy is a controversial issue, in that it is unknown how long a cord blood sample can be sucessfully frozen. Some research has shown that it can be frozed indefinitely, but there is no hard and fast answer to this question. This dilemma raises serious ethical and moral questions UPRIGHT POSITIONS FOR CHILDBIRTH The Slow Dance. The "slow dance" is one of the vertical childbirth positions that uses gravity and movement to increase comfort during labor. It is also easy to use other comfort measures while in this position, such as any of the relaxation techniques, breathing, counter-pressure, or hot/cold tools. This position can also be very

emotionally

TRANSITION: THE MOST INTENSE STAGE OF LABOR Transition: The Most Intense Phase of Labor. Transition, unlike active labor, is the storm before the calm that is the pushing stage . It is by far the hardest part of birthing, but also the shortest. It is here that a mother's focus might falter. This is the stage where women may doubt their ability to birth the baby and request medications. SIDE LYING POSITIONS FOR LABOR AND BIRTH Side Lying Positions for Labor and Birth When using a side lying position during labor or for the pushing stage, the mother will rest on one side, with her body slightly curled, or in the "fetal" position (pun intended).These birth positions are particularly effective for maintaining relaxation. The mother is able to reduce unnecessary muscular effort, which, in turn, lessens fatigue in a long TELEMETRY FOR FETAL MONTORING Telemetry for Fetal Monitoring. Telemetry is a form of electronic fetal monitoring without wires. It uses the same sound wave technology as an external electronic fetal monitor to track the baby’s heartbeat. It can also be used for continuous fetal monitoring to keep a running record of the fetal heart tones. The benefits of this form

of

PLACENTA DELIVERY: THE THIRD STAGE OF LABOR The third stage, the placenta delivery, is fairly anticlimactic for most. However, there are two critical events to avoid prevent in the placenta delivery stage: early cord clamping and manual cord traction. Once the baby is born, you are so delighted and overwhelmed with its presence and the emotional high you experience that it can be easy to MEDICAL WAYS TO INDUCE LABOR AMNIOTOMY. This is commonly referred to as "breaking your water" but is also known as "artificial rupture of membranes" (AROM). It is also considered the most "natural" of all the medical ways to induce labor. An amniotomy hook, similar to a crochet hook is inserted to tear open the bag of waters and release the amniotic fluid. WHICH HERBS INDUCE LABOR? BLUE COHOSH. Blue cohosh is similar to the black although its primary function is to strengthen uterine contractions. A protocol for use is as follows: Take 10-15 tinctures of the blue every hour. Then take 5-10 of the black cohosh every half and hour. Do this until labor starts, or for one full day. JOIN THE GIVINGBIRTHNATURALLY.COM AFFILIATE PROGRAM Join the GivingBirthNaturally.com Affiliate Program to earn commissions from your pregnancy, birth or baby-related website, blog or mailing list. Our affiliates earn a 30% commission on sales generated by click-through purchases from links on your site. Our program is free to join, it's easy to sign-up and requires no technical knowledge. BENEFITS AND RISKS OF EPISIOTOMY Local anesthetics given with episiotomies will cause the perineal tissues to swell, decreasing their flexibility and increasing the chance of a tear. Tears actually heal better than episiotomies. With proper perineal support, both tearing and episiotomy can be avoided. Over 1 million unnecessary episiotomies are performed each year. CORD BLOOD STORAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY Cord Blood Storage Life Expectancy. Cord blood storage life expectancy is a controversial issue, in that it is unknown how long a cord blood sample can be sucessfully frozen. Some research has shown that it can be frozed indefinitely, but there is no hard and fast answer to this question. This dilemma raises serious ethical and moral questions GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY Empowering Each Woman Giving Birth Naturally. Our mission is to encourage each woman giving birth naturally to make informed decisions and to stimulate open, honest discourse with care providers to improve outcomes for the families they serve. We provide evidence-based resources from a variety of reputable sources: peer-reviewed research UPRIGHT POSITIONS FOR CHILDBIRTH The Slow Dance. The "slow dance" is one of the vertical childbirth positions that uses gravity and movement to increase comfort during labor. It is also easy to use other comfort measures while in this position, such as any of the relaxation techniques, breathing, counter-pressure, or hot/cold tools. This position can also be very

emotionally

FOR WOMEN GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY Relaxation Techniques for Women Giving Birth Naturally. For women giving birth naturally, the most critical skill to master is relaxation.It may seem odd to consider relaxation a skill, but indeed it is. Maintaining relaxation in the face of the unknown, in the midst of the emotional journey into motherhood, can be a daunting task. SIDE LYING POSITIONS FOR LABOR AND BIRTH Side Lying Positions for Labor and Birth When using a side lying position during labor or for the pushing stage, the mother will rest on one side, with her body slightly curled, or in the "fetal" position (pun intended).These birth positions are particularly effective for maintaining relaxation. The mother is able to reduce unnecessary muscular effort, which, in turn, lessens fatigue in a long NATURAL LABOR PAIN MANAGEMENT Labor pain management techniques should address all the senses. For the visual sense, try dimming the lights or using candles to bring a soft glow to the birth environment. For the sense of smell, use aromatherapy, scented candles, or essential oils to bring calming, soothing scents. For the auditory channel, speak in low, soothing

tones.

FEELING BABY MOVE AS AN EARLY SIGN OF LABOR It can be recommended by a care provider or done independently for peace-of-mind. To track fetal activity, select an hour span during the day when it's easy to pay attention to feeling the baby move. A standard guideline is that at least 10 movements within an hour should be felt. It's always good to remember that some babies are more active REASONS TO INDUCE LABOR The Best and Worst Reasons to Induce Labor. Although few true reasons to induce labor exist, labor induction is rapidly becoming routine procedure despite mounting research evidence that inductions are twice as likely to end in cesarean section and put the baby at twice the risk of experiencing fetal distress. UNDERSTANDING THE CORD BLOOD COLLECTION PROCEDURE In either method, the bag/syringe is pre-marked with a number specially coded to the baby. The collection must occur within the first fifteen minutes after birth. The laboratory should process the cord blood sample within two days. Both methods should take less than five minutes to complete and should not cause mother or baby any

discomfort.

LOVING MY PREGNANT BELLY by: Susie. I have been pregnant five times and I just love my belly. With each pregnancy I show sooner and it seems my belly is bigger at nine months. The feeling is so wonderful and my husband and I embrace my pregnancy. I love wearing revealing maternity clothes. My breasts get bigger. I wish I could be pregnant always and forever. BIRTH BALL SELECTION & CLEANING Title: Birth Ball Selection & Cleaning Author: CHAI & GivingBirthNaturally.com Subject: Birth Ball Selection & Cleaning Created Date: 7/31/2010 1:38:07 AM FOR WOMEN GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY TRANSITION: THE MOST INTENSE STAGE OF LABOR Transition: The Most Intense Phase of Labor. Transition, unlike active labor, is the storm before the calm that is the pushing stage . It is by far the hardest part of birthing, but also the shortest. It is here that a mother's focus might falter. This is the stage where women may doubt their ability to birth the baby and request medications. TELEMETRY FOR FETAL MONTORING Telemetry for Fetal Monitoring. Telemetry is a form of electronic fetal monitoring without wires. It uses the same sound wave technology as an external electronic fetal monitor to track the baby’s heartbeat. It can also be used for continuous fetal monitoring to keep a running record of the fetal heart tones. The benefits of this form

of

MEDICAL WAYS TO INDUCE LABOR AMNIOTOMY. This is commonly referred to as "breaking your water" but is also known as "artificial rupture of membranes" (AROM). It is also considered the most "natural" of all the medical ways to induce labor. An amniotomy hook, similar to a crochet hook is inserted to tear open the bag of waters and release the amniotic fluid. UPRIGHT POSITIONS FOR CHILDBIRTH The "slow dance" is one of the vertical childbirth positions that uses gravity and movement to increase comfort during labor. It is also easy to use other comfort measures while in this position, such as any of the relaxation techniques, breathing, counter-pressure, or hot/cold tools. This position can also be very emotionally supportive for WHICH HERBS INDUCE LABOR? Take 10-15 tinctures of the blue every hour. Then take 5-10 of the black cohosh every half and hour. Do this until labor starts, or for one full day. Take a rest the next day and try again on the third day. Whether or not herbs induce labor, there are other alternatives to prepare the uterus. A widely used choice is red raspberry leaf tea. REASONS TO INDUCE LABOR OVERDUE PREGNANCY. One of the most commonly-cited reasons for induction is an overdue pregnancy. However, this is an arbitrary statement, especially as the average gestation of a first-time pregnancy worldwide is 41 weeks, 1 day. In the US, however, for many doctors it is routine procedure to induce labor by 40 weeks, despite

research evidence

BENEFITS AND RISKS OF EPISIOTOMY Local anesthetics given with episiotomies will cause the perineal tissues to swell, decreasing their flexibility and increasing the chance of a tear. Tears actually heal better than episiotomies. With proper perineal support, both tearing and episiotomy can be avoided. Over 1 million unnecessary episiotomies are performed each year. UNDERSTANDING THE CORD BLOOD COLLECTION PROCEDURE In either method, the bag/syringe is pre-marked with a number specially coded to the baby. The collection must occur within the first fifteen minutes after birth. The laboratory should process the cord blood sample within two days. Both methods should take less than five minutes to complete and should not cause mother or baby any

discomfort.

CORD BLOOD STORAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY Cord Blood Storage Life Expectancy. Cord blood storage life expectancy is a controversial issue, in that it is unknown how long a cord blood sample can be sucessfully frozen. Some research has shown that it can be frozed indefinitely, but there is no hard and fast answer to this question. This dilemma raises serious ethical and moral questions FOR WOMEN GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY TRANSITION: THE MOST INTENSE STAGE OF LABOR Transition: The Most Intense Phase of Labor. Transition, unlike active labor, is the storm before the calm that is the pushing stage . It is by far the hardest part of birthing, but also the shortest. It is here that a mother's focus might falter. This is the stage where women may doubt their ability to birth the baby and request medications. TELEMETRY FOR FETAL MONTORING Telemetry for Fetal Monitoring. Telemetry is a form of electronic fetal monitoring without wires. It uses the same sound wave technology as an external electronic fetal monitor to track the baby’s heartbeat. It can also be used for continuous fetal monitoring to keep a running record of the fetal heart tones. The benefits of this form

of

MEDICAL WAYS TO INDUCE LABOR AMNIOTOMY. This is commonly referred to as "breaking your water" but is also known as "artificial rupture of membranes" (AROM). It is also considered the most "natural" of all the medical ways to induce labor. An amniotomy hook, similar to a crochet hook is inserted to tear open the bag of waters and release the amniotic fluid. UPRIGHT POSITIONS FOR CHILDBIRTH The "slow dance" is one of the vertical childbirth positions that uses gravity and movement to increase comfort during labor. It is also easy to use other comfort measures while in this position, such as any of the relaxation techniques, breathing, counter-pressure, or hot/cold tools. This position can also be very emotionally supportive for WHICH HERBS INDUCE LABOR? Take 10-15 tinctures of the blue every hour. Then take 5-10 of the black cohosh every half and hour. Do this until labor starts, or for one full day. Take a rest the next day and try again on the third day. Whether or not herbs induce labor, there are other alternatives to prepare the uterus. A widely used choice is red raspberry leaf tea. REASONS TO INDUCE LABOR OVERDUE PREGNANCY. One of the most commonly-cited reasons for induction is an overdue pregnancy. However, this is an arbitrary statement, especially as the average gestation of a first-time pregnancy worldwide is 41 weeks, 1 day. In the US, however, for many doctors it is routine procedure to induce labor by 40 weeks, despite

research evidence

BENEFITS AND RISKS OF EPISIOTOMY Local anesthetics given with episiotomies will cause the perineal tissues to swell, decreasing their flexibility and increasing the chance of a tear. Tears actually heal better than episiotomies. With proper perineal support, both tearing and episiotomy can be avoided. Over 1 million unnecessary episiotomies are performed each year. UNDERSTANDING THE CORD BLOOD COLLECTION PROCEDURE In either method, the bag/syringe is pre-marked with a number specially coded to the baby. The collection must occur within the first fifteen minutes after birth. The laboratory should process the cord blood sample within two days. Both methods should take less than five minutes to complete and should not cause mother or baby any

discomfort.

CORD BLOOD STORAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY Cord Blood Storage Life Expectancy. Cord blood storage life expectancy is a controversial issue, in that it is unknown how long a cord blood sample can be sucessfully frozen. Some research has shown that it can be frozed indefinitely, but there is no hard and fast answer to this question. This dilemma raises serious ethical and moral questions GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY Empowering Each Woman Giving Birth Naturally. Our mission is to encourage each woman giving birth naturally to make informed decisions and to stimulate open, honest discourse with care providers to improve outcomes for the families they serve. We provide evidence-based resources from a variety of reputable sources: peer-reviewed research PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH DVDS The Miracle of Life DVD The conception and birth of a child is truly a miraculous process. Thanks to a dramatic breakthrough in science and cinematography, world-renowned photographer Lennart Nilsson takes us on a journey unlike any other. You'll witness, magnified up to half a million times the actual size, the egg being released from the WATCH THIS NATURAL CHILDBIRTH VIDEO Tweet. This natural childbirth video shows the planned unassisted homebirth of our third child, born into my own hands while I knelt on our bed, in 16 contractions, with my husband and two daughters (ages 7 and 5 at the time) by my side. I awoke on this morning, Tuesday, March 9th, 2010, to bloody show and the loss of an intact mucus plug when HOME BIRTH | GETTING BACK TO OUR ROOTS Until 1900, home birth was the typical birth setting for Americans. In fact, more than 90% of people alive today were born at home. Hospital births did not rise in popularity until the 1920s, when use of motorized vehicles and medical promotion rose. UPRIGHT POSITIONS FOR CHILDBIRTH The "slow dance" is one of the vertical childbirth positions that uses gravity and movement to increase comfort during labor. It is also easy to use other comfort measures while in this position, such as any of the relaxation techniques, breathing, counter-pressure, or hot/cold tools. This position can also be very emotionally supportive for FEELING BABY MOVE AS AN EARLY SIGN OF LABOR It can be recommended by a care provider or done independently for peace-of-mind. To track fetal activity, select an hour span during the day when it's easy to pay attention to feeling the baby move. A standard guideline is that at least 10 movements within an hour should be felt. It's always good to remember that some babies are more active JOIN THE GIVINGBIRTHNATURALLY.COM AFFILIATE PROGRAM Join the GivingBirthNaturally.com Affiliate Program to earn commissions from your pregnancy, birth or baby-related website, blog or mailing list. Our affiliates earn a 30% commission on sales generated by click-through purchases from links on your site. Our program is free to join, it's easy to sign-up and requires no technical knowledge. USING A CHILDBIRTH SQUAT BAR OR BIRTH COMPANIONS FOR Using a Childbirth Squat Bar or Birth Companions in Labour. Squatting with a childbirth squat bar or birth companion for support is beneficial as a birth position in that it opens the pelvis while using gravity to encourage the baby to descend. SILVER NITRATE AND PROPHYLACTIC EYE OINTMENTS FOR NEWBORNS Silver Nitrate and Prophylactic Eye Ointments for Newborns What is it? The application of silver nitrate or a similar antibiotic ointment such as tetracycline or erythromycin into the eyes of newborn babies just minutes after birth is another routine newborn procedure UNDERSTAND CERVIX EFFACEMENT AND ITS ROLE IN LABOR After cervical effacement is complete, the baby will soon arrive. The degree of cervix effacement is a better predictor of a quick or close labor than dilation. This process can take much longer than dilation itself, so the higher the percentage of effacement that occurs in advance of active labor, the faster the baby will arrive. FOR WOMEN GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY TRANSITION: THE MOST INTENSE STAGE OF LABOR Transition: The Most Intense Phase of Labor. Transition, unlike active labor, is the storm before the calm that is the pushing stage . It is by far the hardest part of birthing, but also the shortest. It is here that a mother's focus might falter. This is the stage where women may doubt their ability to birth the baby and request medications. TELEMETRY FOR FETAL MONTORING Telemetry for Fetal Monitoring. Telemetry is a form of electronic fetal monitoring without wires. It uses the same sound wave technology as an external electronic fetal monitor to track the baby’s heartbeat. It can also be used for continuous fetal monitoring to keep a running record of the fetal heart tones. The benefits of this form

of

MEDICAL WAYS TO INDUCE LABOR AMNIOTOMY. This is commonly referred to as "breaking your water" but is also known as "artificial rupture of membranes" (AROM). It is also considered the most "natural" of all the medical ways to induce labor. An amniotomy hook, similar to a crochet hook is inserted to tear open the bag of waters and release the amniotic fluid. UPRIGHT POSITIONS FOR CHILDBIRTH The "slow dance" is one of the vertical childbirth positions that uses gravity and movement to increase comfort during labor. It is also easy to use other comfort measures while in this position, such as any of the relaxation techniques, breathing, counter-pressure, or hot/cold tools. This position can also be very emotionally supportive for WHICH HERBS INDUCE LABOR? Take 10-15 tinctures of the blue every hour. Then take 5-10 of the black cohosh every half and hour. Do this until labor starts, or for one full day. Take a rest the next day and try again on the third day. Whether or not herbs induce labor, there are other alternatives to prepare the uterus. A widely used choice is red raspberry leaf tea. REASONS TO INDUCE LABOR OVERDUE PREGNANCY. One of the most commonly-cited reasons for induction is an overdue pregnancy. However, this is an arbitrary statement, especially as the average gestation of a first-time pregnancy worldwide is 41 weeks, 1 day. In the US, however, for many doctors it is routine procedure to induce labor by 40 weeks, despite

research evidence

BENEFITS AND RISKS OF EPISIOTOMY Local anesthetics given with episiotomies will cause the perineal tissues to swell, decreasing their flexibility and increasing the chance of a tear. Tears actually heal better than episiotomies. With proper perineal support, both tearing and episiotomy can be avoided. Over 1 million unnecessary episiotomies are performed each year. UNDERSTANDING THE CORD BLOOD COLLECTION PROCEDURE In either method, the bag/syringe is pre-marked with a number specially coded to the baby. The collection must occur within the first fifteen minutes after birth. The laboratory should process the cord blood sample within two days. Both methods should take less than five minutes to complete and should not cause mother or baby any

discomfort.

CORD BLOOD STORAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY Cord Blood Storage Life Expectancy. Cord blood storage life expectancy is a controversial issue, in that it is unknown how long a cord blood sample can be sucessfully frozen. Some research has shown that it can be frozed indefinitely, but there is no hard and fast answer to this question. This dilemma raises serious ethical and moral questions FOR WOMEN GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY TRANSITION: THE MOST INTENSE STAGE OF LABOR Transition: The Most Intense Phase of Labor. Transition, unlike active labor, is the storm before the calm that is the pushing stage . It is by far the hardest part of birthing, but also the shortest. It is here that a mother's focus might falter. This is the stage where women may doubt their ability to birth the baby and request medications. TELEMETRY FOR FETAL MONTORING Telemetry for Fetal Monitoring. Telemetry is a form of electronic fetal monitoring without wires. It uses the same sound wave technology as an external electronic fetal monitor to track the baby’s heartbeat. It can also be used for continuous fetal monitoring to keep a running record of the fetal heart tones. The benefits of this form

of

MEDICAL WAYS TO INDUCE LABOR AMNIOTOMY. This is commonly referred to as "breaking your water" but is also known as "artificial rupture of membranes" (AROM). It is also considered the most "natural" of all the medical ways to induce labor. An amniotomy hook, similar to a crochet hook is inserted to tear open the bag of waters and release the amniotic fluid. UPRIGHT POSITIONS FOR CHILDBIRTH The "slow dance" is one of the vertical childbirth positions that uses gravity and movement to increase comfort during labor. It is also easy to use other comfort measures while in this position, such as any of the relaxation techniques, breathing, counter-pressure, or hot/cold tools. This position can also be very emotionally supportive for WHICH HERBS INDUCE LABOR? Take 10-15 tinctures of the blue every hour. Then take 5-10 of the black cohosh every half and hour. Do this until labor starts, or for one full day. Take a rest the next day and try again on the third day. Whether or not herbs induce labor, there are other alternatives to prepare the uterus. A widely used choice is red raspberry leaf tea. REASONS TO INDUCE LABOR OVERDUE PREGNANCY. One of the most commonly-cited reasons for induction is an overdue pregnancy. However, this is an arbitrary statement, especially as the average gestation of a first-time pregnancy worldwide is 41 weeks, 1 day. In the US, however, for many doctors it is routine procedure to induce labor by 40 weeks, despite

research evidence

BENEFITS AND RISKS OF EPISIOTOMY Local anesthetics given with episiotomies will cause the perineal tissues to swell, decreasing their flexibility and increasing the chance of a tear. Tears actually heal better than episiotomies. With proper perineal support, both tearing and episiotomy can be avoided. Over 1 million unnecessary episiotomies are performed each year. UNDERSTANDING THE CORD BLOOD COLLECTION PROCEDURE In either method, the bag/syringe is pre-marked with a number specially coded to the baby. The collection must occur within the first fifteen minutes after birth. The laboratory should process the cord blood sample within two days. Both methods should take less than five minutes to complete and should not cause mother or baby any

discomfort.

CORD BLOOD STORAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY Cord Blood Storage Life Expectancy. Cord blood storage life expectancy is a controversial issue, in that it is unknown how long a cord blood sample can be sucessfully frozen. Some research has shown that it can be frozed indefinitely, but there is no hard and fast answer to this question. This dilemma raises serious ethical and moral questions GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY Empowering Each Woman Giving Birth Naturally. Our mission is to encourage each woman giving birth naturally to make informed decisions and to stimulate open, honest discourse with care providers to improve outcomes for the families they serve. We provide evidence-based resources from a variety of reputable sources: peer-reviewed research PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH DVDS The Miracle of Life DVD The conception and birth of a child is truly a miraculous process. Thanks to a dramatic breakthrough in science and cinematography, world-renowned photographer Lennart Nilsson takes us on a journey unlike any other. You'll witness, magnified up to half a million times the actual size, the egg being released from the WATCH THIS NATURAL CHILDBIRTH VIDEO Tweet. This natural childbirth video shows the planned unassisted homebirth of our third child, born into my own hands while I knelt on our bed, in 16 contractions, with my husband and two daughters (ages 7 and 5 at the time) by my side. I awoke on this morning, Tuesday, March 9th, 2010, to bloody show and the loss of an intact mucus plug when HOME BIRTH | GETTING BACK TO OUR ROOTS Until 1900, home birth was the typical birth setting for Americans. In fact, more than 90% of people alive today were born at home. Hospital births did not rise in popularity until the 1920s, when use of motorized vehicles and medical promotion rose. UPRIGHT POSITIONS FOR CHILDBIRTH The "slow dance" is one of the vertical childbirth positions that uses gravity and movement to increase comfort during labor. It is also easy to use other comfort measures while in this position, such as any of the relaxation techniques, breathing, counter-pressure, or hot/cold tools. This position can also be very emotionally supportive for FEELING BABY MOVE AS AN EARLY SIGN OF LABOR It can be recommended by a care provider or done independently for peace-of-mind. To track fetal activity, select an hour span during the day when it's easy to pay attention to feeling the baby move. A standard guideline is that at least 10 movements within an hour should be felt. It's always good to remember that some babies are more active JOIN THE GIVINGBIRTHNATURALLY.COM AFFILIATE PROGRAM Join the GivingBirthNaturally.com Affiliate Program to earn commissions from your pregnancy, birth or baby-related website, blog or mailing list. Our affiliates earn a 30% commission on sales generated by click-through purchases from links on your site. Our program is free to join, it's easy to sign-up and requires no technical knowledge. USING A CHILDBIRTH SQUAT BAR OR BIRTH COMPANIONS FOR Using a Childbirth Squat Bar or Birth Companions in Labour. Squatting with a childbirth squat bar or birth companion for support is beneficial as a birth position in that it opens the pelvis while using gravity to encourage the baby to descend. SILVER NITRATE AND PROPHYLACTIC EYE OINTMENTS FOR NEWBORNS Silver Nitrate and Prophylactic Eye Ointments for Newborns What is it? The application of silver nitrate or a similar antibiotic ointment such as tetracycline or erythromycin into the eyes of newborn babies just minutes after birth is another routine newborn procedure UNDERSTAND CERVIX EFFACEMENT AND ITS ROLE IN LABOR After cervical effacement is complete, the baby will soon arrive. The degree of cervix effacement is a better predictor of a quick or close labor than dilation. This process can take much longer than dilation itself, so the higher the percentage of effacement that occurs in advance of active labor, the faster the baby will arrive. FOR WOMEN GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY TRANSITION: THE MOST INTENSE STAGE OF LABOR Transition: The Most Intense Phase of Labor. Transition, unlike active labor, is the storm before the calm that is the pushing stage . It is by far the hardest part of birthing, but also the shortest. It is here that a mother's focus might falter. This is the stage where women may doubt their ability to birth the baby and request medications. TELEMETRY FOR FETAL MONTORING Telemetry for Fetal Monitoring. Telemetry is a form of electronic fetal monitoring without wires. It uses the same sound wave technology as an external electronic fetal monitor to track the baby’s heartbeat. It can also be used for continuous fetal monitoring to keep a running record of the fetal heart tones. The benefits of this form

of

MEDICAL WAYS TO INDUCE LABOR AMNIOTOMY. This is commonly referred to as "breaking your water" but is also known as "artificial rupture of membranes" (AROM). It is also considered the most "natural" of all the medical ways to induce labor. An amniotomy hook, similar to a crochet hook is inserted to tear open the bag of waters and release the amniotic fluid. UPRIGHT POSITIONS FOR CHILDBIRTH The "slow dance" is one of the vertical childbirth positions that uses gravity and movement to increase comfort during labor. It is also easy to use other comfort measures while in this position, such as any of the relaxation techniques, breathing, counter-pressure, or hot/cold tools. This position can also be very emotionally supportive for WHICH HERBS INDUCE LABOR? Take 10-15 tinctures of the blue every hour. Then take 5-10 of the black cohosh every half and hour. Do this until labor starts, or for one full day. Take a rest the next day and try again on the third day. Whether or not herbs induce labor, there are other alternatives to prepare the uterus. A widely used choice is red raspberry leaf tea. REASONS TO INDUCE LABOR OVERDUE PREGNANCY. One of the most commonly-cited reasons for induction is an overdue pregnancy. However, this is an arbitrary statement, especially as the average gestation of a first-time pregnancy worldwide is 41 weeks, 1 day. In the US, however, for many doctors it is routine procedure to induce labor by 40 weeks, despite

research evidence

BENEFITS AND RISKS OF EPISIOTOMY Local anesthetics given with episiotomies will cause the perineal tissues to swell, decreasing their flexibility and increasing the chance of a tear. Tears actually heal better than episiotomies. With proper perineal support, both tearing and episiotomy can be avoided. Over 1 million unnecessary episiotomies are performed each year. UNDERSTANDING THE CORD BLOOD COLLECTION PROCEDURE In either method, the bag/syringe is pre-marked with a number specially coded to the baby. The collection must occur within the first fifteen minutes after birth. The laboratory should process the cord blood sample within two days. Both methods should take less than five minutes to complete and should not cause mother or baby any

discomfort.

CORD BLOOD STORAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY Cord Blood Storage Life Expectancy. Cord blood storage life expectancy is a controversial issue, in that it is unknown how long a cord blood sample can be sucessfully frozen. Some research has shown that it can be frozed indefinitely, but there is no hard and fast answer to this question. This dilemma raises serious ethical and moral questions FOR WOMEN GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY TRANSITION: THE MOST INTENSE STAGE OF LABOR Transition: The Most Intense Phase of Labor. Transition, unlike active labor, is the storm before the calm that is the pushing stage . It is by far the hardest part of birthing, but also the shortest. It is here that a mother's focus might falter. This is the stage where women may doubt their ability to birth the baby and request medications. TELEMETRY FOR FETAL MONTORING Telemetry for Fetal Monitoring. Telemetry is a form of electronic fetal monitoring without wires. It uses the same sound wave technology as an external electronic fetal monitor to track the baby’s heartbeat. It can also be used for continuous fetal monitoring to keep a running record of the fetal heart tones. The benefits of this form

of

MEDICAL WAYS TO INDUCE LABOR AMNIOTOMY. This is commonly referred to as "breaking your water" but is also known as "artificial rupture of membranes" (AROM). It is also considered the most "natural" of all the medical ways to induce labor. An amniotomy hook, similar to a crochet hook is inserted to tear open the bag of waters and release the amniotic fluid. UPRIGHT POSITIONS FOR CHILDBIRTH The "slow dance" is one of the vertical childbirth positions that uses gravity and movement to increase comfort during labor. It is also easy to use other comfort measures while in this position, such as any of the relaxation techniques, breathing, counter-pressure, or hot/cold tools. This position can also be very emotionally supportive for WHICH HERBS INDUCE LABOR? Take 10-15 tinctures of the blue every hour. Then take 5-10 of the black cohosh every half and hour. Do this until labor starts, or for one full day. Take a rest the next day and try again on the third day. Whether or not herbs induce labor, there are other alternatives to prepare the uterus. A widely used choice is red raspberry leaf tea. REASONS TO INDUCE LABOR OVERDUE PREGNANCY. One of the most commonly-cited reasons for induction is an overdue pregnancy. However, this is an arbitrary statement, especially as the average gestation of a first-time pregnancy worldwide is 41 weeks, 1 day. In the US, however, for many doctors it is routine procedure to induce labor by 40 weeks, despite

research evidence

BENEFITS AND RISKS OF EPISIOTOMY Local anesthetics given with episiotomies will cause the perineal tissues to swell, decreasing their flexibility and increasing the chance of a tear. Tears actually heal better than episiotomies. With proper perineal support, both tearing and episiotomy can be avoided. Over 1 million unnecessary episiotomies are performed each year. UNDERSTANDING THE CORD BLOOD COLLECTION PROCEDURE In either method, the bag/syringe is pre-marked with a number specially coded to the baby. The collection must occur within the first fifteen minutes after birth. The laboratory should process the cord blood sample within two days. Both methods should take less than five minutes to complete and should not cause mother or baby any

discomfort.

CORD BLOOD STORAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY Cord Blood Storage Life Expectancy. Cord blood storage life expectancy is a controversial issue, in that it is unknown how long a cord blood sample can be sucessfully frozen. Some research has shown that it can be frozed indefinitely, but there is no hard and fast answer to this question. This dilemma raises serious ethical and moral questions GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY Empowering Each Woman Giving Birth Naturally. Our mission is to encourage each woman giving birth naturally to make informed decisions and to stimulate open, honest discourse with care providers to improve outcomes for the families they serve. We provide evidence-based resources from a variety of reputable sources: peer-reviewed research PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH DVDS The Miracle of Life DVD The conception and birth of a child is truly a miraculous process. Thanks to a dramatic breakthrough in science and cinematography, world-renowned photographer Lennart Nilsson takes us on a journey unlike any other. You'll witness, magnified up to half a million times the actual size, the egg being released from the WATCH THIS NATURAL CHILDBIRTH VIDEO Tweet. This natural childbirth video shows the planned unassisted homebirth of our third child, born into my own hands while I knelt on our bed, in 16 contractions, with my husband and two daughters (ages 7 and 5 at the time) by my side. I awoke on this morning, Tuesday, March 9th, 2010, to bloody show and the loss of an intact mucus plug when HOME BIRTH | GETTING BACK TO OUR ROOTS Until 1900, home birth was the typical birth setting for Americans. In fact, more than 90% of people alive today were born at home. Hospital births did not rise in popularity until the 1920s, when use of motorized vehicles and medical promotion rose. UPRIGHT POSITIONS FOR CHILDBIRTH The "slow dance" is one of the vertical childbirth positions that uses gravity and movement to increase comfort during labor. It is also easy to use other comfort measures while in this position, such as any of the relaxation techniques, breathing, counter-pressure, or hot/cold tools. This position can also be very emotionally supportive for FEELING BABY MOVE AS AN EARLY SIGN OF LABOR It can be recommended by a care provider or done independently for peace-of-mind. To track fetal activity, select an hour span during the day when it's easy to pay attention to feeling the baby move. A standard guideline is that at least 10 movements within an hour should be felt. It's always good to remember that some babies are more active JOIN THE GIVINGBIRTHNATURALLY.COM AFFILIATE PROGRAM Join the GivingBirthNaturally.com Affiliate Program to earn commissions from your pregnancy, birth or baby-related website, blog or mailing list. Our affiliates earn a 30% commission on sales generated by click-through purchases from links on your site. Our program is free to join, it's easy to sign-up and requires no technical knowledge. SILVER NITRATE AND PROPHYLACTIC EYE OINTMENTS FOR NEWBORNS Silver Nitrate and Prophylactic Eye Ointments for Newborns What is it? The application of silver nitrate or a similar antibiotic ointment such as tetracycline or erythromycin into the eyes of newborn babies just minutes after birth is another routine newborn procedure USING A CHILDBIRTH SQUAT BAR OR BIRTH COMPANIONS FOR Using a Childbirth Squat Bar or Birth Companions in Labour. Squatting with a childbirth squat bar or birth companion for support is beneficial as a birth position in that it opens the pelvis while using gravity to encourage the baby to descend. UNDERSTAND CERVIX EFFACEMENT AND ITS ROLE IN LABOR After cervical effacement is complete, the baby will soon arrive. The degree of cervix effacement is a better predictor of a quick or close labor than dilation. This process can take much longer than dilation itself, so the higher the percentage of effacement that occurs in advance of active labor, the faster the baby will arrive.

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