Birth Made Beautiful

Section 7(a) states that a patient is allowed both a family member and a doula in the discussion of their care.

Helping mothers find relief for symptoms and treatment for the infection preserves the breastfeeding relationship

La Leche League FAQ on Thrush

By Ina May Gaskin

Cesarean section can save the life of the mother or her baby. Cesarean section can also threaten the life of a mother or her baby. How can this be?

Suggestions to help you avoid a C-section & experience a successful vaginal birth. Also has tips for a satisfying cesarean birth if one becomes necessary.

Books, links, and other resources to support you and help you weigh your options regarding a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) or a repeat C-section.

Many many Ceareans in the US are unnecessary, and why their frequency should be reduced.

Tips and things to consider or ask about when you are facing a cesarean section to help make the experience a good one.

There are a number of ways to make a cesarean birth feel less surgical and more like a positive, memorable birth experience.

No national or international medical organization in the world recommends infant circumcision.

An overview of the pros and cons of circumcision, and what to consider as you make your decision.

Get the facts as you make your decision regarding circumcision.

Background on the vast difference between circumcision in Biblical times verses what we know as circumcision today

How You Can Help Yourself to a Normal, Satisfying Birth. (Comfort measures in labor.)

Birth is 90% mental. You will be much more prepared to give birth if your mind is ready.

The current statistics, according to the Cochrane Database, on the benefits of using a doula & improvements in obstetrical outcomes.

Doulas can make all the difference in your birth experience, whether you're planning a home, hospital, or even a cesarean birth.

You Tube Video by DONA International

You Tube Video

Visual diagram showing the effects on doula support during labor & on birth outcomes.

Updated 2013 stats on why having a doula is beneficial for your birth.

From The Official Lamaze Guide: Giving Birth With Confidence

Risks of epidurals, instances when an epidural might be necessary, alternatives to the epidural.

Risks, benefits, pros and cons of the epidural. By Penny Simkin

By Henci Goer

Some of the reasons mamas may choose not to get an epidural.

From Midwifery Today 2010

Studies show than home births can be just as safe, if not safer, than hospital births. There are many benefits for the family who chooses to birth at home.

While the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology's position is one against home birth, this position is not one which is backed by good research evidence.

USA Today Article

Water Birth at Home, You Tube Slideshow Video

Video of a beautiful breech homebirth.

"The large and growing body of literature that continues to show that planned home birth with qualified and experienced midwives holds no greater risk of perinatal mortality than birth in the hospital, and in fact results in far fewer interventions and lower risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity."

Lamaze International Healthy Birth Practices #1 Discusses when induction might be necessary, and also why to avoid a convenience induction.

Is elective induction safe and effective?

Natural induction methods, as well as evaluating reasons for induction.

Science News, from Science Daily

Package insert for Cytotec (misoprostol) tablets.

Encouragement and perspective on what "overdue" really means, and how to wait for baby to come in the meantime!

Oligohydramnios--"Low Amniotic Fluid"...How it's measured, its over diagnosis, and why it's generally better to wait for labor to begin rather than induce.

Informational Handout

Does a big baby equal a cesarean? No, moms have big babies vaginally every day. Information to help you decide.

From the Journal of Perinatal Education

An Abstract from the Journal of Perinatal Education

By Marsden Wagner, MD, MS

You tube video demonstrating natural acupressure points you can use to help start labor when you are postdates or induction is needed.

Pressure points to induce labor

Covers the pitfalls of routinely testing blood sugar in large babies, and why formula is rarely the solution.

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's guidelines and protocol for blood sugar testing in newborns.

By Penny Simkin. Covers the risks and benefits, pros and cons of the epidural.

St Joseph Hospital in Minnesota has the lowest c-section rate in the state, and perhaps the country. This may be due largely to their incorporation of midwives into maternity care.

Information on technologies used & overused in birth. Choosing the right care provider & birth location in light of this technology.

A website and book written by a La Leche League Leader. Covers all things multiples from pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

A forum for parents of multiples

Getting through labor without drugs. How to do it and where to find support.

Often birth choices are simply described in terms of whatever the mother wants. What about what's best for the baby? There is much to indicate that natural childbirth tends to be best for baby as well.

There are many benefits to both mother and baby in having a water birth. Check out the facts, and which situations may make water birth a good choice for you.

Studies show than home births can be just as safe, if not safer, than hospital births. There are many benefits for the family who chooses to birth at home.

Study on water birth. Results show definite medical benefits, including significantly shorter labors, fewer requests for pain relievers, and no greater risk for neonate infection.

How You Can Help Yourself to a Normal, Satisfying Birth. (Comfort measures in labor.)

A listing of many different resources involving natural childbirth, including Christian childbirth.

What is Hypnobirthing and is it right for you?

Birth is 90% mental. You will be much more prepared to give birth if your mind is ready.

Psychology Today Article

The Brewer Diet in pregnancy and how it can aid in managing pre-eclampsia.

Search the database for the most up-to-date research on maternity care, as well as many areas of healthcare.

Research (abstracts) and articles on a wide array of childbirth topics.

Facts laid out simply to help you make informed decisions regarding your birth.

Info Sheet: Pros and cons of spontaneous bearing down vs. directed (or "purple") pushing.

State law regarding exemptions to immunizations with appropriate forms or links. Model birth plan including how to avoid Hepatitis B and vitamin K shots for your newborn. (Note: is a bit slanted.)

ICAN - Support for VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean).

Evaluating the choice between a VBAC and a repeat cesarean section.

Websites, books, and organizations for information and support.

Study on water birth, including VBAC's. Results show clear medical benefits, including significantly shorter labors and fewer requests for pain relievers. Water birth shown to be safe, with no higher risk for infection.

Newborn Vitamin K injections...why they're done, risk factors for hemorrhage, and possible alternatives and precautions to discuss with your care provider.

A reprinting from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.

Research findings & excerpts from various pediatric sources and texts.

There are many benefits to both mother and baby in having a water birth. Check out the facts, and which situations may make water birth a good choice for you.

Water Birth at Home, You Tube Slideshow Video

Study on water birth. Results show definite medical benefits including significantly shorter labors, fewer requests for pain medications, and no increased risk for neonate infection.

A list of Studies (Abstracts)