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Labor & Childbirth
Birth Centers for Labor & Delivery
For those longing for a more family-focused, homey atmosphere for their birth experience, birth centers may be a great option. A birth center emphasizes one-on-one care with limited medical interventions and a staff dedicated to y...
Three Stages of Labor
First Stage of Labor This is the longest of the stages of childbirth, lasting anywhere from several hours up to days, especially for first-timers. It begins with the cervix dilating, and ends when the cervix is fully dilated at 1...
Epidurals - What You Need to Know
Epidurals are the most popular form of pain relief, and are used in over half of all hospital births. They are regional anesthetics, not total pain blockers, but rather meant to be pain relievers. They work by blocking nerve impul...
Cesarean Section: What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know
We make our birth plans, pack our hospital bag, and visualize the perfect labor and delivery. While things may not go exactly as planned, for an estimated 30% of American women the baby will be delivered by cesarean section. So w...
Preterm Labor
No one is certain why preterm labor occurs; however, there are some steps that can be taken to help prevent preterm labor from occurring, especially for those women who are at higher risk for the condition. What is Preterm Labor?...
Signs of Labor
In the movies, pregnant women know they are going into labor because their water suddenly breaks, and usually at the most inopportune time. In real life, however, things aren’t always so simple and straightforward. The beg...
Online Childbirth Education - A New Way to Prepare for Your Baby's Birth
Childbirth education plays a vital role in how positively you later view your birth experience. The more childbirth education you receive, the more likely you are to view your birth experience positively. This becomes especial...
Pain Relief for Labor & DeliveryGeneral Anesthesia
General Anesthesia is administered to the mother by IV or via gases administered by mask/endotracheal tube intubation. They are generally used for cesarean births. What will this do for me? Complete relief of painQuick induction o...
Pain Relief Options for Labor & BirthSpinal
Spinals are administered for use with a forceps delivery as well as for cesarean births. What will this do for me? Complete relief of pain from upper abdomen to toesWhat are the disadvantages? Administration may be uncomfortab...
Pain Relief for Labor & DeliveryEpidural
Epidurals are administered during active labor and for cesarean births. What will this do for me? Very good pain reliefprovide pain relief without sedationallows woman to be fully alert during labor/birthWhat are the disadvanta...

