Pain in childbirth is not always avoidable
Childbirth doesn’t have to result in suffering, even if it nearly always causes pain.
Comfort Measures
Category: Comfort Measures
Learn how to use the tools, techniques, and positons which will help you stay as comfortable as possible while letting your body do the important work of labor.
Birth Challenges, Comfort Measures
Women don’t choose their labor
In 2000, I first built the Birthing Naturally website. I wanted to provide an internet source of natural childbirth information. I included a list of my birth philosophies on that website and every version since. Here is the first statement from my
Birth Professionals, Comfort Measures
The Water Birth Series Part Four – What can we learn about best practice?
In today’s post, I explore what the meta-analysis taught us about hospital policies for a water birth.
Comfort Measures, Research
The Water Birth Series Part Three – What is the evidence for Neonatal Safety with Water Birth?
Today I explore our findings from the water birth meta-analysis. Spoiler alert, we found no evidence of increased neonatal risk.
Comfort Measures, Research
Another water birth study
Here is another water birth study to add to your pile of evidence of safety.
Comfort Measures, Preparation Exercises
Labor Practice | Labor begins as you go to bed
As you are getting ready to go to bed for the night, you realize the cramping you have been feeling has a regular 8 minute pattern. Will you: Try to Sleep If you would normally be sleeping at this time, and the
Comfort Measures, Preparation Exercises
Labor Practice | Labor Starts Strong
Contractions begin after lunch, and within an hour they are 6 minutes apart and strong enough to make you stop moving during the peak. Your body feels heavy, and you have seen bloody show in your last few trips to the bathroom.
Comfort Measures, Preparation Exercises
Labor Practice | Labor is Starting Slowly
You have been experiencing contractions on and off for a couple days. Today they seem more rhythmic and have had a steady pattern for a couple hours. You are frustrated that it has taken this long for labor to start, and hope
Comfort Measures, Understanding Pain
Labor Practice | Starts with a backache
You have been experiencing a dull back ache all day. Over the past hour you realized that the backache seemed to get stronger for 30 seconds every 10 minutes or so. Will you: Use a Heating Pad for the Discomfort The heat
Comfort Measures, Preparation Exercises
Labor Practice | Waking up to contractions
You wake up at 5:30AM to a contraction. You decide to wait and see if you have another one, and 8 minutes later you do feel another contraction. They are mild cramping contractions; annoying, but you have no problem walking or talking