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Preparing for a water break in pregnancy helps eliminate fears and gives you the confidence you need for delivering your baby.

There are questions to ask a doula so you can get one that's perfect for you, your baby, and your needs.

The day has come! You’re off to the hospital because you're in one of the stages of labor and you feel you're ready to give birth. So what's next?

Whichever position you choose to be in at the time of delivery, know that it can help ease the process and make you feel more comfortable. That’s why it’s as important as it is to choose wisely when making this decision. This list contains the most common labor positions.

The natural response to a loved one giving birth is to go visit her and the newborn baby in the hospital. It’s likely what you’ll experience yourself after delivering and truthfully, managing visitors after birth can be very overwhelming depending on the size of your inner circle.

If you have concerns about labor but aren’t sure if they’re valid, don’t worry. Misinformation can cause unnecessary fear. Having the information needed to prepare for your labor is key. It allows you to take advantage of the situation so that you’re in control of your body and emotions before delivering your child. The following list reveals common labor fears as well as tips for overcoming them. A C-Section is Inevitable for Me! If you want to increase your chances of giving birth vaginally, hire a doula to assist you with the birthing process. The non-medical assistant possesses knowledge about how your body should be positioned to help assist labor. The doula will also provide soothing massages which calm fears and advocate for the best possible medical treatment of you and your baby. If a C-Section does prove to be inevitable for you, know that it’s a quick and easy process that allows your partner to be in the room with you. Many women have the procedure done with no real side effects and minimal scarring. It is Going to Hurt So Bad! If you make yoga a part of your everyday routine leading up to your delivery date, you’ll experience less pain. Not only will you be able to move and breathe more succinctly, you’ll also find that you can apply the technique to help with labor pains. Use a guided visualization that has been pre-recorded to take your mind off the pain and onto a beach in Maui or lakefront cottage in Colorado. Birthing classes don’t eliminate pain but instead, teach you tips to help push past discomfort. When you focus on your breathe and pair it with the contractions you’re having, you’ll be able to give birth easier and with a lot less pain. The Baby is Going to Get Stuck While I’m Delivering! Rocking back and forth can prevent this from occurring. In fact, it’s advisable to use a birthing ball to help shake things up. By doing so, you’re opening up the pelvis wide to allow room for the baby to come through gently. You won’t need to worry about ripping and tearing horribly because you’ll not have that problem if you move a lot. If the baby does get stuck because it’s too big or you’ve grown tired of pushing, the doctor will assist in getting the child out as gently as possible. It may require the use of a pair of forceps or vacuum which supplies pressure that helps pull the infant out of the birth canal. The fears listed here are legitimate as many pregnant women aren’t sure what to expect even after speaking in detail with their OBGYN. By seeking out answers and following the advice listed above, you’re able to take action and prevent difficulties from shaping your labor experience. Labor isn’t something you should fear. With the right knowledge, you’ll know how to prepare your mind and body for pregnancy. Once you’re aware of what will occur physically, you’ll be able to ready yourself mentally for this stage of your pregnancy.

Cord blood banking is something that you may have heard of but don’t know much about. You may have even seen materials about the subject at your doctor’s office during your last visit. Knowing what cord blood banking is, who it benefits, and how it is done helps ease your concerns and shape your decision to bank your cord blood after giving birth. The following information helps educate and empower you as a mother and member of your family. Once you have all the facts that you need about the procedure, you’ll be able to determine whether it’s the right decision for you. Cord Blood, the Umbilical Cord, and You When giving birth, there is extra blood in the baby’s umbilical cord. There is also placenta available after the doctor has cut the cord. The extra blood isn’t needed by the newborn child, but it is by people who are sick or may fall ill in the future. Therefore, cord blood saves lives! Why Banking the Umbilical Cord Blood is Necessary Like other types of blood donations, cord blood contains red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. What makes it special is that it also has hematopoietic stem cells similar to those found in bone marrow. The stem cells are used to treat many different diseases. A bone marrow transplant is often very painful. Cord blood banking is not. It is done immediately after a woman has given birth. The cord is clamped to keep blood from flowing out too quickly. The blood is frozen and stored for later use. When cord blood is gathered correctly, it lasts forever which is great news for people with heart birth defects, cerebral palsy, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and autism. Medical researchers continue to learn more about these diseases each day. Cord blood is used to treat cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, sickle cell disease, anemia, and a wide range of immune system disorders, too. It’s something that the body produces during pregnancy and has lifesaving properties when banked. Cancer patients have been known to produce new blood cells thanks to the cord blood stem cells they receive. The Final Decision is Yours Cord blood banking varies in price. Some hospitals provide the lifesaving service for free. Private banks around the United States exist, too, if you’d prefer to use one of them. Currently, there are about 30 options to choose from. In deciding which private bank to go with, you should make sure that it is registered with the FDA and accredited by the AABB (American Association of Blood Banks). That way, you know it’s being collected and stored correctly not wasted. The likelihood of your own child needing their cord blood is slim. The odds are 1 in 2,700 to 1 in 20,000 according to current estimations. Having the opportunity to save a life by bringing a life into the world is incredibly powerful. Making the decision to bank your umbilical cord blood is personal. It’s a choice that only you can make. If you’re interested in the procedure and want to know more about it, consulting your healthcare practitioner while pregnant is the best way to get reliable, up-to-date information about the subject. This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles & corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

Preterm labor or premature labor is a term that refers to labor that is experienced before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Over 89% of pregnancies make it to full-term while the remaining 11% are premature. When labor occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy but before a due date, it’s considered preterm. There are many risks for both mother and child if a baby is born too early in a pregnancy. What Causes Women to Go Into Labor Prematurely There are many things that cause preterm labor. Identifying risks and eliminating them from your life helps you increase your chances of carrying your child full-term. Working with your primary care physician closely is advisable as he or she possesses in-depth knowledge about your medical history, the medications that you take, and the lifestyle that you live. Here are the factors that are known to cause premature labor: Smoking, drinking and doing drugs. These activities pose health risks for women who aren’t pregnant. They’re doubly troubling for women who are carrying a child. Do everything you can to quit indulging in recreational substances. They produce toxins in the body that spread to the placenta and prevent your baby from getting the vital oxygen he or she needs to survive. Back-to-back pregnancies. When your body doesn’t have time to properly heal after having one baby, it can cause you to go into labor prematurely with the second child. Waiting for less than a year between pregnancies increases the chance of you delivering before 37 weeks are up. If possible, wait more than 18 months to conceive again because the likelihood of you going into labor early decreases significantly. UTI and vaginal infections. Nearly half of preterm births are caused by bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomoniasis, uterine infections, and problems with the amniotic fluid. Getting tested for these issues is vital as it can help you prevent problems with your pregnancy. Complications during pregnancy. Preeclampsia and gestational diabetes can be to blame for premature labor. So, can problems with the placenta. Attending all follow-up appointments with your physician is advisable as it allows close monitoring to occur and preventative measures to be acknowledged and taken. This is just some of the causes of preterm labor. Knowing what risks exist and how to prevent them helps increase your chances of carrying to term. That way, you and your child don’t experience further challenges caused by low birth weight. Things You Can Do to Prevent Yourself from Going Into Labor Prematurely There are many things you can do to prevent yourself from going into labor before your due date. The first is to make sure that you space out your pregnancies. As mentioned above, 18 months between one pregnancy and another is ideal. Do things to alleviate stress naturally. Start doing yoga and meditating. Keep a journal as a way to get the thoughts out of your head so you can relax more. If you’re engaging in risky behavior, stop. Quit drinking, smoking, and using drugs. Make sure that you’re doing things that help you have a healthy pregnancy such as taking your prenatal vitamins, watching your weight, and eating a healthy diet packed with the nutrients you and your body need. This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles & corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

Your first pregnancy was quite an experience, and now you’ve got another bun in the oven. https://youtu.be/6m1L6bxt0dg Now that you’re a seasoned pro and you’ve seen it all before, you might notice that a few things have changed since last time. Morning Sickness differences in morning sickness during first pregnancy vs second pregnancy 1st Pregnancy You were surprised to find that you didn’t just feel pukey in the morning—it was all day, everyday. Every cure under the sun, from ginger tea to soothing lollipops, hoping to find relief. 2nd Pregnancy Now that you’ve been through it, you know that there’s no magic cure. You’re ready to chase your kid around and roll with the punches—or waves of nausea—as they come. Feeling kinda crummy just comes with the territory of pregnancy, right? Maternity Clothes Its so much easier to shop for maternity clothes in your second pregnancy/ 1st Pregnancy Between smart eating choices and exercise, you were sure you were going to get to stay in your normal clothes until your third trimester. No weight gain, no problems, no need for stretchy elastic-waist jeans! 2nd Pregnancy You’re genuinely excited to pull those stretchy elastic-waist jeans out of storage and start leaning in. Sure, you’re still going to eat healthy and exercise for your kid’s sake, but you know your body isn’t going to obey when you tell it to avoid bloating at all costs. Maternity clothes are a blessing, not a curse! Nursery Planning During the First Pregnancy the Nursery Planning is a big deal for new moms 1st Pregnancy Everything in the nursery needs to be just so, with pristine white bedding and gorgeously designed furniture to make the space feel like something out of a stylish magazine photoshoot. Your baby’s room is going to stay neat and gorgeous from day one, and all your organizing efforts now will pay dividends in the future. 2nd Pregnancy You know exactly what matters and what doesn’t. White bedding? Forget it. You want the busiest patterns in the darkest colors to hide any stains that might occur—and you know they will. It’s just a matter of time. Gone are the days when you put style over substance in the nursery. Now you’re going for full functionality and just a little bit of cuteness where it counts. Delivery Every delivery is different but you are more prepared for your second delivery 1st Pregnancy Every little detail is in place: your delivery playlist, the fashionable custom hospital gown, the matching monogrammed pajama and robe set to slip into immediately after delivery. Natural lip gloss and some tinted moisturizer will help you look amazing for the photo shoot. Your hospital experience is going to be like a fancy spa vacation. 2nd Pregnancy The hospital go-bag is packed and ready to go, and it’s got essentials only. No makeup, no fancy PJs…just a scrunchie and a comfy nightie that’d make your grandma jealous. You know you aren’t going to look like a supermodel in your pictures, and that’s OK. The smile on your lips and the love in your eyes are all the beauty enhancement you need. Everyone has a different experience of pregnancy, and your first and second may be more alike than you expected. At the very least, you’ll venturing into known territory, and that can provide a lot of peace of mind for second-time mamas. You Might Also Like: Second Time Mom Flattens Her Postpartum Tummy in Three Weeks This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles & corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features a triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

Your very first prenatal visit can be a whirlwind experience. But, if you know what questions to ask first, it’ll be a lot easier. These five question suggestions can help guide you to a successful and well-informed relationship with your OBGYN. 1. Can I continue taking my current medications? If not, what alternatives are available? In most cases, you’ll likely be able to continue taking your current medications. However, there are some medications that can harm the fetus in utero. Be up front about everything you’re taking. This includes over the counter meds or supplements. Ask whether you can continue your current treatment regimen and find out what alternatives are available. If you are on medication for depression or anxiety, you’ll want to pay attention to the way the doctor responds to this question. Doctors who aren’t sympathetic to these valid mental health issues at the prenatal stage might not be proactive about postpartum depression either. If you already know you’re prone to this issue, that should be a red flag. Expectant mothers who need to stop taking medication for depression or anxiety should be referred to a therapist rather than simply left without any care at all during pregnancy. 2. Can you recommend any local prenatal classes? Find out from an expert rather than just going to Google. You can follow up on your doctor’s suggestions independently to see which one works best for you. 3. What emergency symptoms should I be aware of and when should I call you or seek emergency care? Your body is going to change a lot over the next several months. You’ll feel physical sensations you’ve probably never experience before. This can even be true if this isn’t your first pregnancy! That’s why it’s so important to know what’s a sign of something serious and what’s merely uncomfortable or weird. Fever, spotting and severe cramps can be warning signs. But don’t just ask about specific symptoms—let your doctor run down a list of what you need to be aware of. Follow that up by making sure you know exactly when the sensations you’re feeling are emergency level and when they’re not so serious that you can’t wait a few hours for an appointment. 4. How often do you recommend a Cesarean? Episiotomy? Labor induction? Find out where your OBGYN stands on issues such as episiotomy and other topics to get a sense for whether you’ll work well together. This question isn’t limited to the topics listed above. If there are any issues that are really important to you in childbirth, whether it’s going the natural route (or not), avoiding the use of forceps, using pain medication after delivery or delivering at home, you should ask about it and see whether the response you get is in line with your priorities. Remember, this is as much an interview as it is a doctor’s appointment. 5. Should I change my daily routine? Ask about specific cosmetic habits like painting your nails or getting spray tans. Include health-related routines like exercise and sex, diet, sleep and anything else that may need to change now that you’ve got a bun in the oven. If you do physical labor at work or anything else that might impact how your pregnancy progresses, be sure to ask about it.

The word “doula” comes from the Greek word referring to a woman’s servant. Modern doulas aren’t exactly servants. However they are dedicated to serving a mother’s needs before, during and after childbirth. Mothers who work with a doula during and after their pregnancies often feel more relaxed, empowered and satisfied with their experience. This is particularly true during the delivery. Learn more about what a doula can do for you, so you can decide whether this might be a good option to pursue for your pregnancy. What Is A Doula? Doulas are professionals who assist with pregnancy, childbirth and infant care. They don’t replace doctors or nurses. However, they are typically a good source of information for pregnant mothers and new parents. The doula is not involved with the activities of the midwife or medical team. during labor and delivery. Some doulas may have medical training, but they must have separate credentials to get involved with any advanced healthcare assistance. Doulas do not require formal education or licensure in most cases.. Some states require doula registration, but that’s not the same as a credential. There are multiple independent certification organizations.However, this is a voluntary process that can be completed with varying degrees of rigor and formal requirements. Be sure to research different candidates if you’re concerned about finding a qualified professional. Look carefully at each potential doula’s background and training. Doulas provide a paid service, and because the profession lacks a formal standardized training and licensure process, insurance companies may not cover their services. Mothers who are particularly anxious about pregnancy or labor often benefit from having a doula by their side. The doulas are a dedicated resource for emotional support and information. What Does A Doula Do? Doulas are often referred to as birthing companions. They are a one-person coaching and cheerleading team. They support the pregnant mother and, usually to a lesser extent, her partner. Most doulas are labor doulas.They attend to the mother during labor and delivery. Labor doulas typically meet with the expectant mother several weeks or months prior to the due date. The doula will get to know her client in these pre-delivery meetings. She will answer questions, provide reassurance and assist with the development of a birth plan. Doulas are helpful assistants to mothers as they learn breathing and relaxation techniques. Doulas provide coaching for the mother’s partner as well. This is particularly helpful as he or she may have anxieties or hesitations as well. During the labor and delivery process, the doula may hold the mother’s hand. She will provide her with encouragement and reassurance. She will speak up for the mother’s needs. The Doula will act as a familiar face during a potentially stressful time. Doulas can also provide pain-relief services such as massage. Your doula can also make sure your medical wishes are respected, allowing you to focus on the big job at hand. Not all doulas are labor doulas. Specialist doulas focus on other aspects of pregnancy. Using a specialist doula allows you to find a professional who provides exactly the service you need. Antepartum doulas provide emotional and physical support to pregnant mothers experiencing high-risk pregnancies. Postpartum doulas provide information and support after delivery for nursing mothers. They can also perform some personal-life assistance as well. They help out around the house and perform other tasks.

You’ve seen it in the movies: the unsuspecting actress feels a sudden gush of water, she takes a dramatic taxi ride to the nearest hospital and as easy as 1, 2, 3 she gets to hold her newborn baby in her arms and lives happily ever after. But in reality a labor experience is a little less predictable than Hollywood makes it seem. https://youtu.be/2C39AwYU9MQ Although there isn’t ONE specific way to know that it’s really time, here are 5 signs to tell you’re in labor. 1 – Drop, Baby, Drop! One of the most common signs that you’ll be going into labor soon is the lightening or “dropping” of the baby into the pelvis. During lightening you’ll notice that your belly now sits lower on your abdomen and appears heavier and rounder than before. You’ll begin to feel more pressure surrounding your pelvis which of course increases frequency in urination. The good news is that once your baby has dropped and settled in position you’ll experience less shortness of breath, which is a great relief! 2 – Hello Braxton Hicks Another sign that your body is preparing for labor are Braxton Hicks Contractions. These infrequent contractions can be experienced throughout your entire pregnancy, however, they tend to become stronger as you get close to your due date. Unlike labor contractions they do not progress in frequency and only last a few seconds. These may increase their frequency at night but usually fade when you change positions unlike labor contractions which will not dissipate as easily. 3 – Bye-Bye Mucus Plug An exciting sign that labor is near is the loss of your Mucus plug. The Mucus plug is an accumulation of thickened Mucus that seals the Cervix tightly during pregnancy. This seal protects your fetus and prevents any outside elements from entering the womb. The “plug” can look clear, bloody or pinkish and is also referred to as “Bloody Show”. You can expect to evacuate your Mucus plug 1 – 2 weeks prior to labor. Although it can happen all at once it’s common for it to come out gradually. 4 – Water Everywhere! For nine months your baby grows inside your womb and is safely cradled in a perfect pod called the Amniotic Sac. This well-cushioned pod is filled with a fluid called Amniotic Fluid. Your baby floats in the fluid and also gets nutrients, hormones and antibodies that help her development. A huge sign that your body is beginning to experience labor is when your “Water breaks”. When your amniotic sac naturally ruptures the amniotic fluid is expelled from your body in either a big gush or a steady trickle. No need to panic, this doesn’t mean that your baby will suddenly pop out, in fact, some women will labor for hours or even days after their water breaks. If your water has broken, contact your doctor or midwife right away so they can monitor your progress and help guide you through the next steps. 5 – OMG, Contractions! The most certain sign that you are in Active Labor are True Contractions. True contractions compared to the Braxton Hicks, are strong, frequent and at times painful cramps that overpower your abdomen and lower back. These contractions intensify in both frequency, length and pain levels as your body prepares to give birth. True Contractions are often described as severe menstrual cramps. Anytime you feel contractions, take note of the time and length. This will help you tell whether you are experiencing True Contractions (which will continue until your baby is born) or if they are only irregular Braxton Hicks Contractions.In reality every woman’s labor experience is different. Some of us go through every possible labor symptom in the books while others will only experience one. This is perfectly normal. A few simple rules to follow are: Track everything you feel Keep your Doctor or midwife informed Trust your body and have your birth plan ready to welcome your much anticipated baby into your arms.