9 months pregnant in front of our new house with Daddy - The day before labor started!
Joyous Birthing Chilbirth Services - Birth & postpartum doula services for the Indianapolis, IN area. Kristin also teaches Birthworks Childbirth classes.
Childbirth Assistant (Doula) Services - Beautiful Beginnings - Informative site for both Parents and Doulas, including a nice FAQ page.
Doula Information from Childbirth.org - What is a Doula? Statistics about using a Doula.
Do I Need a Doula? - Answers to questions such as: What is a doula? Where can I find a doula? What does a doula cost?
Doula Information - Includes some good links.
MOMS Indy - Midwest Organization of Maternal Services is a professional labor support organization. Their mission is to respect, support and protect every woman in her birth experience. I hope to attend a MOMS class towards Doula certification soon.
Karen's Place - Great information about doulas and how to become a doula. Also some great writings about motherhood.
Birth Planning - Links to helpful sites as well as many samples.
Eyes-Open Childbirth - Writing a Meaningful Plan for a Gentle Birth. Some great information to consider when writing your birthplan.
This was our birthplan - We had very good luck with having the hospital staff follow it and got a lot of compliments on it.
My Friend Kathy's Birthplan - Another really good example of a birthplan for an unmedicated birth.
Birthworks - information about Birthworks childbirth classes. The basic belief is that there is no one "right" way to give birth.
The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth - information about natural childbirth the Bradley way.
Birthing From Within - "An extra-ordinary guide to childbirth preparation." Be sure to check out the great list of resources and articles.
OB or Midwife - Which is right for you? - It's important to seek out good prenatal care as soon as you know you're pregnant. Study after study shows that early and adequate care is essential for your health and that of your baby. But who will deliver this care? Choosing someone as your primary caregiver is tough enough. But you also have to decide whether you want an OB or a MW. Many midwives are also certified nurses.
Nurse-Midwives of Indianapolis - This Birth Center is where I am hoping to have our second child.
Natural Woman Maternity Services - The #1 person in control of your pregnancy and birth should be YOU; not the doctor or midwife, they are only there to advise and serve you. There are many options available to you regarding how, where, and with whom you can give birth. If your choice is to seek the empowerment, challenge, and beauty of NATURAL pregnancy and NATURAL birth, then this is the place for you.
OB vs. Midwife - What is the difference between an obstetrician and a midwife? Should I choose one over the other?
Why Follow the Brewer Diet? - The following information is from �The Brewer Pregnancy Diet� a pamphlet by Joy M. Jones, RN. This is from the info my MW passes out to all her clients.
Pregnancy Nutrition FAQ - Information on the Bradley Method Pregnancy Nutrition Guidelines, Daily Plan for getting what you and your baby need and a Section on Iron and Raising Hematocrit.
Protein Counter - A protein counter, helpful to see if you are getting enough protein each day.
Prenatal Testing - Links and information about AFP, Amniocentesis, Ultrasound, Beta-hCG, Group B Strep, etc.
What is AFP Screening? - The AFP test is a screening test only, and all higher- or lower-than-expected levels should be checked out with ultrasound and/or amniocentesis.
AFP Screening - Information from "The Pregnancy Book" by Dr. Sears.
What is Amniocentesis? - How is the procedure performed and how painful is it? What specific dangers are there to the fetus and how does it indicate lung development?
Should Ultrasound be used routinely? - Should ultrasound be performed routinely if there is no concern for the baby's health?
Medical Indications For Ultrasound & Potential Risks - Information taken from "The Pregnancy Book" by Dr. Sears.
HomeArts: Dad's Corner - More teriffic info for your Darling Hubby.
The Power of Pleasurable Childbirth - This is a new site that looks really interesting.
Acupressure Techniques for Use During Labor - GREAT site. Natural pain relief techniques for childbirth using acupressure promoting a natural labor and partner involvement.
Natural Childbirth Resources - A great place to search for information, journal articles, etc.
Motherchoice - A really great site with info about natural childbirth, breastfeeding and a very touching birthstory.
Pain Relief in Labor - info from Childbirth.org.
The Pain of Labour - A Feminist Issue - A great article about the purpose and benefits of labor pain.
Natural Childbirth for WIMPS (Women Interested in Minimum Pain) - Some thoughts about childbirth pain that may help with the decision whether or not ot accept pain medications.
Motherstuff's Birth Page - Some great info on Birthplans, Labor Pain, Labor Assistants and Birth Alternatives.
Is Natural Childbirth Dead? - Have you listened to many women talk about how horrible and difficult their births were? This might give you the impression that no one is having natural childbirth anymore. And if they are, they have a screw loose. Actually, natural childbirth is becoming more and more popular as people realize the benefits to the woman, the family and the baby, and as they realize that there are risks to medication used frequently in birth.
Natural Childbirth - A great list of links about natural birth, including informative links about many different methods of pain relief.
Out of the Womb, Into the Fire - The Myth of the Safety of Hospital Childbirth - A very interesting article.
Episiotmoy - Includes great info about episiotomies, forceps and c-sections. Some great statistics. A must read article for every expecting mom.
Wall Street Journal Article on Episiotomy - Good article published in March of 2000.
Pitocin FAQ - Information about the use of the drug Pitocin in labor.
Labor Interventions - Risks & Benefits - Conditions influincing the amount of intervention, IV fluids, Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM).
How to Kegel - A very simplified description of Kegel exercises.
The Art of a Kegel - Good description of basic Kegels and the elevator exercise.
Kegel Exercises - Good site. A little more focused towards the sexual benefits but still helpful.
Epidural Epidemic - Drugs in Labor: Are They Really Necessary...or Even Safe? - The use of epidurals is so common today that many perinatal professionals are calling the 1990s the age of the epidural epidemic.
All About Epidurals - Lots of good statistics in this article.
Epidural Fact Sheet Design - Info for physicians about what facts patients should be given before getting an epidural.
Epidural Treatment Study - This study containts some useful info.
Is an Epidural Bad for a Newborn? - Controversial Parenting Magazine article.
Epidurals and Other Drugs - Great information on the risks of pain medications in labor.
Epidurals Cause Problems for Mother-Infant Bonding - Research about the possible adverse effects of epidurals on mother infant bonding.
Effects of Maternal Epidural Anesthesia on Neonatal Behavior During the First Month. - The effects of maternal epidural anesthesia with bupivacaine on the infant's performance on the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) over the first month of life.
Epidurals May Affect Newborns - Article from the AAP.
Aqua-baby Waterbirth - Every low risk pregnancy woman can have a waterbirth.
OBGYN.net - Lots of info on pregnancy, childbirth and women's health issues.
Parents Place - Lots of good info on pregnancy, birth and parenting. Build a good support system by joining one of their bulletin boards.
ePregnancy Features About Birth - Good information about a variety of birth related topics. Includes info on Choosing Childbirth Education, Birth - Positive self-image, To Stay or Not to Stay (in the hospital), Labor and Birth in the Water, The Truth About Labor Pain, What Do Contractions Feel Like?, Why Have Natural Childbirth?, Tips for Getting the Best Out of Your Birth Experience, Doulas, Midwifery Care and much more!
Baby Center - Includes a great "cost calculator" for the baby's first year. Lets you set up your own start page focused towards your stage in TTC or pregnancy.
Parent Soup - A great baby name finder, info for people who are TTC, pregnant or already parents.
Baby Namer - A great source for baby names. Also lets you look for names similar to ones you are considering.
HomeArts: The Whole Nine Months
Stork Net - Great info and a nice list of links.
Pregnancy & Childbirth Links * Pregnancy & Childbirth Advice
Breastfeeding Links * Breastfeeding Advice
Keithen's birth story * Bookstore