Author Archives: midwife - Page 9
Episiotomy and How to Avoid It
Once thought to be a beneficial procedure that would make birth easier for the baby and protect the mother from trauma to the birth canal, episiotomy has been found in…
How long is ‘normal’ labor?
Summary of a presentation by Leah Albers, CNM, DrPH ath the 46th ACNM Annual Meeting. (more…)
Who’s at Risk of a Bad Outcome with Trial of Labor after Cesarean?
How should childbearing women with a history of cesarean be counseled about the optimal mode of delivery with their current pregnancy? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has moved…
About Midwives
Congratulations! If you have found your way to this page, you have already started to think about a midwife as a possible attendant at the birth of your baby. Now…
What can I do about hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
Hemorrhoids, which are the abnormal dilation of veins in the anal canal, frequently occur or flare up during pregnancy. Pressure on the backside from the uterus is certainly implicated in this painful…
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
TENS or transcutaueous electrical nerve stimulation is a method of labor relief common in the but little known in the It can act as a "gatekeeper" to block pain…
The Preeclampsia Puzzle – Making Sense of a Mysterious Pregnancy Disorder
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-induced condition that affects about 5% of pregnant women. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recently (November 2013) revised its definition of preeclampsia. (more…)
Birthing Balls
The "birthing ball" is a wonderful comfort tool for pregnancy and labor. It has become standard equipment in many hospitals and birthing centers, and is carried by doulas when they attend births.…
Doulas
As many midwives have found, a doula can be an invaluable resource to a laboring woman and to a new mother. (more…)
Morning Sickness is Making Me Miserable!
Ginger-root Morning sickness is no fun, and it can make the first few months of pregnancy pretty wretched. The good news is, that for most women who experience some nausea…