Archives for Childbirth - Page 3
Important Article on the Safety and Risks of Nitrous Oxide Analgesia in Labor
Judith Rooks, CNM, MPH, a noted midwifery author and researcher, has spent countless hours campaigning to re-integrate nitrous oxide into the array of choices for pain relief in labor for…
Home Birth Study Findings Raise Controversy
From Medscape Medical News; Home Birth Study Findings Raise Controversy, by Emma Hitt, PhD July 16, 2010 — A meta-analysis of studies comparing planned home births vs hospital births reported…
What is stripping membranes and why is it done?
Stripping or sweeping the membranes is the separation of 2-3 cm of the membranes (bag around the baby) from the underlying cervix or lower part of the uterus. (more…)
Waterbirth
The relaxation and pain-relieving benefits of water are well-known; many women who have had babies in and out of water will attest to this. (more…)
Cesarean births increase risk for strokes
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Pregnant women who have a cesarean delivery appear to be more likely to suffer a stroke during the following year than women who give birth…
Epidural Anesthesia in Labor
Most women experience significant pain during labor and birth, and most American women want and expect to receive some form of pharmacologic pain relief. Epidurals are the most effective method,…
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…
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…