Labor and Delivery

How to Cope with Postpartum Pain

Postpartum pain was the worst part of my labor and delivery experience. (I had a vaginal birth in a hospital. It was a 24 hour labor, and I had a small second degree vaginal tear while delivering).

One thing no one tells you about giving birth – the pain after having a baby is terrible.

For me, in the first two weeks after giving birth, I was in A LOT of pain. I felt so much pressure down there. My uterus would cramp (it felt like severe period cramps) every time I breastfeed (it was very painful). It hurt to walk around too much. My body felt heavy. Peeing was hard. I had to sleep on my side because lying on my butt hurt. New mom life was hard. I looked terrible. I felt awful.

At one point, I asked my husband, “When is this pain going to end?”

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Where To Give Birth – Your Childbirth Location Options

by Guest Writer 3 Comments

Deciding where to have your baby is one of the most important decisions you’ll be faced with. Your experience of labor directly affects how you feel in the first few weeks with your new baby. Fortunately, when it comes to choosing where to give birth, you have several options.

Pregnant and in Prison: Shackling Pregnant Inmates During Labor and Delivery

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One of the biggest hurdles pregnant women in jail have had to face is securing the right to have a dignified labor and childbirth process. Most have to endure grueling pain while exposed in a room with a law enforcement escort and with their legs shackled together – even as the newborn was exiting the birth canal.

Currently, 13 states outlaw the practice of shackling pregnant state prisoners. Federal law already prohibits prisons from doing this to women inmates. Thirteen other states have introduced bills to ban the practice, as well. Those states include California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia.

What are Braxton Hicks Contractions?

by Guest Writer 2 Comments

Every pregnant woman will experience contractions at some point in her pregnancy. Some might have contractions earlier on; others may not feel these uterine contractions until closer to labor. If you’re freaked out about preterm labor, you might be worried that your contractions mean that your baby is coming early. For this reason, it’s a good idea for you to learn the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions vs. true labor contractions.

What are Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions, also called false labor pains, are intermittent uterine contractions that are getting your body ready for delivery. Most medical experts argue that Braxton Hicks are your body’s way of toning the uterus up and preparing it for labor and delivery. They argue that without these practice contractions, your body won’t be in the right shape to give birth.

Labor and Delivery: Helpful Advice and Tips for an Easier Childbirth

by DP Nguyen 4 Comments

So it’s getting close to the big day – how exciting for you! Labor and delivery can be a scary and nerve-wracking experience, or it can be a wonderful occasion. It’s just in how you look at it.

You may have heard labor stories of first labors, but try not to worry or be stressed out. (Fear and anxiety actually prolong labor.) Focus on the little bundle of joy that you’ll be holding in your arms at the end of it all.

Here are a few tips to help you have an easier, more positive childbirth experience. [Read more…] about Labor and Delivery: Helpful Advice and Tips for an Easier Childbirth