Associated Content's Top Ten Childbirth Articles of 2006

Since I have already created a compilation of resources on Associated Content in the article "Top Ten Pregnancy Articles on Associated Content" I decided to create this one on Childbirth resources. The first deals specifically with issues during pregnancy while this one highlights the articles and resources specifically related to childbirth; the labor and delivery process.

1.Preparing for the Birth of Your Baby
This article is a great check list of things to make sure you have ready as the final months of your pregnancy are upon you. It discusses preparing a birth and labor plan, packing for the hospital, things to make sure you have done around the house and more.

2. Childbirth Pain: What it is and How to Cope
This article talks about some of the causes of pain during childbirth and labor. It also covers ways to cope with the pain. I like that the author talks about what creates the sensations during the labor process becuase I have found teaching my classes, that by educated ourselves about what is happening, it lessons the fear and the pain. When we know what is going on we are better able to handle it.

3. Pain Relief During Childbirth
A great synopsis of non-medication methods of coping with childbirth. Important information for every mother to have even if she is anticipating using medication for pain relief becuase there may be medical reason she cannot or the medication may not be completely effective for her. It will be important to know how to handle any labor pains she may have and this is a great place to begin.

4. Where to Find Information Online About Natural Childbirth
While the article specifically mentions about finding websites for natural childbirth information; the websites mentioned are beneficial for all expecting parents, whether they are planning a natural birth experience or not. All parents need to educate themselves and the websites mentioned are a great place for any expectant couple to start.

5. The Stages of Labor - No Coach Needed
A great overview of each stage of labor that not only tells what to expect physically, but also whatyou can expect emotionally as well. While this article specifically mentions a single mothers experience, the information provided on each of the three stages of labor, plus information about pre-labor is beneficially to ANY mother.

6. Epidurals: My Personal Experience
A personal story, but this author then investigates the facts and research available. She used her personal childbirth experiences to send her on a quest for information. We are fortunate that she shared this information with us becuase it is a great article, and a must read for every expecting mother.

7. The Effects of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy On Labor
There are documented effects chiropractic care can have on the labor process. This article details those facts and is informative on a subject that not many medical doctors will tell pregnant women about. Discusses breech birth, stalled labors and long labors and how chiropractic has been shown to aid in these situations.

8. The Pros and Cons of Elective Cesearean
Another great article that shares not only a personal story, butalso that facts on the topic. Like in my article about How to Avoid a Cesarean, this author talks about some of the commonly held myths about C-sections but from a first-hand point of view.

9. Natural Ways To Induce Labor
I appreciate that the author of this article specifically mentions waiting AT LEAST until week 40 to begin trying any of these suggestions becuase the latest research is actually showing that it is the baby that triggers the labor process and you certainly want to wait until the baby is ready. However, there are some circumstances in which a doctor or midwife may be giving you a deadline to deliver by in which case these suggestions would come in handy. The suggestions listed here are certainly much safer than going in for a medical induction which have almost 40% failure rate, and greatly increase the risk of Cesarean.

10. Birth and Delivery Options
Another article with both great, sound information and a personal experience as well. The author explains how for her first child she didn't understand the childbirth options that were available, and how her physician didn't necessarily explain them to her. A great reminder that all patients need to take responsibility for their health care decisions and try to stay as informed as possible. This article gives a good overview of a few (out of many) options available to parents when it comes to pregnancy, labor and delivery.

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