Having a child is usually an occasion for great joy and celebration. After all, who can resist the sight of a newborn? Who doesn't want to hold that little one in their own arms? But, there can be another side to this occasion that is not such a happy one for the mother. Sometimes after birth, the mother may develop a form of depression known as postnatal depression or postpartum depression. … [Read more...]
Most expectant families are faced with decisions like: What will we name the child? Should we circumcise? Are cloth diapers a good idea? Should we use an epidural? In recent years however, another major issue must be decided upon prior to the birth of the child. That is: to preserve the baby's cord blood or not. Ever since a child was successfully treated with cord blood stem cells to cure his Fanconi anemia in 1988, the popularity of cord … [Read more...]
Sometimes, I think we must be crazy for having children, especially considering the cost. And I'm just referring to the monetary expense. The cost of a normal vaginal delivery alone is enough to nearly bankrupt a family. That is, if they don't have their health care insurance needs met. With marked regional variation, estimates of the cost of having a baby in the U.S. range from $6,000 to $8,000 for a normal vaginal delivery and $10,000 to $12,000 for a cesarean birth (on up to as much as … [Read more...]
Do you really need to take a childbirth education class?We skipped the class before our first child was born, and I did regret it later!However, we discovered a great class on DVD before our second child was born.Now I recommend Laugh and Learn About Childbirth to all my friends. Here's why... … [Read more...]
What should you wear at the hospital during and after birth?Handy checklists will tell you lots of things to pack in your hospital bag, but I'm going to tell you the truth:You don't need to pack as many clothes or underthings as you think!Here is real-world advice about clothes and underwear for the hospital birth... … [Read more...]
The first time I had a baby, we could hardly carry all our gear into the birthing room!2 babies later, I'm finally wising up.The Internet will tell you all kinds of things you should pack for your hospital bag.I'm going to help you simplify your stay. Here's a short list of things NOT to pack for the hospital birth... … [Read more...]
How soon is too soon to start packing your hospital bag?If you're already in your 3rd trimester... you should have your bag packed already!Here's why it's important to tuck your hospital bag in the car for each doctor's appointment, along with some handy packing lists if you're just getting started. … [Read more...]
Are you looking for information on Placenta Previa?So am I.After some cramping-like contractions, my ultrasound showed that I have placenta previa, a serious complication of pregnancy. I didn't even know what questions to ask my doctor...until I found these placenta previa resources online. … [Read more...]
For me, the scariest part of pregnancy is the epidural. Not getting the epidural... but worrying about what the epidural will feel like and if I can stay still while it is inserted! After 2 epidurals with my previous births, I'm going to describe what it feels like to have an epidural during labor... … [Read more...]
Here's what it's REALLY like to give birth at the hospital. ...at least according to Rob Cockerham -- first time dad to a little girl named June. You see, Rob tends to notice things that others don't. And no one can describe trivial details with humor better than this guy! Here is Rob's take on the birth of his first child, including play-by-play details of all the days that his wife Stacy spent in the hospital -- pre labor, during labor, and post-labor. (Fortunately, Stacy is a good sport!) … [Read more...]
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