Are you curious about how visualization can help you have a calmer birth? Visualization, or guided imagery, is a method where pregnant people imagine positive scenarios to prepare for labor and birth. By thinking about peaceful birth experiences, practicing steady breathing, and relaxing your body, you can lower your stress and anxiety. This article explains...
If you’re pregnant and feeling worried, nervous, or even scared about what’s coming, you’re not alone. Many people have fears or worries about giving birth. It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious about labor and delivery. The good news is, by learning what these fears are and how to manage them, you can shift from feeling...
Delayed cord clamping (DCC) means waiting a short while after birth to clamp and cut the baby’s umbilical cord, instead of doing it right away. This short pause can offer many benefits for newborns, including higher blood volume, better iron levels, and improved early development. For many years, doctors clamped cords quickly, mostly out of...
The “golden hour” right after birth refers to the first hour (sometimes up to two hours) that follows a baby’s arrival. This time is very important because it helps both the baby and the parent adjust physically and emotionally. Uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact during this hour helps the newborn leave the safety of the womb and...
A birth plan is basically a written list of what you hope for and prefer during labor, delivery, and the early days with your newborn. For first-time moms, it’s a great way to sort out your thoughts and tell your medical team how you want things to go. Your birth plan can include things like...
Perineal massage before giving birth means gently stretching the skin and muscles between the vagina and anus with your hands. Many people choose to do this to help their bodies get ready for a vaginal birth. But what exactly does it involve, and how can it help? The idea is to help the perineum-the area...
As your due date gets closer, the eagerness to meet your baby often brings a mix of excitement and impatience. While no one can say exactly when labor will start, your body usually starts giving you some hints that it’s getting close. These signals can show up anytime in the last few days-or even hours-before...
Getting ready for a new baby is both exciting and a bit overwhelming. As your due date gets closer, one of the most important things to do is to pack your hospital bag. Instead of hurrying at the last minute, take time to gather the items that will help make labor, birth, and recovery easier...
Birthing ball exercises are a great option for parents-to-be, providing a simple way to deal with pain, build muscle, and help labor move along. Birthing balls aren’t just regular gym balls-they’re specially made to support a pregnant body during all parts of pregnancy, from handling everyday aches to labor and even recovery afterward. They offer...
Getting ready for childbirth is an exciting and sometimes nervous time. Your body is naturally prepared to give birth, but there are lots of things you can do to make the process smoother and help you feel more ready. By learning about what happens during labor and looking after your feelings and mental health, you...
