A birth plan is a written document that helps a woman expresses her desires for labor and delivery. It does not guarantee that nothing unexpected will happen, but creates a plan for all involved to make this the experience that the mother feels will be the best for herself and the baby. You will share what you write with the birth team that helps in labor and delivery. When you write your birth plan let it reflect some of your personality, what your hopes and plans are, how you feel about the birth. Your birth plan strategy is not just a laundry list of what you want but is a way for everyone to work together.

Before you start writing your birth plan you will have probably read a lot about childbirth and the experiences others have had in delivery. You should put the things that are most important to you about the birth at the top of the list, or underline them or use a highlighter. Once you have a satisfactory list, type it or write it neatly. An example of things to include would be a wish to avoid drugs, and an epistemology or you may say that you wish to be able to walk during labor. Sometimes we do not get all we want, but if, for example your number one priority is to not be separated from your baby after birth, and that happens, you have had a successful birth.

Whether you are a first time parent, or this is a second or third pregnancy, you probably have some idea about what you want from the delivery experience. The birth plan strategy is the place that you can write that you want a natural birth, with minimal or no drugs. You may also specify that you do want medication, and which ones are acceptable. When you make these decisions before labor begins, you do so with a clear mind. The written birth plan speaks for you when you are too busy to speak during contractions.  Always be aware that a delivery can go in unexpected directions, and make it clear that you understand this. The birth team is not your opponent, you will want to be certain that they understand that you know that they will do their best for you, but sometimes things are different than what you planned.A good time to write your birth plan written is around the second trimester of your pregnancy, so that you are ready just in case you have early labor. There are a lot of questions to consider. The written birth plan strategy allows you to state that you want your partner by your side, or not. It speaks for you when you cannot speak yourself. It reduces the possibility of forgetting something that is very important to you. When you focus on the issues that are important to you, even if your labor goes a totally different route than you planned, you can still feel good about the labor and delivery if attention is given to the things that you feel are important.

The concept of a written birth plan has come out of the natural childbirth movement, but it is in no way limited to mothers seeking natural childbirth. It is a place to specify who is included in the labor room, what procedures are okay. If it is not a first pregnancy, and you were not satisfied with your first child birth experience, write a birth plan for this pregnancy. Are you planning to have a C Section? A birth plan is still useful. You can specify that your partner or coach may be with you during the delivery. If you would like you may request that your new baby be placed immediately on your chest, or stay in the room. The birth plan allows you to clarify for yourself what you are expecting from your birth experience.

Your birth plan is not a legal document, and if things go wrong and there are unexpected issues, it may be that it will not be followed. By writing a birth plan you know what is important to you and your unborn child.

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by Christine Kenney

When expecting a new baby, one of the most discussed issues is whether to go with medication or to have a natural delivery.  For years, the epidural gained popularity as births became a pleasant experience.  Recently however, the trend has leaned  more towards natural childbirth.  Why is this happening, and what are the benefits to going natural?

Women who decide to attempt a natural childbirth experience have usually done some research.  While medication can make it easier initially, here are a few reasons to think about going without.

FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT

Women who have not been administered medication are able to move from side to side, go the bathroom, and walk during labor.  This can help relax the body.  Studies have shown that women who get medication during delivery will often have a harder time changing positions after the baby has been delivered.

Mothers who go natural will also be able to assist more when it comes time to push.  Your body will work better when the urge is felt.  Mothers with an epidural often have longer pushing times, since your feeling is desensitized.

Most women who have a successful natural childbirth are able to walk around almost immediately.  Recovery overall is quicker for natural deliveries.

INSTINCT

When delivering naturally, a woman will be able to choose certain birthing positions.  There are birthing balls available to help alleviate the pain.  Your body will also guide you to help your baby deliver easily.  A woman in labor that is having back pain will naturally try to avoid lying on her back.  This is also one sign that a baby is in the posterior position, and staying off of your back helps the baby turn without medical intervention (such as a C-section).

Your body will guide your birth if you let it, and many of the complaints during a medicated delivery could possibly be overcome through natural childbirth practices.

ENDORPHINS

Your body will release endorphins during childbirth.  These chemicals have been secreted into the placenta and the umbilical cord during delivery, and are believed to make your baby's delivery more comfortable as well.

LOWERED RISK OF MEDICAL INTERVENTION

Women who have an epidural administered can be a relief when the mother has had a very difficult labor, or just has no energy left.  When taken, however, mothers should be aware there is an increased need for assisted delivery through vacuum extractors or forceps.  This presents an added risk for your baby.

Women are empowered with the ability to give birth naturally.  While there are absolutely many cases where medical intervention is necessary, often omitting the natural method of delivery makes it more difficult to deliver.  During standard medical deliveries, a woman will have restricted movements because she is attached to monitors, no food or fluids in case of surgery, and few options for non-medical pain relief.

If you choose to attempt natural childbirth, speak with your doctor well ahead of time and make sure that he or she agrees with your feelings.  Having the support of your physician is imperative.  Make a birthing plan an visit the hospital to let the staff know you want a nurse that is willing to accommodate a natural birth.  Some medical staff are more willing than others to work with natural birth techniques.

You may also want to consider a birthing center.  This is a special place where it will feel much more like home for delivery.  Staffed with midwifes, they are prepared to handle emergencies while giving you a relaxing experience.  If you want a water birth, most birthing centers offer this option.

Explore pain relief techniques before the big day.  Take a class such as La Maz, or find a doula that can offer you individualized relief and massage.

When experiencing labor, it is different for every woman.  Those who have not let labor progress on its own may not believe a woman who says "I didn't even know I was in labor."  Sometimes it progresses easily other times it is very uncomfortable, but most of the time contractions are tolerable for a woman until the end.

By the time you get to "transitional labor", it's often too late to change your mind.  This is the few minutes when you panic, and want to change your mind about having a baby.  The classic period when you scream out all your panic, but it simply signals the time to push.

Once you have reached transitional labor, you are almost through.  Hang in tight, and you will have a baby before you know it.  Some women even elect to help catch their own babies as they come out.

There is pain during labor, but most women who experience natural childbirth feel incredibly empowered.  The pain is forgotten almost immediately.  Subsequent deliveries are usually done naturally as well, even knowing the discomfort.

I have had four deliveries, and chose to go natural after a bad experience with an epidural my first delivery.  It is an amazing and wonderful experience to be able to participate in bringing your baby in the world instead of being told when to do everything.  However, each women is different, make sure you discuss any decision with a medical profession.

Every woman has a birthing story to tell.  Every birth has a different story, even with the same mother.  Keep your mind open to the experience, and don't feel cheated if you don't have the ideal experience you envisioned.  Birthing a baby is an adventure.  The tiny bundle of joy you hold in your arms is simply the beginning of your birth experience, whether you had a natural birth, went with an epidural, or had a C-section.

No part of this article may be copied or reproduced in any form without the express permission of More4Kids Inc © 2010 and All Rights Reserved

Whether you are expecting your first baby or are an experienced mom, writing a birth plan helps you have the experience you want during delivery.  Even though unexpected things may come up during labor, having a plan can help you feel in control when you walk through the hospital doors.  Working together with your wishes, those of your partner and your doctor will help things go as desired.

What is a birth plan?   It's simply a written plan that gives details on how you would like your labor to happen.  It will include all the details, so that when you are in labor – and possibly not communicating so well, your nurses and doctor will have a clear outline of your expectations.

The first element of your birth plan will include what type of delivery you want to have.  Some women want to schedule it in advance, know they want the epidural, and don't mind helping nature take its course.  Other women want to go completely natural, with no pain medication.  Others are willing to try natural with an epidural as an option.  Reading up and talking with your  provider and other moms on the risks and recovery will help you make the decision that is right for you.

If you have decided to go with a natural birth, make sure that your provider will be supportive.  From early on you will want to develop a relationship with your pre-natal provider.  Some doctors are opposed to letting things go all natural, while others are much more accommodating.  There is also the option of delivering at a birthing center, particularly if you want to attempt a water birth or less "traditional" birthing experience.

High risk pregnancies make these options less possible.  Often a C-section and scheduled delivery is necessary due to your individual case for the baby's safety and your own.  Discuss what is going to happen well ahead of time with your physician so that you are prepared for the day and have help for the recovery.

There are other things you will want to have ready ahead of time in your birthing plan.  Once your labor starts, often the most important things get forgotten.  Writing a birthing plan and keeping it with your bags as well as in your hospital file will make the big day much easier.

Things you might want to consider adding in your birthing plan:

Who will need to be at the hospital or birthing center.  Make a list with your essential attendees, including any friends or relatives, a doula if you are using one, and whether you want your other child(ren) there.  Make sure to have phone numbers where they can be contacted in case labor progresses too quickly for you to call.

What the environment should be like.  Do you prefer the lights dim, do you want certain music available.  How do you want the camera set up for pictures / video – how much exposure is ok?

What you need during labor.  Do you want your partner to stay the whole time?  Will it be ok if students are in your room during delivery?  How will you stay hydrated?  Do you want an IV or just a port?  Will you want the option to be able to walk around? Do you want the monitors on the entire time, or just periodically to check on the baby?

During labor, at what point to you want pain intervention?  What kind of intervention is ok?  Do you want to wait until you are dilated to a certain point, or do you want to be comfortable during your delivery?  Do you want alternative pain relief, such as massage, acupressure or breathing techniques? 

Once in labor, it is very difficult to verbalize what you want.  After you have hit "transition" labor, you may know that you start to get nearly panicky for those few moments before delivery.  If there are things that are going to be important to you once the doctor gets in the room, make sure your nurses know in case things go too fast for you to tell them. 

This may include things such as whether you want an episiotomy (a small incision that will prevent tearing) or if you would rather take the chance of not tearing.  Do you want to help catch the baby, and who will cut the umbilical cord? 

Once your little person is welcomed into the world, make sure the staff knows if you want the baby to stay with you, or to be brought in for feeding.  Some moms will need the rest, while others won't want baby out of their sight – either choice is ok, it just depends on you and how delivery went. 

Make sure that you have also informed the hospital if you are going to breastfeed.  This way the lactation consultant can be on hand to make sure you get off to a good start.  If you want your baby bottle fed, indicate what is ok for them to offer and if you want your baby fed on demand or on a schedule.

Find a birthing plan online where you can simply check off your preferences, or write your own.  Just make sure that it is easy to overview, without a lot of extra explanations.  Short and concise is the easiest things for your nurse and partner to deal with during labor and delivery.

Don't stress out about having your birthing plan perfect.  Labor and delivery is an adventure, and each story is different.  Be flexible, and don't feel bad if you have to modify plans on a moment's notice.  It isn't the delivery that is important – even though you want it to be the best experience you can.  The most important thing is bringing home a happy and healthy baby and mom.  Then the rest of the story begins…

No part of this article may be copied or reproduced in any form without the express permission of More4Kids Inc © 2009 All Rights Reserved

When you choose your obstetrician, you are also choosing the hospital at which you’ll give birth. Therefore, you have to start thinking about which hospital to deliver at before selecting your obstetrician, because your doctor will have admitting privileges at a certain hospital. You may have to switch doctors in order to deliver at the hospital you want.

You can start your research by asking your current gynecologist about good hospitals. A good hospital usually means one that is less than an hour away, and is easily accessible by car. It is especially beneficial if the hospital is easily accessible by the interstate system, since you will not want to experience traffic while you are in labor.

Once you’ve located several hospitals within a fairly short radius, it is now time to consider more descriptive questions. First of all, if you have a high-risk pregnancy (such as one at risk for premature birth, or if you have gestational diabetes), you should make sure that your hospital has a neonatal intensive care unit. These units have special incubators that care for premature babies and employ trained neonatologist doctors and nurses. Hospitals that use the latest neonatal-care technology are also a plus, in case you are worried about more severe complications. Either way, if your obstetrician has admitting privileges at a hospital that lacks a neonatal intensive care unit, you should start looking for hospitals that have these units—preferably state-of-the-art units.

Many women who deliver want to have a private suite for their family, rather than a room that holds several women. Many hospitals offer these suites, for higher prices of course. On average, most private suites cost about $15,000, though some insurance programs may foot a portion of that bill (therefore, you should contact your insurance agent if you are considering a private hospital room). Some private suites even offer amenities such as whirlpools and HDTV. Often, these suites also permit you to spend the entire duration of your labor and delivery in the same suite, which is known as a Labor Delivery Recovery Postpartum (LDRP) room. You may also be cared for by one or two nurses who have no other patients, and so you will receive more personalized care. It is important to reserve a private room as early as possible in order to raise your chances of having it at your date of delivery.

Hospitals that offer these private suites also offer premium services such as lactation (breast-feeding) consultants, 24-hour anesthesiologist care, and a private nursery for keeping your infant near you after the birth. Other hospitals permit siblings to watch the birth, and permit 24-hour visitors unless the mother or infant is in need of more medical attention. Another 24-hour service you may not have previously considered is 24-hour room service—most new mothers are extremely hungry after birth and crave food at irregular hours. Other hospitals offer massages that last from fifteen minutes to two hours. Some of these services may be available whether you stay in a private suite or not, so be sure to inquire about them as you do your research.

You should also consider aspects apart from your hospital room. For instance, some hospitals offer free parking for visitors. A number of hospitals even extend special services following the birth. For instance, many hospitals offer new-parent classes for parents to learn about infant care. These courses are also beneficial because new parents can interact with other parents and make friends. There are also special support groups such as new mothers groups, new fathers groups, and even new siblings groups.

After you have made a list of hospitals that interest you, it is a good idea to schedule visits with them. Many hospitals offer group or individual tours for their maternity centers. During your visit, scrutinize the facilities for cleanliness, because hygiene is essential when your baby is born and is vulnerable to infection. You should arrive at your tour with a list of questions, though it is likely that many of these questions will be addressed during your tour. In addition, you should ask for a brochure or pamphlet of the hospital’s policies and regulations for maternity patients, so you can brush up on them before your delivery date. During your visit, be careful not to be taken in by the luxury of the facilities—make sure first and foremost that the hospital has the resources to successfully treat your infant in case of emergencies.

by Jennifer Shakeel

So you are having a new baby. A wonderful addition to your happy family, or so you think. I have gone through this twice. First there was just our oldest daughter, and she loved being the only child. Then we were pregnant, a surprise to us all, and we had to prepare her for a new sibling. She was three at that time, four when her baby brother was born. That was eleven years ago. Recently we added another baby, one that was planned to our family. With 14 years between our youngest and oldest and 11 years between our second and youngest, we really thought that things would go smoothly.

I should say that we worked to make sure things went smoothly. Our son had some concerns over no longer being the baby in the family, but was looking forward to being a big brother. Our oldest was excited the entire pregnancy, she couldn’t wait for the baby and was really excited when we found out we were having a girl. They both expressed some concerns over whether or not we would love them the same, if they would have the same place in our hearts. I was surprised at their ages that they still worried. Part of the reason that we waited so long for our third child was because our son did not want to not be the baby.

Anyway, we did all the right things. We talked to them on a repeated basis about their feelings over the new baby, what their fears or concerns were. We understood that we could tell them anything we wanted, but they would have to see it to believe it. So really we had to wait until our daughter was born. We included them in as much as we could through the pregnancy, they went to the ultrasounds, they came to every false alarm at the hospital, and their dad went to get them immediately after school and brought them to the hospital when we had her. We let them hold her, talk to her, made sure that they knew they were just as important as the new baby.

What we weren’t prepared for was the issues between the siblings. Honestly, we had never thought about it. Our oldest didn’t have an issue with her dad and me, but with her brother. She had issues with the fact that her little brother, who before the birth of the baby, drove her up the wall and she just wanted him to leave her alone… now she was upset when he wanted to spend time with the baby and not her. She would play with him, but when she did she was mean to him, where she would hurt him. I finally had to sit her down and talk to her about what in the world was going on, and then it dawned on me. She was jealous over the fact that it wasn’t just her attention that her brother wanted anymore. Now there was a baby.

Our son was in a perplexing situation. He wanted to be the big brother, but at the same time wanted to still be the baby. So his solace was with his older sister, because it was with her that he could still be the little brother. Yes he was excited to be the big brother, but he didn’t really want to let go of being the baby or the little brother. After talking to them both, we decided that this was something they were going to have find their own way through but they both knew that they could come and talk to either myself or their dad. Fortunately, by the time our baby daughter was two weeks old our older two children had come to terms with their feelings. They both realized that what we had told them over the last nine months was true. We did love them just as much as we did before the baby and that we did not change the way we treated them or our relationships with them.

What does all this mean? It means that regardless of the age of your older children having a baby is difficult for them. I remember when we had our son, our oldest daughter didn’t like him at first. Actually I have a picture from the hospital that sums up her feelings at the time. She is clinging to me and looking down at her brother and the look on her face pretty much says, “This is my mommy and you need to go away.” She used to take his socks off when he was a baby just to wake him up. She was 3 and a half when her brother was born. Yes, I even at one point got the, “You love him more then you love me,” comment.

You will hear this, especially if your older child is younger. I want to tell you now, that it isn’t that you did anything wrong. Your response should be the same as mine, “I don’t love the baby more then I love you, the baby just needs me more right now.” You have to explain to them that there are some things they are able to do on their own, but the baby cannot do anything on their own and need help with everything.

I am not sure that there is a way to completely prepare your older children for a new sibling so that there are not any bumps in the road. My best advice is that you are open with them; listen to them when they express their feelings and concerns. DON’T tell them that they are silly for thinking that, and don’t blow it off. Talk to them. Explain what everyone’s knew role in the family. While our son was anxious over not being the baby in the family anymore he was excited to be a big brother.

Another suggestion, if you have pet names that you call your children make sure that you do not refer to the baby with those nicknames. For example, our oldest is daddy’s princess and my girlie girl, our son is our Little Man so there is no way in the world that our baby daughter can ever be called daddy’s princess, she is daddy’s angel and my girlie. Don’t think that your older children don’t pay attention to these names, they do.

Honestly, the best thing you can do is talk with your children. There are books that you can get and read to your younger children. You need to calm their fears, and get the excited about being a big brother or sister. Happily, through a lot of talking and involvement in the pregnancy and the life of baby once she was born has made it easier on our older children to deal with the new addition. Now at seven weeks it is hard for any of us to remember life without our baby daughter.

Biography
Jennifer Shakeel is a writer and former nurse with over 12 years medical experience.  As a mother of two incredible children with one on the way, I am here to share with you what I have learned about parenting and the joys and changes that take place during pregnancy. Together we can laugh and cry and rejoice in the fact that we are moms!

No part of this article may be copied or reproduced in any form without the express permission of More4Kids Inc © 2009 All Rights Reserved 

Just as this is an exciting and nerve wracking time for you, it is equally so for dad. Unfortunately, we tend to overlook dad’s role and dad’s feelings. We just assume he will figure it out and do what is expected of him when the contractions start, the baby comes and things need to be taken care of. Then, let’s be honest, we are exasperated when dad doesn’t do what we expect him to do. Ladies, just as you need to be prepared for having a baby, so does dad. So let’s help him out.

The first thing that expectant fathers need to know is where the hospital is. Don’t laugh or overlook this key piece of info. You also don’t want to assume that he knows where it is and where he is suppose to go. Where we used to live a lady in labor goes to the ER and is then sent to labor and delivery. Where we live now, and the hospital we will be going to, they have a separate labor unit, which you go directly in to. So dad needs to know how to get there from work, and he needs to know where he needs to go.

Dad also needs to know what is expected of him during labor and delivery. Will he be in the room? Are you putting him in control of keeping people in and out of the delivery room? I think most dads want to be in the delivery room, but not all dad’s are prepared to see their partners go through the actual labor and delivery. So be upfront about what you are expecting, and listen to what he wants, what his concerns are.

Do you have other kids? Who is going to take care of them? Let’s be realistic, dad can only be in one place at a time. You can not expect him to be at the hospital with you, be at work and be at home to tend to the children. So try to arrange help for dad. This could be asking a couple family members or friends if they would mind making dinner for your family while you are in the hospital. You might ask one of them if they can sit the kids so that dad can be at the hospital with you and baby.

Be nice, try to make sure the laundry is done and that there are meals dad can prepare to feed himself and the kids at home. Make sure that dad knows when the bus picks up and drops off the older children so that he is sure he is there or that they have access into the house. Make sure that there are breakfast items and lunch items so that lunches can be packed. Or maybe make sure that your children have money to buy lunch at school.

Make sure that you spend time alone with dad where you talk about the big day. Find out if he has any fears, worries or concerns about delivery day. While you are going to be parents you have to remember that you are a couple first. I can not stress this enough. All to often couples end up in trouble after baby comes because the relationship is being neglected. Dad has wants, needs, desires and concerns and you have expectations, wants, needs, desires and concerns and you better face it right now that you and dad are not always going to be on the same page on any of those things. Keep the lines of communication open and strong. Never forget that you are a couple and that needs nurturing just as much as baby does.

To help dad be prepared you also need to take care of the silly little things like making sure the hospital bag is ready to go. Make sure you have the “bringing home baby” bag ready. Make sure you have a car seat and that dad knows where it is. If you don’t have these things prepared before hand then you need to appreciate whatever it is that dad brings to the hospital. It doesn’t matter if it matches, or if it is was you would’ve picked.

If you take the time to talk to your partner, pay attention to what they are saying and work together to get ready for delivery day everything should run smoothly.

by Jennifer Shakeel

If you are anything like me, this is probably the hardest trimester of pregnancy to get through. I say this for a couple of reasons, it is so close to the time that your baby is going to be born that you just can’t stand it. You want to hold him or her, hear the cooing, see the perfect little fingers and toes. I can tell you that this excitement does not go away even when this is your third child.

The second reason I think this is the hardest trimester to get through is because by now, you are feeling pregnant. The aches, the restless nights, this is when you are going to put on the bulk of your weight and frankly, you are just tired of being pregnant. That is where I am at right now, counting down the days. To help, I am going to know tell you what you can expect with your growing baby this trimester and the changes in your body.

Month 7

By now you are feeling the movements of that little acrobat inside you. The movements are going to range from bucking kicks and a flurry of smaller movements. I can tell you from experience that each baby is different. My first child was a wild acrobat that kicked like crazy. My second child really didn’t kick, but stretched all the time. These are different feelings I tell you. It was always fun to watch my second child’s head push up or his feet as he stretched.

Now at 28 weeks baby is starting to put his or her head down. This perfectly normal and automatic and the baby seems to like this position. Baby is also able to sense the difference between light and dark in the uterus. This can impact the sleep wake cycles of baby. Guess what, baby can hear too! Not just the sounds of your heart beat or the gurgling of your stomach, but he or she can hear your voice! So talk to you belly, have your spouse talk to your belly. My son says good night to his soon to be here little sister every night. To get an idea of what the sounds are like, think about the last time you were under water and could hear the people talking around you.

By now, baby is developing eyelashes as more subcutaneous fat is deposited. If you are having a boy then it is now that the testes are descending. Baby is almost 14 inches long and weight about 2.5 pounds. If you were to have baby now, they have a very good chance of surviving.

Month 8

Baby is getting ready to entire the world at this point. The best way to help you get through this month is to remember that everyday your baby is in your uterus at this time is 2 less days he or she would have to spend in the hospital if baby was born now. The red cell production is being done completely by the baby’s bone marrow. Baby is urinating every day into the amniotic fluid at this point. Baby passes about a .5 liter per day.

As far as baby’s eyes are concerned the irises can now dilate and respond to light. Baby is able to open and close their eyes at their will now. The finger nails have reached the end of the fingers, there are some babies that come out needing a nail trim. Had a lot of indigestion during your pregnancy chances are you are expecting your baby to come out with a full head of hair. Know that old wives tales are not always true and it is perfectly normal for baby to come out with flowing locks… or no locks at all.

In the last month baby has packed on about 2 pounds most of which is fat and muscle tissue. This brings baby’s weight to almost four pounds now and they are almost 16 inches long!

Month 9

It is a rare that I get very far into this month. I always go early. Based on my nursing experience, research I am going to tell you what to expect of baby this month. A full term pregnancy is basically a 40 week pregnancy. Typically most women give birth between 36 and 40 weeks. If you haven’t delivered by week 40 they will induce labor. The due date they give you is really just a best guess. The majority of babies will come either 2 weeks before the due date to two weeks after your due date.

Baby’s organs have been completely developed for a while now. This month baby is working on the finishing touches before being born. I call this the in uteuro primping. Just like those last touches you do in the mirror before going out, this is what baby is doing. The lungs are secreting the final burst of surfactant so that the lungs completely expand at birth. The kidneys are producing plenty of urine and he or she is adding another half pound for every week until they are at 37 weeks. Then weight gain slows down. The average weight of a baby is 7.5 pounds and they are 18 to 22 inches long. 

Baby is going to give your body signals as to when they are ready to come out and that is going to induce labor.

You and Your Body this Last Trimester of Pregnancy

You start off the trimester with gaining about 5 pounds your 7th month… guess what, you will continue to put on 3 to 4 pounds each month until you give birth. Like I said, this is where all the weight comes. Fun! Fun! My advice, go out and buy new maternity clothes. You will feel better. Trust me.

You will probably notice that you are little more moody. My husband informed me that this was the month that he noticed I would get upset quicker and it would take me longer to calm down. I had a short fuse… no patience. Fortunately that subsided.

Sleep… ahhh, something you are surely missing in this trimester. I say that it is your mind and body’s way to prepare for long nights with a new baby. To help you get a better nights sleep try drinking something wrong and lay on your side. I can tell you that if I lay on my right side I fall asleep quickly, if I lay on my left it takes me forever to fall asleep. This isn’t saying that I stay asleep, I am usually up three and four times a night, and it takes nothing to wake me up. Again, I know that it is mother natures way of preparing me for a new baby.

That last month, you are going to notice that your belly is changing shape as baby changes positions and begins to drop. This should help breathing, as it should become easier. However, you will notice that you are visiting the potty more often.

I advise that you start making the birth plan. Have plan A and plan B for getting to the hospital when you go into labor. Pack a hospital bag and a diaper bag. If you already have children talk to friends and family to make arrangements for who can help you and hubby while you are in the hospital so that your other children are having their needs met. Know that you can be in the hospital for a day or days. With my first I was in and out in 22 hours. With my second I was in the hospital for 7 days, out for 4 days and we were back for another 5 days. Make a plan! It is better to have the plan and not need it then to try to deal with chaos after having a baby.

Good luck! Many blessings to you and yours with the birth of your precious little baby!

by Jennifer Shakeel

While I truly hate to burst the bubble that contractions only happen during labor, they can actually start weeks even months before you actually arrive to that magical day when you baby decides to enter the world. Depending on which pregnancy this is for you and how far along you are will depend on when you actually notice the contractions. One thing that you will notice for sure is the pain and discomfort that they cause the closer you get to special day.

For example, I have been having contractions for the last month. First they were just annoying more then anything, they had little to no consistency to them so they were nothing to be alarmed about. They would come and go and drinking a big glass of cold water helped to calm them down and stop them for awhile. Take note of this, if you want to stop the annoying contractions start hydrating yourself. Many times we don’t realize that we are dehydrated and that alone can cause contractions.

Let’s focus on the more uncomfortable and painful ones for the moment though. The contractions I have been having for the last few days are intense, they take my breath away and really I can’t even remember what being comfortable and not in pain feels like at this point. I am also one of those people that refuses to take anything while I am pregnant because I fear harming the baby (paranoid.. maybe). However due to the intensity of the contractions and for how long I have had them they are wearing me out.

Now I know that they are only going to get more intense and painful, which is actually what you want as long as they are changing the cervix and progressing labor. They can become unbearable though, and once you are in the hospital you are going to have a litany of options for pain relief, which can be given within a certain time frame to help you tolerate the pain. This doesn’t mean that you have to take them, especially if you want a completely natural and holistic delivery experience. I did with my first child, it was wonderful. The pain is so temporary and reward so great that I was ready to do it again right away.

Every pregnancy is different, every person tolerates pain differently and many women especially today want a more natural experience. So what options do they have to help them cope with the intensity. Glad that you asked. Here are number of options that you have.

The first one I want to recommend is acupressure. Acupressure is completely natural, and will not harm the baby at all and if done correctly by you or your partner will help you manage the intensity of the contractions. Two of the best acupressure points to relieve contraction pain is the BL-32 point which is located one finger width from the crease of you bottom and one thumb width to the right or left of the spine. There is a depression that can be felt that is where the point is. When it is pressed you should feel some numbness and a warm feeling. This pressure point is extremely useful to alleviate pain.

There is also a point on the foot that your partner could press on known as the KID-1. To find it flex your toes, the point is located in the notable depression in the middle upper third of the foot. Works best if your partner uses his/her knuckle to apply pressure up towards the big toe.

If the thought of having your partner touch you makes anger swell in your head, one realize that it is just the hormones and secondly take heart in the fact that there other options.

If you are a woman that found relief from menstrual pain through a heating pad or hot water bottle you will be happy to know that you can use them to relieve contraction pain as well.

Believe it or not, birthing in water or a tub will also help control contraction pain. That is the real reason more and more women are opting to give birth in water. Granted, the medical recommendations that back up you using the birthing pool is that you be at least 5 cm dilated before you get in the water so that the water doesn’t stop labor. Remember the goal is to make the pain tolerable not to halt delivery.

A final recommendation is what is known as calmbirthing. Basically what this requires is you learning to relax during labor. (As I write that statement I giggle, only because for some woman that is impossible, when you think about all that is about to happen and everything that is going on being relaxed is nowhere on the list of things to do.) But if you want to control the pain of the contractions then you need to be able to breathe and relax. The more anxious and tense you get the worse the contractions and the pain is going to be, and it isn’t necessarily going to be productive pain. This method of pain control is used in all over the world and is found to be very beneficial.

There are many options available to you to help you deal with pain, and only you are going to know which is going to work best for you. Take some time before the big day to discuss all your options with your health care professional, and to do some research to see what will work for you. 

by Patricia Hughes 

The use of vacuum extraction or forceps occurs in about one in ten deliveries. These instruments are used in situations where the baby is not in the right position and the heart rate is showing signs of distress. It is also used at times when the mother is exhausted and unable to push the baby out. Of the two methods, vacuum extraction has grown to be far more common than forceps in most hospitals.

Several factors influence whether forceps or vacuum extraction will be used in any given situation. One factor is the skill and comfort level of the doctor. Some are just better at using one over the other. If everything else is equal, the doctor will use the method he is most comfortable with. Since the skill of the doctor is important in reducing the risk of injury, this is an important factor.

Training and experience for the doctor is most crucial when using forceps. There is more room for error with a less experienced doctor, which can result in serious injury. The vacuum is easier to use making errors based on incorrect use less common. Many feel this is the safer method, unless there is a specific need for forceps or the practitioner is highly skilled in the use.

Sometimes the position of the baby will determine which is the best tool in your situation. The vacuum isn’t flexible and the baby’s head has to be low enough to create the suction needed. If not, forceps may be needed. Also, if the baby needs to be rotated to allow her to be born, forceps are the more effective method.

A study conducted at the UC Davis School of Medicine of the live births in the state of California between the years of 1992 and 1994 found a low rate of serious injury to newborns resulting from the use of vacuum extraction. http://www.kidsource.com/health/birth.process.html

The risks associated with using forceps include injury to the baby’s head, misshapen head, injury to the spinal cord and brain damage. The risks associated with the use of vacuum extraction include damage to the baby’s scalp, brain damage and painful tearing to the mother. For both, there is a risk of failure, resulting in the need for a c section.

There are risks with all medical interventions used during labor. Doctors weigh these risks in making recommendations to patients. In the case of vacuum extraction and forceps, the doctor will determine that the risk of using these tools is less than doing nothing or performing a c section. In general, both forceps and vacuum are thought to be safer than a c section in many situations.

However, if the baby is positioned too high to safely use forceps or vacuum extraction, your doctor will recommend a c section. Many of the terrible stories repeated throughout the years are the result of using forceps when the baby is positioned too high. In this case, the c section is the safest alternative. Make sure you discuss any fears or concerns with your doctor.

Biography
Patricia Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four. Patricia has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. She has written extensively on pregnancy, childbirth, parenting and breastfeeding. In addition, she has written about home décor and travel.

Opinions about video taping or photographing child birth vary widely. Some women want to capture the miracle of birth on film. Others are completely turned off by the idea and would never even consider a camera in the room for the birth. There is no right answer. It is a matter of personal preference and your own comfort level with the idea of being filmed during birth.

• Bring extra batteries and at least two video tapes, one for the birth and one for later. If desired, bring more than two.
• When the baby is born, take the tape out of the camera and store it in a safe place. Cameras get lost. They get stolen. Video accidentally gets deleted or taped over and is lost forever.

• Take lots of pictures. With digital cameras, unwanted or fuzzy shots can easily be deleted. More pictures means more chances at a great shot.
• Take some up close shots that focus on one feature or event, rather than the larger scene. An up close shot of the head crowning will be much more dramatic than a far off shot that is obscured by activity in the room.
• Bring extra batteries since you will be taking a lot of shots.

One of the first questions you will have when you discover you are pregnant is when is the baby due? This is also the first question that friends and family members will ask when you tell them you are expecting. You don’t have to wait until you visit the doctor to find out. You can easily calculate your due date at home.

To calculate your due date, you will need to know the date of your last menstrual period.

If you don’t have any idea when you last had a period, or if your periods are very irregular, calculating the due date becomes even more difficult. On the other hand, if you were undergoing treatments for infertility, you may have an exact conception date and this will make calculating the due date easier.

If you don’t know when you got pregnant, your doctor may suggest an ultrasound to confirm the gestational age of your baby. Measuring the baby is most accurate for confirming the due date in the early weeks of pregnancy. as the baby grows, there can be some difficulty in getting an accurate date, since babies range in size from small to large.

A baby that will be born large may be mistakenly estimated as older than the actual gestational age. The same mistake can be made with a baby that will be born on the smaller side, making that baby appear younger than the gestational age. In the first seven or eight weeks of pregnancy, all babies are approximately the same size and this makes dating the pregnancy easier than it will be later in pregnancy.

Assuming you do know the date of your last menstrual period, calculating the due date is easy. Take the date of your last menstrual period and add nine months and seven days to that date. For example, if your last menstrual period was on November 1^st, adding nine months would bring you to August 1^st. then add seven days and you will arrive at a due date of August 8^th.

There are online calculating tools for estimating your due date. They work on the same basic principal as the formula above, but they can be fun. Some offer additional information such as the estimated conception date. For this information, you will be asked to enter the length of your typical cycle. The reason for this is that ovulation generally occurs fourteen days before the date of your next menstrual period. For a 28 day cycle, this would be on day 14. For a 30 day cycle, it would be on day 16.

There are many tools online to calculate your due date. Keep in mind that a due date is just an estimate. It is not a magic day. Only about five percent of babies are actually born on the due date. This means there is a ninety five percent chance that your baby will not be born on that date. Most babies are born in a range of two weeks either before or after the date. For this reason, some women tell others they are due in “mid January” rather than the exact date to avoid constant phone calls on and around the due date.