Comfort Measures for Labor Pain versus Suffering The Three Rs: Relaxation, Rhythm, and Ritual Self-Help Comfort Measures Comfort Aids and Devices Comforting Techniques Taking Care of Yourself Checklist of Comfort Measures for Labor 5. Moving Through the Stages of Labor Compare Labor to Running a Marathon Prelabor The Dilation, First, Stage Early Labor Getting into Active Labor (3 to 5 Centimeters Dilation) Active Labor Transition The Birthing, Second, Stage The Resting Phase The Descent Phase The Crowning and Birth Phase The Placental, Third, Stage The Recovery and Bonding, Fourth, Stage Normal Labor-in a Nutshell 4. Getting into Labor The Difference Between Prelabor and Labor How Long Will Labor Last? Signs of Labor If the Bag of Waters Breaks Before Labor Begins “False” Labor, or Prelabor Labor Progresses in Six Ways Timing Contractions 3. The Last Weeks of Pregnancy What Kind of Birth Partner Will You Be Getting Ready for Labor Preparing for Life with the Baby On to the Next Step. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.Table of contents : Cover Title Dedication Copyright Contents Preface Acknowledgments How to use this Book A Note to Doulas PART ONE Before the Birth 1. From sensible nutrition advice to realistic birth plans, from birth doulas when desired to cesareans when needed, from reducing stress during pregnancy to caring for yourself as well as your baby after birth, this pregnancy guide speaks to today's parents-to-be like no other. And the language is inclusive, reflecting today's various family configurations such as single-parent families, blended families formed by second marriages, families with gay and lesbian parents, and families formed by open adoption or surrogacy. Throughout, the presentation is crystal-clear, the tone is reassuring, and the voice is empowering. Only then does it cover possible complications and the care practices and procedures for resolving them. Unlike pregnancy guides that can overwhelm and alarm by telling you up front all the things that can possibly go wrong, this book first describes normal, healthy processes, their typical variations, and the usual care practices for monitoring them.

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn provides the information and guidance you need to make informed decisions about having a safe and satisfying pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period - decisions that reflect your preferences, priorities, and values. Parents love this book because it puts them in control experts love it because it's based on the latest medical research and recommendations from leading health organizations. The up-to-date and authoritative pregnancy guide that has sold 1.5 million copies - by recognizing that 'one size fits all' doesn't apply to maternity care

The birth partner by penny simkin