Here is a collection of sites offering information on childbirth and related topics. Sites
with interesting content have a star and are worthy of taking a peek. All these sites have useful information. Some more than others, but all provide varied opinions and perspectives which will aid you, prompt you ( maybe ) to find out more in making your decisions.
G e t t i n g S t a r t e d : What to Ask? What You Need to Know & Care Provider Options
Coalition for Improving Maternity Services.
CIMS*** ( pronounced Kims ) Good source for finding out what questions to ask when seeking the type of care you would like to recieve during your childbirth experience.
Doulas of North America
DONA***. Doula means "Mothering the mother". A Doula provides the laboring woman and partner with emotional and physical support. She does not provide anykind of medical support or intervention except to be an advocate for the laboring woman to ensure her needs are communicated to the health care team. A Doula is a valuable asset to the medical healthcare team. It had been reported that Doulas can decrease the rate of cesearan section by 50%! This is fantastic support!.
National Association of Childbearing Centers
NACC. Looking for more information about Birth Centers in the USA as an alternative to the hospital? Start here.
I n t e r e s t e d in a Midwife? Find out more about them!
American College of Nursing Midwives. ACNM**. Information about midwives.
Search: Birth Partners** for Midwives, Doulas and Childbirth Educators
C h i l d b i r t h T e a c h i n g Organizations/Philosophies
There are many, but they all share a common belief: That women have an innate ability to deliver their babies on their own without the assistance of medical intervention, that relaxation skills and alternatives to pain management, other than drugs, such as massage, touch, music, etc., can combat tension and facilitate the laboring process. Medications have their place, can be successful depending on the situation, and used when a situation warrants them, NOT as the sole means for pain management. Research the following and choose the one that best meets your needs and what is important to you.
Calm Birth - Using meditation and abdominal breathing during birth
C h i l d b i r t h I n f o r m a t i o n
There is a vast cybersea of information on childbirth, stages of labor, false and true labor, etc. Here are some good sites with info for Mom AND Dad-to-be!
Today, one in four women will have a cesarean birth. It is always good to know about what they are, what's involved, anesthesia used, etc. You may never have one, but you will have the information in case you do.
