Preggie Pals

Whether you choose to birth in a hospital, birth center or home, there are small things you can do to help make your birth experience as calm and comfortable as possible. How can we tame our five senses so we can relax more easily? Can aromatherapy and essential oils help your labor progress faster? Does special lighting help with pain management? And can your favorite music playlist re-energize you for those last few pushes when baby is crowning?

In addition to caring for an amazing newborn baby, your postpartum period will almost certainly bring more stress and challenges than you anticipated. Preparing a postpartum plan can help make this transition into parenthood a bit smoother. So, what should you consider when creating your postpartum plan? When should you create it, and who should be part of the process?

Planning your baby registry can seem a bit overwhelming. If you're planning to breastfeed your baby, you may still want to add baby bottles to your list. How do you know what bottle is best for your baby? What should you know about the bottle size, style and the type of nipple? And what about all those baby bottle accessories?

You've just peed on the stick and it's positive. Now what? Most care providers will schedule your first prenatal appointment at the eight week mark. So, what are you supposed to do in the meantime? We're answering some of the main questions you'll have during this time, especially if this is your first baby.

You've heard of contractions during labor and delivery, but what about back labor? What exactly is back labor, what does it feel like and what causes it to happen? Plus, we've got tips on how to prevent it and methods to naturally manage it.

Your growing belly can be a bit uncomfortable or even painful for your lower back and spine. Having chiropractic adjustments can help release that pressure and even improve your overall childbirth experience. What are the most common pregnancy discomforts treated with chiropractic care? Are there any risks to mom and baby? And how can these adjustments impact your baby's positioning?

It's always a good idea to tour your hospital before you deliver your baby. Who typically gives these tours and what important information can you learn to improve your overall childbirth experience? Plus, learn how touring a hospital can benefit you if you're planning to deliver at home or at a birth center.

There are many reasons you may need to have a fetal non-stress test, or NST, during your pregnancy. Perhaps your baby isn't moving as much as before or perhaps you have a high risk pregnancy. So, how are these tests performed, and are there any risks to mom and baby? Also, what typically happens if the results are abnormal?

You're planning to breastfeed your baby once he arrives. But what happens if your breastfeeding experience doesn't happen as perfectly as you planned? How can a board-certified lactation consultant help you on your journey? What services does a lactation consultant typically provide? What are some of the benefits in adding one to your team of health care providers? Plus, how to find a lactation consultant who best fits you and your breastfeeding needs.

Bini Birth explores many different methods of childbirth, approaching birth as an individual process that each woman explores in her own way. Today we'll hear from creator Ana Paula Markel. What are the main principles behind this practice? What are the most effective ways to learn its principles? And what should you expect if you take a class? 

When you're pregnant, you can easily become a breeding ground for bacterial infections. Today we're discussion some of the most common infections such as yeast infections, urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis and Group B Strep. How are these infections diagnosed and treated in pregnancy? Our panelists share their personal experience!

When you first find out you're pregnant, you probably aren't thinking much about your cervix. But this tiny organ is already preparing for your baby. It softens, lengthens, elongates, dilates, thins, and does all sorts of interesting things right up to the moment your baby is born. Learn more about what causes these changes and what it means for your labor and delivery experience! Plus, learn about special way for you to participate in #GivingTuesday by helping other families having clean drinking water and sanitation services!

You've just completed your second trimester, arguably the most comfortable and relaxing one. So, what should you expect during the third trimester? What developmental changes is your baby experiencing? How will your baby's movements change during this time? When do they stop flipping around and stay in their birthing position? Plus, what to expect when your baby starts to drop.

Thinking about adding an OB/GYN to your team of health care providers? What type of prenatal care can you expect to receive with an OB/GYN? What exactly is their role during the labor and delivery process? And how can you find an OB/GYN that best fits your goals outlined in your birth plan?

Tired of peeing in a cup every time you have an OB/GYN appointment? They're testing for increased protein in your urine which may be a sign of preeclampsia. So, what is preeclampsia and how can it impact your pregnancy? If untreated, how could it affect you and your baby?