# data[].attributes.body
Search common homeopathic medicines for common symptoms.

# data[].attributes.body
For tracking contractions when in labor.

# data[].attributes.body
Discounts on prescription medications.

# data[].attributes.body
For tracking cycles and fertility awareness.

# data[].attributes.body
Support for anxiety or depression.

# data[].attributes.body
An evidence-based guide to inducing lactation when it doesn't follow giving birth.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Sweet Pea Breastfeeding Support    St. Louis, MO

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
​ You have landed on the most up-to-date and comprehensive collection of resources currently available anywhere for the parent interested in initiating breastfeeding/chestfeeding/nursing/lactating...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Attaching Your Baby at the Breast – Breastfeeding Series

# data[].attributes.body
A visual for how labor and cervical dilation work.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Peaceful, Painless Birth of Elovie Commentary

# data[].attributes.body
An overview of the various pain management options for Labor.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This is a 16-week series covering everything from epidurals to acupuncture.
Pain seems to be the top factor that people worry about when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. What most people don't know is, there are different ways to view and address the topic of pain in labor.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pain Management Series - Evidence Based Birth®

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This is a 16-week series covering everything from epidurals to acupuncture. Pain seems to be the top factor that people worry about when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. What most people don't know is, there are different ways to view and address the topic of pain in labor.

# data[].attributes.body
A slide-show walking you through the progress of pregnancy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Your Body Before Pregnancy

Your Body Before Pregnancy

Before pregnancy, most of the space in your abdomen is taken up by the large and small intestines. There is no real separation between the areas of your pelvis and abdomen.

In the picture here, you can see that the vagina is behind the bladder (sac that collects urine) and urethra (tube for moving urine out of bladder and body). In its normal position, your uterus is above and behind the bladder, with the cervix protruding into the vagina. The pelvic colon, rectum and anal canal are behind the vagina and uterus.

Your Body at 12 Weeks of Pregnancy

Your Body at 12 Weeks of Pregnancy

At the 12th week of pregnancy, the placenta is much larger. It now produces the hormones needed to sustain the pregnancy. Your uterus is the size of a grapefruit and completely fills the pelvis. It rises up into the area of the abdomen, as shown in the image. The fundus, the upper end of the uterus, is just above the top of the symphysis where the pubic bones join together. This upward growth of the uterus takes pressure off the bladder and decreases the need for frequent urination. The mucus plug, a barrier to protect the growing fetus, fills your cervical canal.

The fetus is now about 3 inches long and weighs about 1 ounce. By this week, the fetus has fingernails and toenails and can open and close the fingers. The fetus will start to move, but you will not feel it yet.

At this point in pregnancy, the top of your uterus is about one-third of the distance between the bellybutton and the xiphoid cartilage at the lower end of your breastbone. Constipation is common because your uterus is pressing on your lower colon and hormones slow down your body's excretion process. Between the growth of your uterus and general weight gain, you may be feeling fatigued. Some women also experience heartburn as your uterus presses against your stomach.

Your breasts are also changing to get ready for breastfeeding. First colostrum and then milk are produced by the grape-like clusters of tiny sacs (alveoli) deep within the breast tissue. Clusters of alveoli form lobules, which come together to form 15 to 20 lobes. Each lobe connects to a lactiferous duct for conveying milk. As the ducts extend toward the nipple and areola (darker area around the nipple), they widen into the lactiferous sinuses. These sinuses (or milk pools) release the milk through 15 to 20 tiny nipple openings in each breast when the baby nurses.

At week 28, the fetus is about 16 inches long and weighs two to three pounds. The skin is wrinkled but will become less so as more fat builds up under the skin in the next few weeks. Fine, downy hair called lanugo, and a waxy white protective substance covering the skin called vernix, are on the fetus' body. Its eyes are open, and eyebrows and eyelashes were formed in the fourth month. The fetus sucks its thumb and its taste buds have developed. It kicks, stretches and moves frequently in your uterus-you'll feel it moving around and others might even be able to see these movements!

Fetal organs and systems are quite well developed by the 28th week of pregnancy, but the final two months of gestation are important for further maturation of all body systems and organs.

Your Body at 40 Weeks of Pregnancy (Internal)

Your Body at 40 Weeks of Pregnancy (Internal)

At full term, or 40 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus' head has generally lowered into your pelvis, where it takes up most of the space. This is called "lightening." In first pregnancies, this may happen a few weeks before labor. In repeat pregnancies, this can happen at the time of labor. The canal of the broad, enlarged cervix is still filled with the plug of mucous. If this is your first pregnancy, the small opening at the bottom of your cervix is usually not dilated, whereas if you have given birth before, it will often be open as wide as two fingers some time before labor begins.

At this point, you may be experiencing frequent urination, increased constipation, edema (water retention) and aching legs or vulva. Varicose veins in the vulva, rectum and legs are also possible. This is because of the position of the uterus, the pressure of the baby's head and a loss of muscle tone as the hormone relaxin loosens your tissues in preparation for birth. Other changes at this time include increased development of blood vessels and increased amount of blood.

Stay connected with Childbirth Connection. Get updates.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Before pregnancy, most of the space in your abdomen is taken up by the large and small intestines. There is no real separation between the areas of your pelvis and abdomen. In the picture here, you can see that the vagina is behind the bladder (sac that collects urine) and urethra (tube for moving urine out of bladder and body).

# data[].attributes.body
A local young woman shares her birth experience at the Goshen Birth Center.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Birth Into Being Articles - pregnancy & birth giving childbirth pregnant to birth pregnancy and giving birth giving birth pregnancy giving birth to child pregnancy class women and childbirth birth natural childbirth natural childbirth birth women giving childbirth woman in childbirth pregnancy classes woman giving childbirth natural birthing birth education

# data[].attributes.body
Providing a different platform for learning about pregnancy, labor, birth, & postpartum.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Be prepared with my "Thrive with Your Newborn" postpartum preparation course: a fun, evidence-based course to help you discover the mighty parent within, and actually enjoy life with your newborn! Click to learn more.
Learn more!

The Birthful Podcast: Episode #190

Today we'll be talking about pleasure in birth, but what does that even mean, and why is it helpful to the whole birthing process? Debra Pascali-Bonaro has answers. Check it out.

Read more

The Birthful Podcast: Episode #186

If you breastfeed, you'll find that your breasts undergo a radical identity shift from culturally sexual to biologically nurturing. So what does that have to do with how you feel while doing it, your ability to nurse in public, your decision on how long to breastfeed, having to deal with strangers opinions, and feeling many unwanted feelings like indignation and shame? Also, why do men have nipples? The Badass Breastfeeder Abby Theuring has answers. Check it out.

Read more

The Birthful Podcast: Episode #184

(Renewed! - Originally #14)

Planning to breastfeed your newborn? In this episode, I talk with none other than Dr. Jack Newman on what to expect, what to avoid, and when to ask for help, in order to get breastfeeding off to a good start.

What we talked about: Read more

The Birthful Podcast: Episode #182

Adriana talks with Pelvic Health Physical Therapist Sara Reardon about what optimal pelvic health looks like. They go into the details about what to do -and not do- when peeing or pooping, discuss common issues such as leakage, painful intercourse, and abdominal separation, and explore proactive actions you can take during pregnancy to support your postpartum recovery. Check it out.

Read more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Podcast Archives - Birthful.com - The Birthful Podcast

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Be prepared with my "Thrive with Your Newborn" postpartum preparation course: a fun, evidence-based course to help you discover the mighty parent within, and actually enjoy life with your newborn! Click to learn more. Learn more! The Birthful Podcast: Episode #190 Read more The Birthful Podcast: Episode #186 Read more The Birthful Podcast: Episode #184 (Renewed!

# data[].attributes.body
Prenatal exercises and helpful positions to help your baby turn into a good position for labor.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Pregnancy is a Partnership!

You and your baby are working together. Your job is to dilate, baby's job is to rotate. Empower both of you for easier childbirth with our program of daily activities, body balancing techniques, and smarter birth positions. You, too, may have a more comfortable, confident birth.

Daily Essentials can be practiced daily throughout pregnancy to help bring balance and comfort - and an easier, shorter birth.

Spinning Babies® Parent Class

Spinning Babies® Parent Class provides clear instructions on how to use Spinning Babies® for a more comfortable and confident pregnancy and labor.

For additional education to even further enhance your pregnancy and labor preparation, shop our extensive collection of digital downloads, videos, DVDs, workbooks, and more.

Proactive Preparation for Easier Birth

Find a Spinning Babies ® Certified Parent Educator and start using techniques for comfort in pregnancy and smoother progress in childbirth.

Help Change Birth on Earth

Find Spinning Babies ® Workshops and events near you to start helping parents experience a more confident and comfortable birthing process for both themselves and their baby.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Spinning Babies - Comfort in Pregnancy and Easier Birth

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pregnancy is a Partnership! You and your baby are working together. Your job is to dilate, baby's job is to rotate. Empower both of you for easier childbirth with our program of daily activities, body balancing techniques, and smarter birth positions. You, too, may have a more comfortable, confident birth.

# data[].attributes.headline
Resources for the Childbearing & Postpartum Years 

# data[].attributes.subject
Resources for the Childbearing & Postpartum Years 

# data[].attributes.body
A resource with local support including chiropractors, moms support groups, counseling, breastfeeding support, and domestic violence resources. **Must "open in new window" to see the full map**

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Resources for the Childbearing & Postpartum Year

# data[].attributes.body
Professional trained in helping women in pregnancy, labor and birth. There are so many benefits for women who decide to use doulas including: shorter labors, fewer cesarean sections, & and less need for pain medications.

# data[].attributes.body
Strongly recommended website that provides easy to read, accurate information about difficult topics in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Hear from one of our Parents...

My name is Michelle, and the Evidence Based Birth® online course was gifted to me by my wonderful Doula (an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor)!

I was skeptical about the need for EBB in my pregnancy but I found it to be very powerful and soooo needed leading up to my labor experience.

I received the course at just the right time for my family! I was most impacted by the example of the reply "we do this for baby" or "this is just safer" as adismissive explanation when a mom inquires about anything while in pregnancy, labor or postpartum - I have personally had this occur and then experienced ramifications of taking that as a satisfactory answer.

Being our own advocates is just so important! Thank you for creating this - it has made a great impact on many moms and will continue to do so!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Resources for Parents - Evidence Based Birth®

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
My name is Michelle, and the Evidence Based Birth® online course was gifted to me by my wonderful Doula (an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor)! I was skeptical about the need for EBB in my pregnancy but I found it to be very powerful and soooo needed leading up to my labor experience.

# data[].attributes.body
An alternative option for birthing your baby. Offers a safe, home-like environment to welcome your newborn. The only place in the area to offer nitrous oxide for pain relief and waterbirth.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We provide a peaceful, nurse-midwife supported birth experience in a calm, relaxed, and home-like environment. We work closely with you to create your ideal birth experience. Your birth. Your way.

# data[].attributes.body
Information on circumcision and the function of the foreskin.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn about the different types of circumcision, the different options for pain management, possible short term and long term complications and more.

# data[].attributes.body
...And up to date research about the benefits of co-sleeping for breastfeeding and reducing risk of SIDS.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Safe Cosleeping Guidelines // Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory // University of Notre Dame

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Professor James J. McKenna's Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory at Notre Dame studies how sleeping and co-sleeping environments affect mothers, breastfeeding, and infants' physiological and psychological well-being and development.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Exercise safely and protect your pelvic floor

Strengthen your pelvic floor

Avoid unsafe exercises

Who Are Pelvic Exercise Videos Suited To?

Our Pelvic exercise videos are suited to women seeking to exercise safely with pelvic floor friendly exercises.

Pelvic exercises videos will benefit women with:

Weak pelvic floor muscles

History of pelvic surgery (prolapse, hysterectomy or incontinence)

Pelvic organ prolapse

Bladder or bowel incontinence

Pelvic floor muscle tension

Increased risk of pelvic floor injury with inappropriate exercises

Pelvic Exercise Video Content

The online video content can be divided into 3 broad categories:

1. Recovery exercises after prolapse or hysterectomy surgery

2. Pelvic floor friendly core abdominal and strength training exercises for women at risk of pelvic floor injury

3. Pelvic floor exercise (Kegel exercise) training videos for pelvic floor strength and support

About Pelvic Floor Safe Exercises

The exercises and techniques presented in these videos teach you how to modify common place exercises to reduce the loading on your pelvic floor.

Staying active and exercising regularly is an important for pelvic floor health and this includes whole body and pelvic floor exercise.

Women at increased risk with inappropriate exercises include those with:

Pelvic floor weakness

Prolapse

Previous pelvic surgery

Pelvic radiotherapy

Heavy lifting occupations

Excess abdominal weight

History of pregnancy and childbirth

General health problems that impact upon their pelvic floor

Women at increased risk of pelvic floor problems with unsafe exercises can often continue to exercise by modifying their exercise routine according to their level of risk.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Exercise safely and protect your pelvic floor Strengthen your pelvic floor Avoid unsafe exercises Our Pelvic exercise videos are suited to women seeking to exercise safely with pelvic floor friendly exercises.

# data[].attributes.body
Recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatricians to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
baby sleep~ baby sleeping~ sleep through the night~ infant sleep~ infant wake up~ newborn sleep~ getting baby to sleep~ sids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Babies do not have regular sleep cycles until about 6 months of age. While newborns sleep about 16 to 17 hours per day, they may only sleep 1 or 2 hours at a time. As babies get older, they need less sleep. However, different babies have different sleep needs.