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What an incredible journey we have been on through the Be Empowered Birth Blog Series. When it comes to birth, information is power, and we have tried to include as much as possible in this special series. But we must end this series where it all begins⁠—Z = Zygote!

Though there are a few ways to give birth, there are seemingly limitless ways to customize it. This blog is about things to consider when making your birth plan. Hopefully you will become more aware of the choices you actually have in birth. It is good to consider the risks and benefits of each choice you have now before the contractions and excitement really set in.

Vaginal exams may be conducted throughout pregnancy and during labor. We cover the elements of their purpose, benefits and risks, and what your options are in making the best choice for you!

One of the most exciting times as a mother is when labor begins. That first contraction, the water breaking, the car ride to the hospital/birthing center, are very special times that we never forget. But- how do you know if it’s REALLY happening?

As women we spend so much time preparing for labor and delivery of our baby, but sometimes we forget how unpredictable birth can be! Here’s a glimpse into the variations of labor, the pros and cons of each and how to handle every scenario.

The women’s body is incredible in its ability to grow and birth a baby! In this blog, we looked at some of those most amazing elements from the uterus, to the cervix and placenta, in our Be Empowered Birth Blog Series!

The third stage of labor refers to the birth or expulsion of the placenta. Following the excitement of birth, the mother may feel surprised when her caregiver instructs her to “push for the placenta.” She may feel shaky or very emotional, and she may be either acutely aware that contractions have not completely subsided, or so engrossed with the new baby that she doesn't even notice them.

The second stage of labor comes with a renewed sense of energy. As a laboring woman has worked with her body to get to this part, the joy and excitement of getting to meet their little one so soon, becomes even more real, as you begin to push. Specifically, the second stage of labor begins once the body has completely dilated, and begins the process of pushing the baby through the birth canal. Discover your pushing preferences and learn a few tips for your baby’s arrival!

In the movies, we often see the onset of labor to begin with a dramatic moment of the expecting mothers water breaking, and needing to rush to the hospital. Though that does make for good entertainment, it is very rarely what actually occurs in labor. Typically, less than 10-%15% will experience their water breaking before the onset of labor. Most commonly, your water will break at some point during labor, or you may be one of the lucky ones for the rare birth of your baby en caul!

The provider you choose for your pregnancy and birth is such a crucial choice. Who you choose will be a really large factor in determining if you are satisfied with your birth experience, and there are a lot of different views, as well as a wide range of normal practices when it comes to labor and birth. Read about questions to ask during provider interviews or during your care to prepare for your birth!

Placenta encapsulation is the process of taking the organ that sustained and nourished your baby through pregnancy and putting it into a capsule to support a mother in her postpartum period.

Hormones in labor and birth play an important role. There are two primary hormones that have a huge impact on preparing for birth, producing and managing contractions, and bonding after birth with baby. These hormones are Oxytocin and Endorphins! Though there are more hormones that can occur in labor and birth, we are focusing on the two that are helpful and that should be focused on producing.

Birth is probably the most physically demanding experience you’ll ever have; women who have worn activity trackers during labor have recorded calorie burns that exceed the typical marathon! Just like you would for a marathon, you need to plan ahead to fuel your body well during birth.

Did you know the baby’s first bowel movement has a special name? It is called meconium, and it is sticky, tar like consistency. Meconium commonly comes during the first few days following birth, as well as occasionally while the baby is in utero. Learn more about meconium and what to know when giving birth!

In every stage of labor, positions are used for numerous reasons, including to help progress labor by allowing the pelvis to open (giving space to baby), allowing the laboring mother to rest, and position the body to help apply pressure to the cervix for effacement and dilation. Today, we are sharing with you a few positions we highly recommend for labor and birth.

Kangaroo care, also known as skin-to-skin, is when your newborn baby is placed directly on your chest area, belly to belly, which brings an array of benefits for mother and baby. Benefits including the the increased ability for baby to regulate their temperature, increases the production of oxytocin (also helping the delivery of the placenta), and so much more!

Journaling is a tool that allows you to reflect on the memories of feeling the first kicks, thoughts and feelings about appointments and the big changes in pregnancy. Today, there are many ways to track and journal these moments from traditional writing methods to using our always evolving technology options. Read more to find the option that is best for you!

Induction may be described as planned initiation of the onset of labor and can include two common reasons for induction of labor can include maternal or provider preference, and medical necessity. Induction comes with many options, and should be greatly researched. Read our blog today for an overview of induction!

Preparing your hospital bag can feel overwhelming to determined all of not only your birth and postpartum needs, but your birth partners and if you other children. When I searched Pinterest for “hospital bag packing list” as a first time mom, I was instantly overwhelmed. So, we are creating a blog on the top things to bring and upgrade your hospital birth. In fact, you probably won’t find these on many other lists, but we did our research and found what we couldn’t let you go into labor without them!

Gestational Diabetes can occur in pregnancy when too much glucose stays in the blood. This blog brings you information on testing and treating gestational diabetes in pregnancy. Enjoying these informative blogs? Be sure to keep following our Be Empowered Birth Blog Series!

The first stage of labor is divided into three phases: early labor, active labor, and transition. In the first stage of labor the body works to efface and dilate the cervix. In this blog, we go over each stage of labor, while also touching on the comfort measures to help you prepare! Be sure to keep following our Be Empowered Birth Blog Series!

Why is your birth environment important? What are the elements you should think about for your labor and birth? Learn about many of the elements and what to expect in our Be Empowered Birth Blog Series!

Your body and your baby have an intrinsic knowledge of each other and innately know how to work together to make birth happen. It is through the process of the seven cardinal movements that the your baby and body move together to help you meet your baby. Read more to learn about each movement!

How do contractions work? What do contractions feel like? How do you time contractions? Learn about many of the elements of contractions and what to expect in our Be Empowered Birth Blog Series!

Labor brings many behaviors and emotions through each stage! Learn about what to expect in our Be Empowered Birth Blog Series!