Doula

... this support. Today, labor support professionals called doulas (pronounced DOO-lahs; Greek for "woman who... are mothering the soon-to-be mothers. The services that a doula provides can include: Explanations of medical... with the obstetrician to avoid unnecessary interventions Help with breastfeeding A written record of the birth A doula...

Few women who've done it would say that giving birth is easy. But preparing the way helps. Here are some last-minute tips to get ready for your big day.

From exercise to water therapy, check out our guide to what helps -- and what doesn't -- on your big day.

...Doula. It's a weird word, one that you may not have heard -- yet. These birthing assistants... are used in only a small percentage of deliveries, but the trend of hiring a doula (the Greek term... doula can shorten labor time, significantly reduce the use of pain medication, and cut the need...

... says. So on the recommendation of several friends, Hart hired Brenda Csonka to be her doula. Csonka... of very little pain medication. "I couldn't have done it without Brenda," she says. A doula -- Greek... to several patients). A doula's job isn't to deliver your baby but to give you her continuous attention...

Here's the truth about labor -- what's normal, what's not, and what to expect.

Babies don't really need a lot of gear the first few weeks at home. Despite the temptation to buy all the wonderful baby clothes and gadgets available, a few basics are all you and your baby need.

Every baby enters the world in a unique way. That's why birth stories are so much fun to hear. So what will your labor be like? Doctors and mothers answer common questions from moms-to-be.

Outlines available in books and on the Internet can help you compose a birth plan, but don't feel compelled to cover everything. Your caregivers will have time to read only a short list. Here, the main considerations:

What to expect from your pet after baby arrives.

Do you battle with your weight? Learn how to take the best care of you and baby during pregnancy.

From having a baby in water to using acupuncture, here are nine methods, philosophies, and professions to help you give birth on your own terms.

Breastfeeding is worth trying. So you don't freak out when you fill up, we'll walk you through it.

Have you ever wondered what your infant will feel while you're in labor? Here's a close look at what babies experience during the birthing process.

Real moms tell all! Check out real-life birth stories and then send in your own!

Should you get an epidural or go drug free? To help you decide, read the story of two very different deliveries.

Forget hospital food and roommates. When celebrities give birth, their 5-star accommodations include spa-style pampering, 24-hour concierge service, and more.

Are you pregnant and wondering if you are having a girl or a boy? Take this gender prediction quiz that predicts the gender of your baby!

Find out what it means to go into labor and when you should start preparing.

Are you in labor or are you merely experiencing practice contractions or Braxton Hicks contractions? Find out how to tell the difference -- and what to expect.

Find out if breastfeeding two (or more) is different from one.

Around-the-clock feedings. Nursing troubles. No sleep. No problem. We'll help you through the first crazy days.

For some moms, where they deliver turns out to be a huge surprise. Read stories of real moms who delivered on a plane, in the post office, perched in a tree, and more!

No one wants to arrive at the hospital too early -- or risk giving birth in the car. So how can you tell the difference between real and false labor? Pay attention to the following classic labor-day signs.

Can an ancient Chinese calendar really predict the gender of your baby? Take our simple quiz and find out. The results could spill the beans about whether you're having a boy or girl.