You ask: I really want a VBAC, but I am so scared of uterine rupture. Are VBACs a safe option? I answer: Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation about the risks of VBAC floating around. Here, however, are some facts from one of my recent blog posts: “How Often...
You ask: I'm wondering why anyone would choose an unmedicated birth. What is the benefit? I answer: Good question. I’m happy to answer it. One reason is that DIY strategies—comfort measures, mental strategies and techniques, warm water immersion or showers, mobility...
You ask: My doctor said the ultrasound showed my baby is getting quite big. She says inducing now would avoid a c-section. I'm worried about getting induced, but I don't want a c-section either. Should I agree? I answer: The research says “No.” The purpose of inducing...
You ask: How much is it going to hurt? I don't want an epidural, but I'm afraid of how painful labor might be. What can you compare the pain with? I answer: I can’t tell you how much labor will hurt because the experience of pain varies from person to person and even...
You ask: I want to deliver unmedicated, and I've been planning on using pain management techniques so I won't need to get one, but everyone tells me I’ll end up getting the epidural. It's making me doubt myself. Can I get through labor without an epidural? I answer:...
You ask: I have a birth center birth planned this time around, and I just love my midwife and her assistant! Do you think I still need to hire a doula if I am using a midwife this time? I answer: It depends. Labor doulas provide one-on-one continuous physical support...
You ask: This is my third baby and I'm so uncomfortable. It's hard to get around and take care of my other kids, and I'm just exhausted at the end of the day. My midwife said we can strip my membranes once it's closer to my due date as a natural way to get labor...
You ask: I'm 37 weeks and my baby is still in a breech position. I'm frustrated because I really wanted to have a vaginal birth. What can I do to get the baby to turn head down? I answer: There’s a lot you can do! Here’s an article from the American Academy of Family...
You ask: I'm due on Christmas day and my doctor wants to induce me the week before. I'd like to spend the holiday with my family and introduce them to our new little one. My doctor says it's fine to induce labor once I've gotten to 39 weeks. Do you think this sounds...
The first in Henci’s new Take Charge of Your Birth Series, Labor Pain: What’s Your Best Strategy? delivers up-to-date access to the best medical research plus practical strategies for developing your plan and putting it into action. Also available in audiobook.
