As many midwives have found, a doula can be an invaluable resource to a laboring woman and to a new mother.  A doula is a professionally-trained supportive companion for a woman in labor.

The "birthing ball" is a wonderful comfort tool for pregnancy and labor.

How should childbearing women with a history of cesarean be counseled about the optimal mode of delivery with their current pregnancy?  

Summary of a presentation by Leah Albers, CNM, DrPH ath the 46th ACNM Annual Meeting

in response to the debate on "Good Morning America"

Once thought to be a beneficial procedure that would make birth easier for the baby and protect the mother from trauma to the birth canal, episiotomy has been found in study after study to be more harmful than beneficial except in a few cases.  Yet, it continues to be practiced routinely in many hospitals in the U.S. and around the world. 

Yes, you can exercise when you're pregnant. It is both safe and beneficial. Studies show that women who keep up their exercise routine or who start one while pregnant, recover more quickly from the birth.

About half of pregnant women will experience some nausea and/or vomiting related to their pregnancy.

The relaxation and pain-relieving benefits of water are well-known; many women who have had babies in and out of water will attest to this.

For midwives and families preparing for an out-of-hospital birth, gathering the necessary equipment and supplies is crucial.