2018 Year in Review

Was 2018 the year you learned you were pregnant? Was it the year you gave birth? Maybe it was the year you started trying to get pregnant, or the year you marked a breastfeeding milestone of 3 months, 6 months, or even a year! No matter how you found Giving Birth With Confidence, we're glad you stopped by and hope you've enjoyed the stories, information, and resources throughout the year. At the end of each year, we like to look back and share what our readers enjoyed most along with some of my own personal favorite posts. 

Most Popular Posts from 2018

What Does a Contraction Feel Like?

Many of us desperately want to know what we're going to feel and experience during birth. This post gives several different perspectives on what contractions feel like from those who have been there before.  

How to Stay Healthy -- And Actually Eat -- With Hyperemesis Gravidarum

HG is tough. The inability to keep food down during a time when you're expected to be healthy is distressing. Tips in this post offer some ideas to help you get through this difficult condition. 

Best Exercise for Your Third Trimester of Pregnancy

When you feel soooo big and everything hurts nearly all the time, it's hard to think about getting out and being active, but the right kinds of exercise can actually help you feel better late in your pregnancy. This post offers some practical ideas. 

Labor Day: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Birth

In a world of information overload, sometimes, you just want to know the basics.

When Should I Take a Childbirth Class

Don't get caught taking a childbirth class too early or too late! 

10 Ways to Use a Hospital Bed During Labor and Birth

In labor and birth, a hospital bed is it best used for anything but lying down! This post shares alternative ways (with pictures!) to use a hospital bed in labor.  

My Personal Favorite Posts from 2018

Artificially Breaking Your Water in Labor Is Overrated - Here's Why

I hear so many people talking about how their doctor or midwife broke their water. Sometimes, it can be helpful. Often, it's not. 

Rebekah's VBAC Story

Rebekah's story is full of hope and really good care. 

Trimesters Checklists

I've been making checklists since I was in middle school. These three posts give a checklist of things to consider for each trimester. 

How to Make the Best Salad for Pregnancy

Why are salads so delicious when someone else makes them? This post gives you ideas for creating that perfect salad with just the right mix of ingredients for taste and nutrition.

Do I Need to Take a Childbirth Class? 

Well, do you? Find out!

To all of our readers throughout the year -- THANK YOU! We appreciate your readership and thoughtful comments, and can't wait to see what 2019 brings for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, breastfeeding, and early parenting. If there's anything you'd like to see more of in 2019, please email me at cterreri at lamaze.org.