Giving Birth
with Confidence

Trusted resources, stories and answers for parents.

What Are the Signs of Miscarriage?

October 18, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

Miscarriage is the thing no one wants to think about during pregnancy and yet, it's almost always somewhere in the back of your mind. It's a quiet worry for some and a major source of anxiety for others. Signs of a miscarriage aren't always completely clear, but it's a good idea to be aware of signs that miscarriage could be happening, and what you should do.

How to Survive Losing a Baby

October 15, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

Today, October 15, is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Losing a baby, whether in pregnancy, at birth, or in infancy, and whether it was a planned or unplanned, wanted or unwanted pregnancy, is an experience that affects you for life. The phases and intensity of emotions vary, but one thing you can be sure of is that you will be changed.

For Starters, Stop Saying Due Date

October 14, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri, LCCE, CD(DONA)

As the saying goes, if I had a dollar for every pregnant person who says, "I just have this funny feeling that I'll go into labor before my due date," and then goes on to have a a baby after their due date, I would be rich!

Boppy Comfyfit® Baby Carrier Review

October 11, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

For this first-time mom—my son is 3 months old and approximately 13 lbs.—the Boppy ComfyFit® Baby Carrier was a vast improvement from the current carrier I was using. Not only is the yoga-like, stretchy fabric extremely comfortable, but it lessened the concerns over the well-being of my child because I could actually feel him breathing against me, which was not the case with a bulkier carrier. Also, I do not feel as though I'm wearing a heavy backpack; instead the fabric moves with me as if it's part of my clothing.

Do One Thing This Month to Improve Maternal Health

October 09, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

The United States has a problem with mothers (pregnant and after birth) dying. A big problem. We are one of just two countries where the rate of maternal death is going up instead of down. The United States is ranked 55th in the world for maternity care, despite being #1 in the amount of money spent.

You Can't Prevent SIDS; You Can Lower Your Risk

October 07, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

October is SIDS Awareness Month and Safe Infant Sleep Awareness Month. The two occur together because research has identified a strong link between how a baby sleeps and the likelihood of dying from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and SUID (sudden unexpected infant death, which includes SIDS and other unexpected causes of infant death, like suffocation).

What Does it Mean to Choose a Midwife for Your Birth?

October 03, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri, LCCE, CD(DONA)

Choosing your care provider is often the first big decision you make in pregnancy and birth. And it's an important one since the care provider you choose has a big impact on your pregnancy and birth outcomes. If you've always assumed you'll just go to the OB you've always gone to for your well care, you may want to double check: are you making an informed decision?

Transition Into Cooler Weather With These Essential Maternity Pieces

September 30, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

Fall is upon us, which means cooler temperatures and changing scenery (depending on where you live, of course!). Being pregnant throughout season changes can be expensive due to the fact that most people don't have extra large tops, jackets, and expanding waistband pants in varying levels of warmth just lying around the house. But we've found a few simple solutions to help you make the most of your existing wardrobe that will allow you to comfortably transition into fall weather and early winter.

Monitoring Baby's Vital Signs With an App - Is it Helpful?

September 25, 2019 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, CD/BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE

September is Baby Safety Month, which is a great time to take a look at infant and baby safety practices. Recommendations change and new information comes out all the time, so checking sites like JPMA and Safe Kids Worldwide on a regular basis is good practice for parents. Baby Safety Month is the perfect time to check in.

How to Use a Hospital Bed in Labor and Birth

September 24, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri, LCCE, CD(DONA)

Seems like a ridiculous title, right? "How to Use a Bed..." The truth is, a hospital bed, in labor and birth, can be used in so many helpful ways -- the least of which is lying in it!

You may have already heard that gravity can be very helpful in birth. If you think about how you get ketchup out of a squeeze bottle, it makes perfect sense. Baby needs to come down and out; contractions squeeze down and out; so you should.... lay down flat?? Of course not! (Though laying down in labor certainly has its place; keep reading.)

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About the Blog Manager

Cara Terreri is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, certified DONA doula, and a professional writer, editor, and content specialist. She has been part of the Lamaze International team since 2004. Cara manages and writes for the Lamaze parents’ blog, Giving Birth With Confidence. She lives and works in the Orlando, FL, area with her husband and three children.