Giving Birth
with Confidence

Trusted resources, stories and answers for parents.

Depression During Pregnancy and Postpartum - What to Expect with Treatment

May 31, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

Perinatal depression (around the time of pregnancy) and postpartum depression (after birth), also referred to as PD, PPD, or PPMAD, are very common -- around the world, it affects 2 out of 10 people during pregnancy or in the first year after birth. The good news is that perinatal and postpartum depression (as well as associated mental health disorders like anxiety, OCD, and psychosis) are treatable, and in fact, often must be treated to see improvement or cure.

Why You Pee in a Cup Every Visit During Pregnancy

May 29, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

Well into your pregnancy, you become a pro at prenatal appointments: check in, pee in a cup, and wait. As it turns out, urine is a pretty good indicator of health. Like reading the tea leaves or asking the Magic 8 ball, except way more scientific, you urine can tell your care provider about the presence of an infection, diabetes, dehydration, and/or preeclampsia.

All the Doula Interview Questions You Need to Ask (and Then Some...)

May 24, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

To wrap up our series of doula content this month in celebration of International Doula Month, we're sharing all of the possible doula interview questions you ever needed (and some you may not). Keep in mind that everyone's priorities are different when it comes to hiring a doula, and so some of the following questions may not be applicable or important.

I Know I Want a Doula; Now What?

May 22, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

You've decided you want to hire a doula for your birth. What all do you need to do to make that happen and have the best experience possible? As part of our celebration of International Doula Month, we've provided helpful information to use when finding and hiring a doula.

Hiring a doula isn't rocket science, but there are tips and tricks that will help you find someone who is skilled and a good match for your personality and needs.

Amy Schumer, Meghan Markle, and You

May 17, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri, LCCE, CD(DONA)

Amy Schumer did it -- and talked about it on Insta. Meghan Markle reportedly did it -- so says all of the celeb news sites. So: will you hire a doula for your birth?

Having a doula attend your birth is more than just celebrity hype -- the kind of continuous support provided by a doula has the ability to positively impact your birth experience and even more important, it's associated with better, healthier birth outcomes for both parent and baby. During International Doula Month, we celebrate and share about the wonder of doulas. How exactly does a doula's support help with birth? Let's take a look.

Taking Aspirin During Pregnancy Could Prevent Preeclampsia

May 16, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri, LCCE, CD(DONA)

According to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines, pregnant people should start taking low-dose prenatal aspirin between weeks 12 and 28 of the pregnancy – but recent evidence shows that starting closer to the beginning of the second trimester may be more beneficial.

Pregnant? New Parent? Think Twice About Your Time on Facebook and Instagram

May 10, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

Sharing is caring, right? At least, that's the premise behind social media when it comes to sharing pics of belly bumps and cute babies in 1-month-stickered onesies -- that people care about our lives, that we should care about sharing our day-to-day with a curated audience. But is all this sharing really caring? Is it fulfilling our basic and vital human need for connection?

Mother's Day Gifts for Pregnant Moms

May 08, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

Celebrate the pregnant moms in your life this Mother's Day! Even if they don't yet have other children running around at home, a pregnant mom is still a mom deserving of recognition on Mother's Day. The question is, what kinds of gifts would a mom-to-be enjoy?? Of course, there's the standard card and gift card combo, but if you want to do more, we have some suggestions that nearly any expectant mother would appreciate.

Good Things to Know About Your Labor & Delivery Nurse

May 06, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

Spoiler alert: your L&D nurse has been through a lot of births. Her experience is invaluable, and her support can be a great boost throughout your own experience of labor and birth. It's true of course that like anything in life, you could get a nurse who's having a bad day, who doesn't really like the job, etc., but in general your labor and delivery nurse is there to offer help and support in the best way possible. On National Nurses Day, we're going to share more great things to know about your L&D nurse to help you use her as a resource during labor and birth.

Your nurse is there to help and has good intentions. No matter your birth preferences or what you know about what your hospital will or won't permit according to policy, your nurse's role is to give you great care during your stay, and to keep you and your baby safe and healthy. Go into your birth knowing that your nurse is a friend, not foe.

The Problem With Downplaying Mental Health Symptoms in Pregnancy & Postpartum

April 30, 2019 | by: Cara Terreri

Everybody has a bad day here and there -- the kind of day where nothing seems to go right, where everything feels out of whack. It's easy to dismiss those times as "just a bad day."

But what happens when the bad days keep coming? Do you find yourself saying "I'm just having a bad day" more often than not? Are you having trouble finding "good days?" If you answered yes to either of those questions, you may be downplaying or dismissing symptoms of a mental health disorder.

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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.