Labor and childbirth are pivotal events in a mother’s life, filled with anticipation and uncertainty. However, the experience can be made significantly more challenging when medical professionals intervene and instruct a mother to suppress the natural urge to push. A recent exposé by Vice has drawn attention to troubling practices within some hospital settings, where
Birth
Labor induction is a medical process that can provide expecting mothers with a clearer timeline for delivery. However, it does not guarantee the duration of labor will be shorter or more manageable. Studies indicate that induced labor may often last longer than spontaneous labor. This discrepancy raises critical questions about the effectiveness of various medications
In 2013, Mimi Evans faced a life-altering decision as she prepared for the birth of her third child. Unwilling to endure the same exhausting hospital experience she had previously faced in Texas, Evans took matters into her own hands, embarking on a remarkable 1,300-mile journey in an RV to access a more supportive birthing environment.
Childbirth is a monumental event in the lives of families, often characterized by a symphony of emotions, challenges, and profound transformations. While the focus predominantly gravitates towards the birthing mother, it is imperative to recognize the often-overlooked contributions of fathers during this time. Their role, though frequently shrouded in the background, is one of unwavering
The decision by Covis Pharma to withdraw Makena, their injectable progesterone drug intended to prevent preterm birth, marks a critical turning point in maternal healthcare. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel’s conclusion that Makena is ineffective highlights significant flaws in the drug’s approval process. Originally greenlit in 2011 through the FDA’s accelerated drug
As the countdown to childbirth approaches, expectant mothers often find themselves caught up in an elaborate dance of logistics and preparation. Every detail, from the perfect hospital bag to the intricacies of self-care, needs to be meticulously planned. Many women, wanting to maintain a sense of control amidst the chaos of impending motherhood, curate their
Recent studies, including a stark 2023 report by the CDC, reveal a troubling reality: 20% of women report experiences of mistreatment during labor. These reported incidents range from outright negligence to psychological undermining in the form of verbal attacks and emotional dismissiveness. Such experiences highlight a pervasive issue within maternity care that must be addressed
After childbirth, the focus often shifts entirely to the newborn, overshadowing the critical organ that played a monumental role in the pregnancy—the placenta. This organ, often viewed as mere medical waste, holds invaluable insights into the wellbeing of both mother and baby, yet it is frequently disregarded in postnatal care discussions. Recent research published in
The journey of motherhood is both beautiful and demanding, and the postpartum period can be a complicated time for new mothers, both emotionally and physically. While many women naturally gravitate toward activities that promote healing and relaxation, such as yoga, it’s vital to approach this practice with mindfulness and caution. Yoga can be invaluable in