Unassisted birth

Gathering knowledge about the process of childbirth, and learning about complication, is a large part of preparing to give birth unassisted. This page is dedicated to the practical aspects of unassisted homebirth – the physiological aspects of birth, tips for a better birth, as well as complications that can occur. Learning what is normal during birth and what is not is invaluable for any women giving birth, no matter where she intends to bring her baby into the world. This page will be regularly updated. If there is anything specific you are intersted in that has not yet been covered, feel free to contact me at info@writeaboutbirth.com.

During pregnancy

Morning sickness remedies

Home remedies to help pregnant women get some relief from pregnancy nausea.

Prenatal care options for unassisted birthers

Some women see an OB/GYN for their prenatal care, others choose to see a midwife, and some opt to have an unassisted pregnancy and carry out their own prenatal care. This article discusses the pros and cons of all those options.

Preventing and treating pregnancy anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia is not uncommon for pregnant women, but there are ways to prevent and treat it at home, with herbs and foods.

Unassisted childbirth – a preparatory checklist

A list to help folks planning an unassisted birth check their preparatory progress.

Birth supplies of your UC

A list of what is needed for labor and birth, and for baby and mom after delivery.

Fetal position and unassisted homebirth

Knowing what position your baby is in does not always require an ultrasound. How do you determine your baby’s position by palpating the uterus? With a bit of practice, women will be able to feel whether their baby is vertex (head down), breech, or transverse.

Witch hazel during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum

Witch hazel can be used for a great many things during pregnancy, birth, and during the postpartum period. Here’s a list.

Placental abruption during pregnancy

Discusses the symptoms and risk factors.

Preparing older children to attend the homebirth of a sibling

For those with older children, who are considering having them present during the birth of a sibling.

GBS treatment options

What is Group B Strep, and what are the treatment options?

Labor

How do you know you are in labor?

Recognizing labor – mostly for first-time mothers.

Staying hydrated in labor

Staying properly hydrated in labor is essential. These are some tips on how to make it happen.

Unassisted homebirth – recognizing signs of infection

Amnionitis, an infection of the amniotic sac and the uterus, has the potential to quickly turn into an emergency. What are the signs of infection?

Breathing techniques during labor

Does patterned breathing offer pain relief during labor? How do you do it?

Natural pain relief techniques during labor

Tips for coping with the pain of labor naturally.

Birth

Homebirth and shoulder dystocia

What happens during a shoulder dystocia, when the baby’s head is born without problems but the rest of the body is stuck? How is this complication dealt with in a hospital setting, and what are the options for handling it at home?

Unassisted birth and cord prolapse

Cord prolapse is an immediate emergency during which your baby’s umbilical cord presents before he or she does. The umbilical cord supplies oxygen to the baby throughout pregnancy and until birth, and the baby’s body pressing onto the cord cuts of oxygen supply. What can you do if this happens?

Unassisted homebirth – catching your own baby

What are the best positions if you are hoping to catch your own baby?

Coached pushing – are there any benefits?

This post mainly discusses why coached pushing makes no sense during a natural birth, but is useful for UC-ers who will obviously not be coached during pushing.

The best positions for labor and birth

Some tips for choosing the best positions for giving birth.

Postpartum and baby

Unassisted homebirth – what about post-partum hemorrhage?

While some blooding is normal after giving birth, excessive blood loss poses a danger. This post discusses how to recognize post-partum hemorrhage, and home treatments for excessive bleeding.

Cutting the umbilical cord

When? With what? And how to clamp or tie it?

Umbilical cord care basics

Information about caring for your baby’s umbilical cord stump.

Unassisted childbirth – what you need to know about the third stage

The third stage of labor refers to the delivery of the placenta. How soon should you expect the placenta to be born, when do you cut the cord, and what if the placenta will just not come out?

Wharton’s jelly – the natural umbilical cord clamp

Wharton’s jelly is the reason it is not, in fact, necessary to clamp a baby’s umbilical cord. This jelly substance that turns solid after birth shows just how amazing the human body is!

Clamping the umbilical cord – is it necessary?

More about cord clamping.

Benefits of delayed cord clamping

Reasons to wait until your baby’s cord stops pulsating before cutting it.

Eating your placenta

Information for mothers who are considering eating the placenta after birth.

What is a Lotus Birth?

Lotus Birth refers to the practice of leaving the baby’s placenta attached until the umbilical cord naturally severs. How do you pull this off – and are there any benefits?

Unassisted homebirth and getting your baby’s birth certificate

What paperwork will you need to get your baby’s birth certificate following an unassisted homebirth? What obstacles can families who gave birth without medical assistance encounter – and how can you prevent them from happening to you?

Who cleans up after a homebirth?

All about postpartum clean-up.

Supplies for the post-partum period

A list of handy things to have on hand after birth.