Labor & Delivery

It's inevitable: Sometime during pregnancy, you realize (with panic! with dread!) that the living, growing being inside you will have to come out! Don't sweat it: you've got nine months to get ready, and we're here to help. Our Labor & Delivery articles and tools will help you educate yourself about the process, think through your own wishes for labor, and even get your iPod programmed with some rockin' tunes to get you through the tough stuff. So, let's get started:

Create Your Own Birth Plan
Think of it as a wish list for your labor experience. Create and print a plan to discuss with your healthcare provider early in your pregnancy.

Labor Playlists
You're going to need just the right mix of tunes to help you relax through contractions and get pumped up to push. Looking for a little inspiration? Here are our featured picks of the songs you won't want to miss.

Ask the Labor Nurse
Each week, veteran labor nurse Jeanne Faulkner answers your questions about labor and delivery. Wondering if that unidentified foreign leak is your water breaking? Worried about getting an episiotomy or an epidural? Bring it on ladies: Ask a labor nurse, anything.

Have it Your Way
From traditional to alternative, there's a world of choices in childbirth education. Read about them all here.

The Real Deal
From what to pack to how to handle visitors, 14 moms offer proven tips to improve your hospital stay.

Induction Decision
Want to schedule your baby's birth date? First you should consider whether it's worth the potential risks.

Get Ready To Push
Labor is one of the most rigorous workouts you'll ever do. Here's how to prepare your body and mind for the big event.

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