Pregnancy & Childbirth
www.childbirthconnection.org - A source for trustworthy up-to-date evidence-based information and resources on planning for pregnancy, labor and birth, and the postpartum period. Founded in 1918, Childbirth Connection is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving maternity care quality and value. They promote safe, effective and satisfying evidence-based maternity care for women and families.
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ClickedLink=293&ck=10212&area=27 – Should you have a repeat cesarean or try for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). The Childbirth connection web site explores the issue from both sides to help you make that decision.
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ClickedLink=334&ck=10068&area=27 – The Listening to Mothers surveys parts I and II are valuable tools for both women and providers. The surveys cover aspects of pregnancy care, delivery, and postpartum from the woman’s perspective.
www.birthcenters.org – The American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) is for anyone who is interested in pregnancy, birth, labor and delivery, and other women’s healthcare and reproductive issues. It is an association for consumers and professionals. Be sure to check out their library section for an extensive collection of articles on “What we know about birth.”
http://www.midwife.org/reduce_campaign.cfm – The REDUCE campaign: Research and education to decrease unnecessary cesarean sections.
http://www.midwife.org/share_with_women.cfm – “Share with Women” is a series of health care articles from the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, written for consumers.
www.ican-online.org – The International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) provides support and education for those women delivering by cesarean section. There are articles discussing VBAC, repeat and elective cesarean, choosing a care provider and place for birth, and finding a local ICAN chapter.
www.marchofdimes.com – The March of Dimes website provides wonderful educational site for consumers regarding prenatal testing, nutrition, and preterm labor.
www.dona.org - Doulas of North America (DONA) is a website explaining what a doula is and how they can help women during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. You can also find a doula in your area.
www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/press/BusinessofBeingBorn.pdf (PDF File) – The Business of Being Born is a documentary on the medicalization of American birth. It was produced by talk show host and actress Rikki Lake. It is now widely available on DVD.
www.motherfriendly.org – The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS)mission is to promote a wellness model of maternity care that will improve birth outcomes and substantially reduce costs. Be sure to check out “Having a baby? Ten Questions you need to ask” and the “Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative.”
www.bradleybirth.com – Husband coached childbirth, also known the Bradley Method, is a childbirth preparation course for families dedicated to natural childbirth. This site includes an outline of the course, pregnancy information, and how to find an instructor. There are several instructors in South Carolina.
