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After a recent experience, I'm interested in reading about how labor and delivery teams work. Everything I've found online is very general and meant to describe the team in broad strokes to expectant parents--I'd like to know more about who is responsible for what and how they handle contingencies and emergencies. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 16, 2022 - 9 answers

Next in the string of Major Life Events: getting this kid out of me. I feel like most of the resources out there (including the classes I was looking to for advice) are pitched toward people who have already decided whether or not to have a natural, unmedicated childbirth, especially here in granola-land. I don't know; I want the baby out and safe, but I don't care about being SuperMom; I am pretty sure there's no reason to be in pain if I don't have to be. I just want to be able to get through it and be with my husband and baby. Thoughts, experiences, advice? [more inside]
posted by Madamina on May 14, 2014 - 55 answers

My husband's boss just told him that he won't be able to take time off for the delivery of our baby. What should we do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 22, 2013 - 29 answers

My wife and I have our hospital bags packed, ready to take with us when we're heading to the hospital to have the baby. We've got the various odds and ends like a change of clothes, toiletries, chapstick, devices & chargers, camera, etc. If you've done this before, what do you wish you'd brought (or what did you make sure you brought the second time)?
posted by davebug on Jan 8, 2013 - 68 answers

Family drama: what should we be doing? This was me. Last night, my pregnant-with-twins sister went to the ER with bleeding and what felt like early contractions. [more inside]
posted by kat518 on Dec 2, 2012 - 38 answers

24 weeks pregnant, facing bedrest and woefully underprepared for the birth of this surprise baby. FMLA, bedrest and c-section questions inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 9, 2012 - 24 answers

This is not my first baby. I am close to one week past my due date. No signs of labor. First, tell me how to survive because my first baby was here by now and I just cannot do this much longer. Second, why haven't I gone into labor yet and what if I don't? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 14, 2011 - 26 answers

What are some great snacks for labor? The baby is due in a couple of weeks, and we're getting ready for the (natural) birth. [more inside]
posted by Deathalicious on Aug 26, 2011 - 27 answers

Tell me about your recovery after a cesarean section. [more inside]
posted by chiababe on Oct 25, 2010 - 29 answers

What should I know / do / bring to help me make it through the pain and exhaustion of giving birth? [more inside]
posted by kitcat on Sep 6, 2010 - 44 answers

My wife and I are expecting our first baby any day now, she wants me to make some cd's for her to listen to during labor, she likes [more inside]
posted by dstopps on Jun 2, 2009 - 17 answers

New baby + uninvited family visitors = drama. More hormone-charged details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 9, 2008 - 64 answers

My neighbor/good friend just went into labor! I have the keys to her house. Give me some ideas of what I can do to rock out her house while she is gone! [more inside]
posted by Sassyfras on Oct 3, 2008 - 17 answers

Anyone have any thoughts (experiences) on natural ways to persuade an overdue baby to make it's appearance? (and yes I know that one...!)
posted by brettski on Apr 15, 2004 - 18 answers