Pregnancy
Labor & Delivery Turf Wars
My parents are hurt because I don’t want to tell them when I go into labor.
Pregnancy
Labor & Delivery Turf Wars: Delivery Room Bullies
A first-time expectant mom needs advice on how to manage her pushy family and in-laws before, during and after labor and delivery.
Pregnancy
Pregnant & Abroad
I’m pregnant and live overseas, but want to come home for my third trimester and the birth…with or without my husband.
Childbirth
Breastfeeding After a C-Section
Midwives are telling this mom that she will probably have difficulty breastfeeding post an elective c-section. She wants to know if that’s true?
Pregnancy
When You Tear Down There: How to Heal, Cope & Learn to Laugh About it Later
Amalah interviews Catherine of Her Bad Mother fame for some honest talk about tears and episiotomies. Hold onto your pants, ladies.
Pregnancy
10 Things I Wish Somebody Had Told Me About C-Sections
Okay, somebody probably did try to tell me, but I probably wasn’t paying attention. PAY ATTENTION, YOU!
Childbirth
With Childbirth, You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Coping with regret, sadness and the sense that you’re being ridiculous when you don’t get the birth experience you dreamed of.
Pregnancy
Labor & Delivery Room Turf Wars, Part Two
My mom really, really wants to be in the room when I deliver. I really, really don’t. How can I tell her without hurting her feelings?
Childbirth
Birth Plans As Conversation Fodder
What do you do and say when not only do many people inquire about your birth plan, but then those same busybodies try to change your mind?
Baby
Pregnancy PTSD
After a difficult pregnancy, birth and newborn experience, a mother wants to know: Am I a monster for hating every minute of those “magical moments?”
Childbirth
Hospital Visitor Etiquette, Visitor Perspective Edition
What’s the etiquette on visiting family and friends at the hospital after they deliver a baby?
Pregnancy
Delivery Room Wars
I want my mom to be there during labor and delivery. My husband is all but marking his territory by peeing in the snow. Help!
Pregnancy
Tips For a Successful Hospital Stay
Having a great time! Wish you were here! Try the mystery meat with a side of jello!
Baby
Update: When Daddy’s Been Drinking
An update from one of our most memorable Advice Smackdown columns: The pregnant mom faced with a husband in rehab on her due date.
Pregnancy
The Homebirth Experience
Stephanie of Adventures in Babywearing tells us why she chose a homebirth and why it was right for her, plus some of the more practical aspects of recovering from a birth at home from the get-go.
Childbirth
Mapping Out Your Birth Plan: Close to Home or Close to Work?
An expectant mom is moving to the suburbs and deciding on whether to stay with her current OB care and birth location or chose one that will be closer to home. We have some thoughts on the pros and cons of each.
Pregnancy
A Note From the Other Side
It’s the Most Wonderful (Former Advice Smackdown Question-Asker Update) of the Year.
Pregnancy
Help ProPublica and NPR Investigate Maternal Mortality
We received an important request on behalf of NPR and ProPublica, who are teaming up for deep-dive investigation into why so many American women die — or come close to dying — during pregnancy and childbirth. Please consider taking a few minutes to share your story.