Birth

Water Birth: Easing Transition From the Womb (03:00)
Parents often view childbirth as a continuation of self, lessening the impact of death by leaving offspring behind. The biological aptitude for human reproduction emphasizes infant dependency on a mother.

Bonding With Newborns (02:59)
Immediately after birth the infant needs to feel comforted by it's mother's presence to avoid long-term feelings of abandonment. Humans are sensory, emotional, and intellectual beings and infants require contact on all levels.

Role of Fathers in Childbirth (02:18)
Fathers sometimes feel disconnected to the birthing process but ultimately reconcile themselves to their own transformation into fatherhood.

Impact of Cerebral Development (02:35)
By the time an infant is born he or she has already started assembling the beginnings of his or her own memories. Due to the large size of human brains and skulls, infants need to be born before they are fully developed.

Midwives and Childbirth in Holland (04:47)
In contrast to traditional British or American attitudes towards childbirth, the Dutch regard childbirth as a natural event and in Holland, home delivery with the use of midwives is preferred over hospitalization.

Birthing Centers in Quebec (05:07)
Women can go to a birthing center in Quebec, Canada, where midwives assist in labor and delivery in a natural intimate setting, emphasizing the bonding experience between families and newborn infants.

Changing Childbirth Practices in Western Society (02:09)
By the 18th century western society changed from the delivery of babies in a family context to a medical childbirth controlled by men. The involvement of obstetricians has improved the rate of mother and infant survival.

Childbirth in Medical Settings (02:41)
In the 21st century mothers who chose to give birth in a medical setting have many options, from variations in birthing positions to the option of epidural to reduce pain.

Epidurals and Pain Management in Childbirth (03:55)
While options for alleviating pain have increased with epidurals, much controversy remains about the advantages and disadvantages of pain management during childbirth. Proponents of natural childbirth discourage the use of epidurals.

Technology in Pregnancy and Prenatal Care (02:38)
Prenatal diagnostics involve the use of sonograms to identify any potentially pathological anomalies the infant may possess. The use of complicated technology may be experienced by some as an intrusion on the pregnancy.

Caesarian Sections: Attitudes From Various Backgrounds (04:05)
African women do not typically give birth by caesarian section or with the use of epidurals, considering such methods unnatural. Medical intervention, if necessary, requires using a humanistic approach with patients and family.

Childbirth Classes: Preparation for Labor and Delivery (03:04)
Mothers discuss feelings of fear and anticipation for the birth of their babies, as well as the use of epidurals and/or breathing techniques to cope with pain during childbirth.

Optimal Vaginal Delivery (04:38)
In a typical hospital setting, a woman practicing natural childbirth labors and delivers her baby vaginally without any complications.

Postpartum Depression (03:12)
Women may be affected by postpartum depression or baby blues two or three days after delivery and find that they have difficulty coping with the responsibilities of motherhood. Babies respond to language despite their lack of understanding.

Parenting Decisions: Maternal Instincts (03:50)
Maternal instincts guide new mothers in parenting techniques. Even Freud acknowledges that parents typically do not make all the right parenting decisions but emphasizes the importance of attempting to be the best parents possible.