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Giving birth is a powerful and life-changing experience. At Baby Chick, we’re here to help you feel prepared, confident, and supported through every step of your labor and birth. Find expert-backed guidance on vaginal births (both medicated and unmedicated), C-sections, home births, birth center births, and adoption. Explore inspiring birth stories, practical birth plans, helpful checklists, and tips to guide your journey into parenthood.

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Pregnant woman writing a birth plan in a notebook while sitting cross-legged on the floor

Create Your Perfect Birth Plan (Free Template & Checklist)

Learn why birth plans matter, see sample templates and examples, and download your free checklist and birth plan to prepare for delivery.

A person's bare foot protrudes from under a white sheet while resting in a cushioned footrest attached to a medical examination table in a clinical setting, poised for a cervical check.

Cervical Check: What Effacement, Dilation, and Station Mean

A pregnant woman sits comfortably on a gray couch, holding a smartphone in her right hand and resting her left hand on her belly, perhaps timing labor contractions. She is wearing a pink shirt and a denim jacket with a floral blanket draped over the couch.

Review of 5 User-Friendly Labor Contraction Apps

A close-up view of a person's hand resting on a blanket in a hospital bed. The hand has an IV inserted, secure with tape, highlighting the subtle difference between hep lock vs saline lock. The person is wearing a blue hospital gown, and the scene takes place within a hospital room.

The Difference Between a Hep Lock vs. Saline Lock vs. IV

A black-and-white photo shows a newborn baby lying against a person's chest after pushing during childbirth. The baby's eyes are open and they have a hospital band on their wrist. An adult's hand is gently cradling the baby’s head and back.

Positions and Tips on Pushing During Childbirth

A person's bare foot protrudes from under a white sheet while resting in a cushioned footrest attached to a medical examination table in a clinical setting, poised for a cervical check.

Cervical Check: What Effacement, Dilation, and Station Mean

A pregnant woman sits comfortably on a gray couch, holding a smartphone in her right hand and resting her left hand on her belly, perhaps timing labor contractions. She is wearing a pink shirt and a denim jacket with a floral blanket draped over the couch.

Review of 5 User-Friendly Labor Contraction Apps

A close-up view of a person's hand resting on a blanket in a hospital bed. The hand has an IV inserted, secure with tape, highlighting the subtle difference between hep lock vs saline lock. The person is wearing a blue hospital gown, and the scene takes place within a hospital room.

The Difference Between a Hep Lock vs. Saline Lock vs. IV

A black-and-white photo shows a newborn baby lying against a person's chest after pushing during childbirth. The baby's eyes are open and they have a hospital band on their wrist. An adult's hand is gently cradling the baby’s head and back.

Positions and Tips on Pushing During Childbirth

Introducing: Pregnancy & Birth Prep by Baby Chick®

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A pregnant woman sits on a black exercise ball, arms stretched overhead, as she prepares her body for labor and birth. She wears a white top and gray sweatpants. The room features a gray sofa, a plant, and soft lighting.

10 Products To Help Prepare Your Body for Labor and Birth

Birth Tips

Pregnant woman packing hospital bag for labor and delivery

Hospital Bag Checklist for Labor, Delivery & Postpartum

Birth Tips

Close-up of a pregnant woman's belly. She is wearing a light blue delivery gown and cradling her belly with both hands. She stands near a sheer curtain, with soft natural light coming through. The setting appears calm and serene.

What to Wear at a Hospital Birth

Guides

A stack of pregnancy books and parenting guides on a dark wooden table. Titles include "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth," "Birthing from Within," "Pushed," "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth," "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn," and "Mindful Birthing.

The Best Pregnancy and Birth Books

Pregnancy Guides

A man with a beard and glasses is leaning against a yellow headboard, reading baby books for your partner while sitting in bed. A French Bulldog, partially covered by a white duvet, is next to him, looking towards the camera. A window is visible in the background.

16 Recommended Pregnancy, Birth, and Baby Books for Your Partner

Fatherhood

A pregnant woman in a magenta shirt is looking at a catalog labeled "ESSENTIAL SINGLES" on a table. Next to her, there is an aroma diffuser, a box of essential oils for labor, and other booklets. She rests one hand on her belly and holds the catalog with the other.

Top 10 Essential Oils for Labor and Delivery

Guides

A pregnant woman sits on a sofa, looking into the white quilted c-section hospital bag she has on her lap. There is a stuffed toy cat next to her and a bicycle in the background. She is wearing a grey t-shirt and green pants.

What To Pack in Your Hospital Bag for a C-Section

C-section

A stethoscope rests on a yellow knitted fabric beside a brown paper-wrapped gift box tied with a yellow ribbon. The objects are arranged closely, suggesting a theme that might be related to gifts for labor delivery nurses or celebrating the dedication of medical professionals.

8 Thank-You Gifts To Give Your Nurses in Labor and Delivery

Guides

A person in a blue and white striped dress holds their pregnant belly with one hand and a brown checkered handbag, packed with essential hospital bag items, with the other. The background features a walkway and green lawn with columns in view.

10 Must-Have Labor Induction Hospital Bag Items

Guides

A collection of beauty and skincare products are displayed in front of a decorative bag with a lavender field design, reminiscent of the tranquility one might seek during a home birth. The setup includes various bottles, containers, and boxes. The background shows pillows with the words "MONSIEUR" and "MADAME.

Everything You Need for Your Home Birth

Guides

A pregnant woman sits, cradled by another person behind her. The person's hands hold a pair of baby shoes near the woman's belly. With her white shirt and light-colored pants, she radiates anticipation as she mentally prepares the birth center bag for the special day ahead.

Checklist: What To Pack in Your Birth Center Bag

Guides

Related Podcast Episodes

View more

A close-up of a woman's lower abdomen showing a healed horizontal C-section scar, likely from a surgical procedure such as a C-section, with hands resting on either side and wearing beige underwear.

What to Expect During a C-Section: Part 2

A woman lies in a hospital bed in the operating room holding her newborn baby on her chest. She and a person beside her, both wearing hairnets, are in a medical setting with monitors and equipment visible. The partner or anesthesiologist is wearing a mask and scrubs.

What to Expect During a C-Section: Part 1

A newborn baby is being pulled up and held immediately after birth. The baby has a wet head and is crying, with eyes closed. Gloved hands support the baby, with a medical bracelet visible on the adults wrist. The setting is likely a hospital or birthing center.

The Power of Pushing During Labor: How To Do It & What to Expect

A new mother in a hospital gown gently holds and kisses her newborn baby wrapped in a striped blanket. They are in a bright room with soft lighting.

How To Prepare For A Great Hospital Birth

A black-and-white image of a newborn baby resting on their mother's chest after a safe birth. The mother lies in bed, looking up with a calm expression while holding the baby close under a blanket. The baby appears to be crying or making a facial expression.

Preparing for a Safe Birth & Healthy Baby With Gina Mundy

A pregnant woman in a black tank top and leggings stands between two beige sofas inside a bright living room. Holding her belly and looking downward with a neutral expression, she seems to be contemplating signs that labor is starting. The room is decorated with various cushions, a blanket, and visible furniture.

What Are the Signs That Labor is Starting?

A woman with a floral tattoo on her shoulder is holding a sleeping newborn baby against her chest. She is smiling slightly with her eyes closed, exuding the serene contentment often associated with an orgasmic birth. The scene conveys a sense of warmth and bonding.

What is Orgasmic Birth? The Best-Kept Birth Secret

A smiling woman with long blonde hair is seated at a wooden desk in an office. She is wearing a gray blazer over a blue top. Behind her, certificates and framed documents are hung on the wall, showcasing her expertise in pelvic floor health. A computer and anatomical model are on the desk.

Postpartum Health

Pelvic Floor Health With Dr. Marcy: Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

A pregnant woman is seated cross-legged on a yoga mat indoors, performing a seated twist to make childbirth easier. She is wearing a sports bra and leggings, and looking out of the window. Two beige armchairs and a wooden table with candles and plants are visible in the background.

Pregnancy Fitness

The Pregnancy Workout That Can Make Childbirth Easier

A woman lying in a hospital bed smiles while holding a newborn baby wrapped in a blanket with a foot print pattern. The baby, wearing a tiny hat, rests against the woman's chest as she experiences the joy Henci Goer often describes in her writings on childbirth.

Taking Charge of Your Birth with Henci Goer

The image is a side-by-side of two photos. On the left, Kam and Leroy, with Kam in a pink dress and Leroy in a light blue shirt, hold balloons. On the right, the same couple smiles with their newborn, Leroy now in a maroon shirt and Kam lovingly holding the baby.

Becoming Parents: Kam Williams & Leroy Garrett

A person lying in a hospital bed covers their face with both hands. Their hospital gown and medical wristband are visible, hinting at recent birth trauma. Medical equipment and a blurred background suggest a hospital setting. The lighting is soft, creating a calm but serious atmosphere.

Birth Trauma and How to Overcome a Difficult Birthing Experience

A close-up image of a placenta in a white tray, with a portion of the umbilical cord still attached. Blood and bodily fluids are visible in the tray. Surgical clamps are attached to the umbilical cord, posing questions on what to do with your placenta. The background is slightly blurred.

What To Do With Your Placenta After Giving Birth

A pregnant person in a hospital gown is sitting on a hospital bed in a patient room. They have an IV catheter in their hand and various medical equipment is visible, including an IV drip. The person appears to be in labor, focusing on their breathing, as they await the next stage of their hospital stay.

What to Expect When You Check Into the Hospital in Labor

A woman is lying in bed, smiling down at a newborn baby who is sleeping on her chest. The baby, wrapped in a blanket, appears to be resting comfortably. The background is out of focus, placing emphasis on the woman and the baby. Listening to a VBAC podcast nearby adds to their serene moment.

VBAC: Everything You Need to Know

A woman in a bathtub holds a newborn baby against her chest after a vaginal birth. The baby is crying, and the woman's eyes are closed as she rests her head back. A towel partially covers the newborn. The scene appears to be a home water birth.

What to Expect During Labor and a Vaginal Birth

A person wearing a hospital gown lies in bed, holding hands with another. The individual in bed, adorned with a white hospital wristband, appears to be resting with eyes closed. Behind them are a pillow and a blue object, possibly reflecting on why a natural birth was chosen.

Why Would Someone Want a Natural Birth?

A pregnant woman, mindful of birth during COVID, wears a face mask and blue gloves as she holds her belly. She stands against a plain white background, clad in a white tank top and dark pants.

Preparing for Birth During COVID-19

A woman in a water birthing pool holds a newborn baby in her arms, embodying the serene beauty often discussed on home birth podcasts. She has her eyes closed and is smiling gently. The baby rests against her chest with its tiny hands and feet visible. The image is in black and white.

Home Birth: Is It Safe?

A pregnant woman sits cross-legged on a bed, eyes closed and hands resting on her belly, absorbed in a calming hypnobirthing podcast. She wears a white tank top and blue jeans. The bed has white pillows and a dark, tufted headboard. The room is softly lit.

What Is HypnoBirthing?

A woman with long brown hair lies in a hospital bed, wearing a hospital gown and resting with her eyes closed. She has a nasal cannula for oxygen and an IV line attached to her arm, as she undergoes labor induction. The room has medical equipment visible in the background.

What You Need to Know about Labor Induction

A person is sitting on a sofa with a notebook and pen in hand, jotting down notes, possibly listening to a birth plan podcast. They appear to be pregnant, with one hand resting on their belly. Next to them are a pair of baby shoes and an ultrasound image. The setting is cozy and relaxed.

How to Write a Birth Plan

A pregnant woman sits cross-legged outdoors in a sunlit field, meditating with eyes closed. She is wearing a white blouse, black pants, and a flower crown, with sunlight streaming through the trees behind her, peacefully listening to a birth podcast to prepare for labor.

How to Prepare Your Mind and Body for Childbirth

A mother lies in a hospital bed, smiling as she holds her newborn baby on her chest. The baby is wrapped in a towel and appears to be sleeping. The mother, wearing a patterned hospital gown, reflects the joy often discussed on the Healthier Birth Podcast. Medical equipment and supplies are seen in the background.

12 Tips for a Happier and Healthier Birth

A pregnant woman lying in a hospital bed, hooked up to monitoring equipment, appears to be thoughtfully looking to her left. She wears a hospital gown with sensors attached to her belly, likely for fetal monitoring. Perhaps she's reflecting on a recent episode of the Go to the Hospital in Labor podcast.

When to Go to the Hospital in Labor as a First Time Mom

More from Birth

A newborn baby is seen partially covered in amniotic sac during an en caul birth, with a gloved hand assisting. The baby’s head, covered in blood and fluids, is being gently held. The background includes blue medical fabric and a woman's leg.

What Is An En Caul Birth?

A newborn baby wrapped in a patterned blanket is lying on the chest of a person resting in a hospital bed after a vacuum birth. The baby wears a hat and an ID band while crying. The person, with long hair, appears to be resting.

Vacuum Birth: What You Need to Know

A woman is in a birthing pool, holding a newborn baby while a young child looks on. A man stands beside the pool, gazing at the newborn, with another child standing near him. The scene, reminiscent of celebrities who had home births, highlights the intimate and serene environment of welcoming new life at home.

15 Celebrities Who Had Home Births

A woman lying in a hospital bed appears to be in pain, with her eyes closed and her face contorted. She is wearing a hospital gown, and her hand is resting on her abdomen, indicating the aftermath of a 3rd degree perineal tear. The background is out of focus, highlighting the woman as the main subject.

Degrees of Perineal Tearing in Childbirth

Three healthcare workers in scrubs, masks, and hair covers are attending to a patient lying in a hospital bed. One worker appears to be comforting the patient, perhaps managing an instance of shoulder dystocia, while the other two look on. The room contains medical equipment and a window with blinds.

Shoulder Dystocia: What It Is and What You Can Do

A close-up image of a pregnant woman laying on her back with her midsection exposed. Two hands, likely belonging to another person, are placed gently on her belly, one above the belly button and one below, perhaps feeling for a breech baby. The woman is covered with a white towel from the waist down.

Guide to Breech Baby Delivery Options

A person in hospital attire sits on a bed, eating a sandwich. In the foreground, there is a tray with sliced bread, a bowl of salad, and a bottle of milk with a red-striped straw. The setting appears to be a hospital room, prompting the question: can you eat during labor?

Why Can’t You Eat During Labor?

A pregnant woman lies in a hospital bed, wearing a hospital gown. A fetal monitoring belt is wrapped around her abdomen, and an IV is inserted into her arm. Her left hand rests on her belly as she awaits treatment for chorioamnionitis. The background shows part of the hospital bed and bedding.

Chorioamnionitis: What Pregnant People Need to Know

A pregnant person in a black tank top and leggings is sitting on a teal birthing ball in a living room. They are holding their belly with both hands. The room has a light-colored couch, pillows, a table lamp, and a tote bag in the background.

How to Use a Birthing Ball

A close-up of a pregnant person's belly with medical monitoring belts attached, tracking early fetal heart rate decelerations. A hand with a hospital wristband is resting on the belly. The person is lying on a hospital bed, wearing a light blue hospital gown.

What Is Early Fetal Heart Rate Deceleration? (And Why It’s a Good Thing!)

A person receiving an epidural injection in their back. The healthcare professional administering the injection is wearing blue gloves. Medical supplies and equipment are visible on a blue disposable sheet in the background, debunking common epidural myths with proper medical practice.

10 Epidural Myths and Facts: What You Should Know

A woman, eyes closed, is lying in a birthing tub holding a newborn baby against her chest, embracing the beauty of a water birth. The baby appears to be freshly born, with damp hair and vernix on its skin. A person, partially visible, is leaning over the tub.

Water Birth: Benefits, Risks, and What You Need To Know

A pregnant woman in a yellow long-sleeve shirt is standing in a kitchen holding a glass of orange juice. On the table in front of her, alongside various fruits and kitchen towels, there's a bottle of castor oil for inducing labor. The background reveals a shelf with plants and kitchen items.

Castor Oil for Labor Induction: Does it Work?

A pregnant woman in a striped shirt is being assisted by a nurse wearing blue scrubs. The woman is leaning slightly, supported by the nurse, who resembles what a birth doula does. They are in a room with beige walls, a closed door, a lamp, and a bed with a beige blanket.

What Does a Birth Doula Do?

Medical professionals in surgical attire are delivering a newborn baby via emergency c-section in an operating room. One holds the infant while the other clamps the umbilical cord. The newborn is crying and covered in vernix, surrounded by medical equipment.

Emergency C-Sections: When Things Don’t Go as Planned

A close-up shows a pregnant person lying down with their hand resting on their belly. Medical monitoring equipment, including a fetal heart rate monitor, is strapped around their abdomen. The individual is wearing a hospital gown as they prepare for labor induction, and a bed is partially visible.

9 Reasons Why You Might Need a Labor Induction

A pregnant woman in a pink sports bra and black pants stands by a window, looking outside. She has one hand on her hip and the other resting on the windowsill, lost in thoughts about how to turn posterior baby. The room has light pink walls, and a white bed frame is partially visible.

How To Naturally Turn a Posterior Baby

Third Trimester

A close-up view of a person's hand resting on a blanket in a hospital bed. The hand has an IV inserted, secure with tape, highlighting the subtle difference between hep lock vs saline lock. The person is wearing a blue hospital gown, and the scene takes place within a hospital room.

The Difference Between a Hep Lock vs. Saline Lock vs. IV

A pregnant woman is seated cross-legged on a yoga mat indoors, performing a seated twist to make childbirth easier. She is wearing a sports bra and leggings, and looking out of the window. Two beige armchairs and a wooden table with candles and plants are visible in the background.

The Pregnancy Workout That Can Make Childbirth Easier – Podcast Ep 100

Pregnancy Fitness

Close-up of two hands gently pulling the skin around a thin, slightly raised C-section scar on a person's body. The linear scar appears healed, with its light pink color indicating recent scar tissue formation.

To My C-Section Scar: A Letter of Gratitude and Strength

A woman is lying in a hospital bed wearing a hospital gown. She appears to be in labor, her legs bent and partially covered by a white sheet. Medical equipment and monitors are visible beside the bed, dispelling any myths about labor and birth through the vigilance of modern healthcare.

10 Myths About Labor and Birth

A newborn baby, with closed eyes and an open mouth, is crying while being held close to a person's chest. The baby, possibly having just received erythromycin eye ointment, is wearing a white cap and partially wrapped in a patterned blanket. A hand gently supports the baby's head.

All About Erythromycin Eye Ointment Given to Babies at Birth

A woman lying in a hospital bed smiles while holding a newborn baby wrapped in a blanket with a foot print pattern. The baby, wearing a tiny hat, rests against the woman's chest as she experiences the joy Henci Goer often describes in her writings on childbirth.

Taking Charge of Your Birth with Henci Goer – Podcast Ep 99

A newborn baby is lying on a hospital bed, crying as a medical professional wearing gloves prepares to administer a vitamin K shot at birth. The baby, donning a diaper and hospital identification wristband, is in a typical medical facility setting.

All About Giving Newborns the Vitamin K Shot at Birth

A pregnant woman sits on a sofa, looking into the white quilted c-section hospital bag she has on her lap. There is a stuffed toy cat next to her and a bicycle in the background. She is wearing a grey t-shirt and green pants.

What To Pack in Your Hospital Bag for a C-Section

A pregnant woman wearing a hospital gown stands by a window, looking down and gently holding her belly. The window shows the blurred lights of a cityscape at night, as she contemplates not just the future but also the cost of having a baby.

The Most Expensive States to Have a Baby

A stethoscope rests on a yellow knitted fabric beside a brown paper-wrapped gift box tied with a yellow ribbon. The objects are arranged closely, suggesting a theme that might be related to gifts for labor delivery nurses or celebrating the dedication of medical professionals.

8 Thank-You Gifts To Give Your Nurses in Labor and Delivery

The image is a side-by-side of two photos. On the left, Kam and Leroy, with Kam in a pink dress and Leroy in a light blue shirt, hold balloons. On the right, the same couple smiles with their newborn, Leroy now in a maroon shirt and Kam lovingly holding the baby.

Becoming Parents: Kam Williams & Leroy Garrett – Podcast Ep 94

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