Favorite Recent Pregnancy/Birth Links

I post a lot of web links on my Mamas and Babies facebook fan page, but I often forget to pass the information on here. I think it's important to share as much information as possible, so I'm bringing you some of my recent favorite web links related to pregnancy and birth.

These are in no particular order:

• The Unnecesarean: U.S. Cesaren Rate Reaches Record High, Rises for 13th Consecutive Year - The Cesarean rate for 2009 was 32.9%, up from 32.3% in 2008. The rate continues to climb despite cesarean birth carrying greater risks to mothers and babies in comparison to vaginal birth.
• As early elective births increase so do health risks for mother, child - Babies are being born earlier than they were 10 years ago, thanks to elective inductions and scheduled c-sections. This carries multiple serious risks to mothers and babies. Do you know what the risks of delivering even a week early could be?
• Motherhood: Induced and Seduced: The Dangers of Cytotec - A drug commonly used for labor induction which hasn't even been approved for such use by the FDA, and it carries great risks with it. Why is it used so often? It's cheap.
• C-sections up, overall births down in 2008 - As the cesarean rate increases, the overall birth rate drops? Why do you think this is?
• Pre-Holiday Induction of Labor Without Medical Indication - Some striking statistics about labor patterns through the major holidays of the year. Some food for thought when your doctor or midwife suggests scheduling your child's birth.
• Early skin-to-skin contact after birth: the more the better - A post from Stand and Deliver covering a recent study proving the increased effectiveness of early skin-to-skin contact within the first 3 hours of birth. The more contact, the better the results. 
• A proactive approach to breastfeeding - Another post from Stand and Deliver, about approaching breastfeeding prepared. Taking a proactive stance rather than reactive. Especially good information for first-time mothers or those planning to breastfeed for the first time.
• Everything you ever wondered about breastfeeding during pregnancy, but didn't want to ask... - A straight-forward FAQ style blog post about breastfeeding while pregnant and tandem nursing, from a mom who's been doing it for years.

Happy surfing!