2021 Year in Review - Best of the Blog

Well, here we are again at the end of another year. 2021, for many people, was a challenging year. A second year into the Covid pandemic created added difficulties across many of life's experiences. And yet, there also has been new and exciting opportunities, success, and many moments of joy! No matter your own mix of experiences this year, one thing is for certain: At Giving Birth With Confidence, we shared a lot of information about pregnancy and childbirth. Thank you, dear readers, for continuing to turn to Lamaze for resources, stories, and information on safe and healthy birth. 

Like every year, we've compiled lists that summarize the blog's year in review. What was your favorite post? What would you like to see more or less of? Let us know in the comments! Interested in being a guest writer for the blog? Email cterreri@lamaze.org for more information. 

Hot Topics

• Labor support
• Childbirth classes
• Newborn care tips
• Birth terminology explained
• Childbirth videos
• ALL the tips about labor and birth
• Cesarean
• Covid
• Black health equity
• Nutrition
• How to dress for pregnancy comfort

News Shared

• Launch of the The Lamaze Podcast 
• Birth Doulas and Lactation Consultants to Become Covered Benefit for Military Families Starting 2022
• New Guidelines to Know for Storing Breast Milk, Human Milk
• When Pregnancy is Complicated - ACOG Recommendations for Delivery
• Analysis: Doulas May Improve Health Care & Long-term Quality of Life Costs
• American Rescue Plan Provides Extended COVID-19 Coverage for Pregnancy & Postpartum

Some of the Questions Answered

• How to Get the Folic Acid You Need in Pregnancy
• So You Want to Know About... Lactation Cookies
• All You Need to Know About Group B Strep
• What to Know When Buying a Breast Pump
• Covid Safety Questions to Ask Your Doula
• Traveling While Pregnant? Here's What to Bring
• How Common Labor Practices Impact Your Newborn's Weight & Breastfeeding
• Walking During Labor: When, Why, and Where?
• Why Irrelevant Chitchat During Birth Matters & What You Can Do

Top 10 Viewed Posts of 2021

#10

Safely Treat Allergies During Pregnancy

With the help of MotherToBaby, we provide a list of the allergy medications considered safe to take in pregnancy.

#9

How a Doula Supports You During Cesarean Birth

When you hire a doula, it's important to have conversations about the details of doula support for the many variations labor and birth can take, including c-section. Learn how a doula can still be an invaluable support person in the event of cesarean.  

#8

Releasing Tension in Labor Helps Relieves Pain

Learn how to recognize when you're tensing up in labor and then release that tension in order to reduce the amount of overall pain and stress you feel. 

#7

Keeping Your Newborn Baby Safe & Cool in Extreme Heat

Learn the basics on how to keep your infant cool and how to recognize signs of overheating.

#6

Make Sure Movement is Part of Your Labor

Research shows that moving around freely in labor provides pain relief, decreases the need for pain medication, may make labor/birth easier/faster, and improves your sense of control in labor, as well as overall satisfaction. Learn how to incorporate movement in labor.

#5

Safety of the COVID -19 Vaccine for Pregnant and Lactating People

This post was released almost one year ago and talks about initial findings of safety of the Covid-19 vaccine for pregnant and lactating people. The vaccine still is recommended and has found to be safe for pregnant and lactating people. 

#4

Endometriosis, Fertility, and Pregnancy

If you have endometriosis, it's impossible to predict what you might experience when you try to conceive and during pregnancy. The more informed you are, the more prepared and supported you can be as you go through this stage in your life.  

#3

When in Labor Should You Go to the Hospital

Knowing when to leave for the hospital in labor so that you don't arrive too early and not too late is hard to determine. And while the answer isn't a perfect science, there are some general guidelines. 

#2

When Is the Best Time to Take a Childbirth Class?

For a general childbirth class, take it closer to your due month so the information is fresh, but not too close in case your baby comes early. If you're taking a more specific childbirth class, the ideal timing may be different. 

#1

What to Do When You're in Early Labor

Often, early labor becomes a mental and emotional game. It's easy to become impatient and frustrated. The ideas in this post will get you started with some ways to deal with the early phase of labor.