A woman and her partner (if one is participating) have an extensive number of decisions to make when considering conception, pregnancy, birth and caring for their newborn. A number of natural, holistic and alternative choices exist, and it is essential that they refer to qualified research on the advantages and disadvantages of their preferences. They should fully research, weigh and discuss the options. A decision that is ideal for one couple may not be the best option for another. The following provides a brief description of a number of decisions that may be explored.

Acupuncture: Refer to our article Achieving Fertility through the Body-Mind Approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Attachment Parenting: A parenting philosophy based on nurturing practices that create strong emotional bonds between the infant and parents. The approach postulates that a strong parental bond created during childhood results in secure, empathic and peaceful relationships in adulthood. The term “attachment parenting” was coined by pediatrician Dr. William Sears. For more information, visit www.attachmentparenting.org.

Belly Dancing: An ancient Middle Eastern form of dance that originated as a way to worship motherhood and prepare women for the stresses of childbirth. Many other ancient cultures around the world also had a similar dance form. Often practiced by pregnant women today, the movements and breathing patterns can aid a woman in her pregnancy and her birthing process. Belly dancing can lead to increased strength, physical balance and energy, and it can decrease the occurrence of indigestion. In addition, the practice often is psychologically profound because the pregnant woman has the opportunity to celebrate her changed body. (Note: a pregnant woman should always consult her physician before beginning any physical exercise.) Visit www.shimmygoddess.com/pregnancy.htm for more information.

Birth Center: A health-care facility alternative for women with low-risk pregnancies to give birth. The rooms are set up to provide an atmosphere similar to a home. They often have non-institutional furniture, dim lighting and music playing. Should a complication arise, the woman is transferred to a hospital. For more information, visit www.birthcenters.org.

Bradley Method®: A series of 12 classes that teach a natural-childbirth method. Couples are taught about nutrition, exercise, being more comfortable during pregnancy, the coach's role, techniques for labor and birth, complications, Caesarean sections, postpartum care, breastfeeding and caring for the new baby. The coach is provided with a significant amount of education and training in order to be able to support, provide comfort and advocate for the pregnant mother. The classes include relaxation practice and labor rehearsals. For more information, visit www.bradleybirth.com.

Breastfeeding: The American Academy of Pediatrics asserts that infants do not need anything other than breast milk for the first six months of life, and it recommends that all infants be breastfed for at least their first full year, and thereafter as mutually desired by mother and child. Human milk has all the nutrients necessary for the baby's optimal physical growth and development. A mother's own milk is also more easily digested than any alternative infant food. Breastfeeding offers numerous health advantages to both the baby and the mother. For more information, visit www.lalecheleague.org.

Chiropractic Care: Refer to our article Chiropractic Care Living Without Pain During Pregnancy.

Doula: Refer to our article Doulas: Women Who Mother the Mother.

Family Bed: Also known as co-sleeping, the practice of bringing a child into the parents' bed is practiced by many cultures worldwide. Supporters believe that it allows the baby and mother to experience better sleep because neither needs to fully awaken for night-time feedings. Some research indicates that co-sleeping reduces the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Those who are against this concept, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, believe that this sleep situation puts the infant in danger of injury or death from accidental suffocation or falling from the bed. This viewpoint also has concerns about the potential difficulty in eventually moving the young child to a separate bed. Some parents instead choose to have a crib or cradle directly next to or connecting to their bed. (Note: If a family bed is used, specific guidelines are available to increase the safety of the infant. Extensive research, as well as a discussion with a physician, is highly recommended.)

Homebirth: The decision to give birth at home rather than at a hospital or birthing center. A number of studies have concluded that a planned homebirth for a low-risk mother is as safe as a hospital birth. It is recommended that the decision also should consider if a major hospital is within a reasonable distance. Often assisted by a midwife, women who choose to homebirth tend to have a shorter labor and less medical intervention. In addition, the mother and baby are not exposed to antibiotic-resistant pathogens commonly found in hospitals. For more information, visit www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/homebirthchoice.asp.

Imagery/Hypnobirthing: A series of relaxation techniques practiced throughout pregnancy and used during labor to decrease pain and emotional stress. Visit www.hypnobirthing.com for more information.

Lamaze Method: A series of classes that teach the pregnant woman to respond to her contractions with relaxation. Breathing exercises are practiced to achieve relaxation and act as a distraction. The coach is educated on how to facilitate relaxation during labor.

Midwife: A trained professional who facilitates the birthing process, provides educational information and offers prenatal and postnatal support. During labor and delivery, the vigilant midwife provides calm, nurturing support; instills confidence and empowerment; and displays exceptional clinical skills and judgment. Studies have demonstrated that women under the care of a midwife experience fewer invasive procedures such as Caesarean sections and episiotomies, and report a greater satisfaction with their birth experiences. Providing supportive care and scientific knowledge, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are educated in both nursing and primary health care for women from puberty through menopause. In addition to the labor and delivery support, CNMs offer prenatal care, postpartum care, gynecological exams, newborn care, family planning, preconception care, menopausal management, and counseling in health management and disease prevention. A Direct Entry Midwife(DEM) learns the practice through apprenticeship instead of formal schooling. For more information, visit www.midwiferytoday.com.

Natural Childbirth: The minimization of medical intervention during childbirth. An option for low-risk pregnancies, natural childbirth often includes Lamaze or Bradley Methods and pain-management techniques such as imagery/hypnobirthing, massage and hydrotherapy. For more information, visit www.naturalchildbirth.org.

Pregnancy Massage: Therapeutic bodywork techniques offered by professionals to pregnant women. Massage during pregnancy can relieve muscle spasms and cramps, reduce stress, teach the mother to relax and increase blood circulation. The woman usually lies on her side or on a special table that allows her to lie on her belly. A number of contraindications exist, and certain areas of the body should not be massaged.

Prenatal Pilates: Refer to our article Prenatal Pilates: What Can it Do for Pregnant Women?

Prenatal Yoga: Refer to our article Yoga for Pregnancy.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Refer to our article Achieving Fertility through the Body-Mind Approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Water Labor/Water Birth: A laboring mother with a low-risk pregnancy enters a tub of body-temperature water up to her shoulders during her last couple of hours in labor. The warm water temperature increases local blood flow, decreases muscle spasms, relaxes small muscles and lowers blood pressure. The encompassing warmth also decreases sensory stimuli to reduce pain levels. Often, entering the water decreases the time of labor. Some women also choose to give birth in the tub, which eases the baby's shock of moving from the womb to the world. Babies born into water often are reported to be calmer and more alert. For more information, visit www.waterbirth.org.

Watsu: Refer to our article What Is Watsu?