The labor and birth process can make even the most organized person feel overwhelmed. Luckily, there are many resources around Indianapolis to help put your mind and body at ease as you prepare for the birth of your baby. Here are just some of the class offerings you’ll find at local hospitals to ease your journey into parenthood! Birthing Classes Birth & Baby This class is geared toward first-time parents. It provides education about the birth process, the hospital experience and newborn care.  Location: Community Hospital North, Community Hospital South, Virtual Lamaze Series The go ..read more

His sage parenting advice appears in Indy’s Child magazine and on IndysChild.com, and now A Dad Influence’s Pete speaks to expectant dads courtesy of his article in OhBaby! magazine. What should those expectant fathers know? He lays it out on the line.  Dear soon-to-be dads, Being with your significant other while she delivers a baby is a slippery slope: It’s an incredible experience, but at the same time offers many opportunities for the dad-to-be to make a fool of himself. Don’t be that dad. There are definitely some unwritten rules that need to be addressed before the big day. While a ..read more

That’s the only way to describe a new baby, isn’t it? A tiny package that you can’t wait to have arrive. In this special Baby and Maternity issue, we’re ready for some serious baby talk. (It’s one of our favorite subjects!) First things first… are you expecting a little girl or little boy? Maybe you are waiting to find out yourself on the big day? Whether the news is pink or blue, this is one of the best surprises you’ll ever share with family and friends. For some clever ideas to reveal the gender of your baby, check out our article Boy or Girl? (See the creative way to share the news with a ..read more

Maternity hospitals in the Indianapolis area are continuously innovating. Now more than ever, there are lots of benefits to giving birth in a hospital – some big and obvious, like having immediate access to top-notch emergency care, and some small, like free valet parking and baby gear. Here are just some of the bonuses to experiencing a hospital birth.   Private Suites  Labor, delivery and postpartum are all very private events, and hospitals get it. Most hospitals around Indy offer private rooms — from start to finish. For instance, all maternity rooms at Franciscan Health are ..read more

Giving birth is a momentous occasion, but it isn’t always a simple or predictable one. Many expectant mothers are making the choice to be proactive by understanding their options and creating a birth plan in preparation for the big day. What is a birth plan and who should create one? A birth plan is a statement in which an expectant mother expresses her preferences, wishes, and vision for the birth of her child. It can address a variety of topics – from the ambience of the room to the use of pain medication to limitations on medical interventions. Birth plans can be as informal as a handwritte ..read more

Your baby’s arrival is just around the corner. You’re flooded with excitement, pangs of anxiety and requests from loved ones for an invitation into the delivery room. Would mom help or hinder your birthing experience? Would Aunt Ida pile on stress with her eccentric chanting while you push? Should your best friend come in to take pictures? Whose presence would be most soothing as you welcome your baby into the world? Some moms-to-be want to be surrounded by loved ones, and even live-tweet their progress between contractions. Others prefer a quiet, private experience, accompanied only by their ..read more