Advice Letters & Answers about Pregnancy & Birth

Letters from readers about pregnancy and birth from ASK DR. LAURA, with her trademark answers:  wise, well-informed, and always supportive.  If you don't find your question, click here to ask it.

  • What's Wrong with Fetal Monitors?

    With constant fetal monitoring, the mom gets strapped to a table and is unable to walk around. We know that walking hastens labor. When the mom is strapped down, labor often stalls...

  • Fear of Childbirth Pain

    Epidurals significantly slow down labor, resulting in a longer second stage, and often trigger other interventions. 1 in 4 women receiving an epidural experiences complications...

  • Ambivalence about Pregnancy & Birth

    It is not a terrible thing to be conflicted about whether to have a baby. Any woman who knows how much sacrifice motherhood involves has to think long and hard before making the commitment to bring another child into the world...

  • Helping Kids Adjust to New Baby

    Research shows that when we smell the top of an infant's head, we inhale pheromones that awaken our protective instincts toward the baby. Let your stepdaughter hold the baby as much as she wants...

  • Bonding with Unborn Baby

    "I'm afraid this risk will prevent me from bonding with my baby..."

  • Cracked Nipples in Third Trimester

    What cream should you use? Not one with any parabens, which are preservatives that can cause cancer -- and yet they are in most commercial lotions...

  • Worried about Baby Not Moving As Much

    "I am a little bit worried cos i'm not feeling the baby move as much as before..."

  • Pregnant: Spotting & Scared

    It isn't good for you, or for your baby, for you to be in a panic...

  • Leaving Toddler During Labor with New Baby

    "I'm worried that when I go into labor, he will cry for countless hours. I also worry because a screaming, crying toddler can try anyone's patience."

  • Shopping List for New Baby

    the rule of thumb is about ten diapers per day...