Most parents never think about medical billing during pregnancy. But a major change coming to maternity care in 2027 could influence how care is delivered, measured, and paid for. Here’s what families need to know.
Category: Childbirth
Everything Childbirth
How We Care for Mothers Part 1: The State of Maternal Health in America – What the Numbers Actually Tell Us
The United States spends more on healthcare than any other country in the world, yet maternal health outcomes continue to lag behind many high-income nations. Here’s what the numbers reveal about maternal mortality, disparities in care, and why every family should understand the state of maternal health in America.
Why the “Golden Hour” After Birth Doesn’t Always Go as Planned
The “golden hour” after birth is known for its powerful benefits, but in real hospital settings, it doesn’t always go as planned. Here’s why that happens, what it means for you, and how to advocate for the experience you want.
Trust the Process: Letting Labor Begin on Its Own
When you’re in those final weeks of pregnancy, the excitement (and discomfort!) often starts to build. You’re ready to meet your baby. You’ve washed the…
The Peanut Ball: A Simple Tool That Can Make a Big Difference in Labor
When preparing for labor, many expectant mothers are surprised to learn that tools as simple as a peanut-shaped exercise ball can play a meaningful role…
Should I Travel for a Family Gathering Close to My Due Date?
You’re getting close to your due date, and there’s a big family gathering coming up. It might be a holiday, a reunion, or your niece’s…
What Really Happens When You Arrive at the Hospital or Birth Center for Labor
You’ve timed your contractions, packed your bag, and made your way to the hospital or birth center. You’re ready. You’re uncomfortable. You may even be…
Your Choices Matter: Using the BRAIN Tool to Advocate for Yourself in Pregnancy and Birth
You always have a voice in your pregnancy and birth. Shared decision-making means your provider brings the medical expertise, and you bring your values, preferences, and lived experience. Using the simple BRAIN tool: Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and Nothing, you can confidently advocate for yourself during critical moments and make informed choices for you and your baby.
Is It Time Yet? Why Many Women Arrive Too Early in Labor—and What You Need to Know
It’s one of the most common scenes in labor and delivery: a hopeful, wide-eyed parent-to-be walks into the hospital thinking, “This is it!”—only to find…
Devices in the Delivery Room: Are They Helping or Hindering?
Walk into a modern labor and delivery room and you might think you’ve stepped into a mini medical command center. Beeping monitors, IV pumps, oxygen…