My Courses
Pregnancy & Birth
Congratulations! You're beginning the adventure of a lifetime. Growing and giving birth to a baby is at once the most earthy and the most sacred work there is. And after that, the real fun begins.
It's dizzying, this new way of being in the world. You're already becoming a parent. Nine months seems a lifetime, but it will fly by. How do you decide what you need to think about first?
This section is here to help you organize your priorities, trimester by trimester, with everything from lists of questions for your doctor to resources for breastfeeding. You'll find links to my favorite websites, like Childbirth Connection, where you can research birth options, and Pregnancy.org, where you can ask any question you want -- in a chat or via email -- of an OB, midwife, or doula, and talk with other pregnant and nursing moms.
Q: Why does a Parenting website focused on the psychology of Parent-Child relationships have a section on Pregnancy and Birth? Isn't that a medical process?
A: Because conception is the beginning of your relationship with your baby. Your pregnancy and birth are the launching pad for your relationship. The healthier they are physically and emotionally, the better foundation you and your baby will have as you begin your life together.
May your pregnancy be blessed and the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
Start Here:
First Trimester
Nine months may seem like a long time, but it flies by -- and you have important work to do during those months. This trimester, you have five primary goals . . .
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Third Trimester
How to plan for a smooth birth and wonderful beginning to life with your baby.
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Choosing Your Hospital Or Birthing Center
Everything you need to know to choose the best place to bring your baby into the world.
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Choosing Your Doctor Or Midwife
Here's how to choose the doctor or midwife who is most likely to give your baby the best start in life.
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Childbirth: Questions to Ask Your Doctor & Midwife
Learn as much as you can about all your choices. Here are the questions to ask.
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How To Avoid a Caesarian or C-Section Birth
One in three women will have a C-Section and yet most will not be medically necessary. Here's how to avoid having one.
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Activate Your Hormones to Become a Better Parent -- and a Happier Person!
The more oxytocin you have, the more loving and attentive you are to your baby. Here's how you can make more "love" hormone.
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How to Prepare Your Child for the New Baby
If you have other children, you'll want to prepare them for the birth of the new baby in a way that reduces sibling rivalry.
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Preparing Your Child for the Separation While You Birth the New Baby
If you're worried about leaving your child when you go to the hospital to give birth to your new baby, here's your gameplan.
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Recommended Pregnancy & Birth Books
Go ahead, put your feet up and enjoy a cup of herbal tea. The accumulated experience and wisdom of generations of women is waiting for you.
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Books about the New Baby for Older Siblings
Many of the books here share the theme of an ambivalent older sibling who comes to love the new arrival, which validates your older child's feelings while giving them a positive image to help them adjust.
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This is consistently the BEST parenting website out there.
Megan Nida
Yours is the best advice I've found so far on what to do when you, the parent,are angry. Most say something like, "Deal positively with your anger!" which makes me say, "Like HOW?" - Rachel at Milkbreath and Me
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Dr. Laura is a parent whisperer! - Liz McIntosh
Liz McIntosh
Dr. Laura's parenting advice completely changed my relationship with my daughter, improved her self-esteem, and transformed our lives. Providing my daughter with acknowledgement of her feelings and point of view reduced her oppositional behaviors and emotional meltdowns to nearly none. - Jodie Tokatlian
Dr. Laura, you have created miracles, large and small, in so many lives and our children thank you.
Folks, she's brilliant. It's wonderful to have parenting experts who don't see the child as the enemy in a locked combat, for one thing. I recommend it.
I don't even have kids but I subscribe to your blog because you have amazing life lessons, and because I work with an autistic child and your blog really helps me stay grounded, sane, and compassionate with my work. - Mila Kim
Mila Kim
"I'd really recommend Laura Markham's Aha! parenting books and website for brilliantly practical ways to parent with kindness instead of punishment." - Makchoon
Makchoon
I have seen amazing improvement in my *very* angry 17 year-old son after acknowledging that there was a reason he was so angry and acting out. We have had several heartfelt conversations and I have seen a real change in how he treats his younger brother, and how he treats me.
I know that I am a better parent thanks to Dr. Laura's inspirational words and suggestions.
I love AhaParenting because there is always a "pick yourself up and try again" to it. - Chantal Harrison
Chantal Harrison
It's like these emails were meant for me. - Caroline Henry
My daughter reacts so much better when I empathize and stay patient. And now I get to model that behavior instead of letting my frustration get the better of me.
Thank YOU so much for your encouraging emails and Facebook posts!!! Since I began this process, I have noticed a difference in the compassion I show to myself, and how much more that helps me connect with my kids. We are all feeling a lot more overall peace.
Thank you for you weekly emails, blogs, & books. They're a life line when I really need support during a rough patch. - Lisa Fernandez
Lisa Fernandez
Thank you so much for this great advice! You give me ideas for how I can "do it better" and that lifts me up with hope and positivity too!
Today I say thank you, tears streaming from my face, so proud of my little boy and all he will become. Thank you. - Jennifer B.
Jennifer B
Yes. It works. And the more rest I get, the more patience I have. It makes a difference.
