Birth and family health
Plain answers for pregnancy, birth and the months after
Barbara Katz Rothman writes about pregnancy, birth, midwifery and reproductive health in plain language — explanation you can read the night before an appointment, alongside honest guides to the things families actually buy.

On the blog
Latest guides and explainers
Safe Sleep Guidelines for Babies Explained (October 2026)
Safe sleep guidelines for babies explained with current pediatric guidance for : back sleeping, firm flat surfaces, room sharing, swaddling, weighted…
Newborn Weight Loss and Gain in the First Weeks (October 2026)
Newborn weight loss and gain in the first weeks, explained: expected percent ranges, when birth weight returns, average daily gain, and when…
How to Track Newborn Feeds and Diapers (2026): Simple System
Learn how to track newborn feeds and diapers with a simple, low-stress system for spotting patterns, sharing updates, and discussing care with…
How to Choose a Pediatrician Before Your Baby Arrives (2026)
Learn how to choose a pediatrician before your baby arrives: build a shortlist, verify insurance and hospital access, and ask the right…
How Hospital Nurse Staffing Affects Labor Support (2026)
How hospital nurse staffing affects labor support, from bedside continuity and communication to safety, burnout, and the questions families can ask before…
How to Become a Doula and What Training Involves (2026)
How to become a doula and what training involves: program formats, real costs, certification choices, and a step-by-step US roadmap to your…
How to Become a Midwife in the United States (2026): 7 Steps
Learn how to become a midwife in the United States in . Compare CNM, CM, and CPM routes, pick an accredited program,…
What Midwives Do at Prenatal Visits: Complete Guide (October 2026)
Learn what midwives do at prenatal visits, from health checks and birth planning to symptom and emotional support in U.S. care, updated…
What Group Prenatal Care Is and How It Helps Parents (2026)
What group prenatal care is and how it helps expectant parents in : shared visits, birth prep, emotional support, and what group…
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About
Plain explanation, never a textbook
This site explains pregnancy, birth, midwifery and reproductive health for people who want to understand their options rather than memorise terminology.
The subjects widen into family health, parenting and the occasional buying guide, but the voice stays the same: careful with the evidence, gentle with the reader.
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