Image: Gina and her newborn baby girl

The latest round of Links for Thought: a roundup of helpful and thought-provoking links for mothers and mothers-to-be!  The theme this time is pregnancy and birth — and a few bonus links are included for fun!

• Home VBAC in Water (VIDEO).  “Though it may have sounded scary at times, or like I was howling in pain, these few minutes are the most powerful and joyful of my entire life.  I would do this a thousand times over if I could.” Begins a few minutes into pushing; contains nudity. Real, powerful, beautiful! (The Feminist Breeder)

• The Mind-Body Connection: A Powerful Force.  Excellent post explaining how in birth, the mind is as important as the body. (Giving Birth With Confidence)

• Use of Peanut Ball by Women Laboring with an Epidural Reduces Labor Length and C-Section Rate.  A hospital’s pilot study and new research shows that in women laboring with an epidural, use of a special peanut-shaped birth ball (40-55 cm size) reduces the length of their labor and their likelihood of C-section. (Polly Perez)

• In Labor, A Snack or a Sip? Findings of a new systemic review support the assertion that laboring women should have access to food and drink during labor.  Now, if only hospitals will catch on! (New York Times; via the Complete Care Birthing Center)

• Wondfo Pregnancy Tests.  $5.25 for 25 test strips (or $9.54 for 50) plus free shipping!  If only I’d known about these when we were trying to conceive.  Happy babymaking! (Amazon)

• What is a Doula and Why Do So Many Women Want One?  The post may be written by an Australian, but the information is just as true in the U.S.!  Remember, a list of local doulas can be viewed here, or search on doulamatch.net! (Belly Belly)

• Creating a Circle of Support During Pregnancy and Postpartum.  Every mama needs a circle of support, especially in the postpartum period.  (Mother’s Advocate)

• Setting Up Realistic Expectations of Birth — Changes We Can All Make.  Beautiful ways to help women experience birth as a positive and transformative experience. (Huffington Post)