childbirth

Holding a newborn on a parent's bare chest has long been used to help premature babies. Hospitals increasingly recommend it for full term babies, too. Doctors say it reduces pain and lowers stress.

Move over, epidurals, here comes nitrous oxide. After enjoying popularity in the U.S. for managing labor pain until the mid-20th century, it was dropped in favor of anesthesia. Now it's back.

Tricia Olson gave birth to her son and was back on the job three weeks later. Like most Americans, she doesn't get paid family leave, and she's among the 40 percent who don't qualify for unpaid leave.