birthing

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

birthing
    n 1: the process of giving birth [syn: {parturition}, {birth},
         {giving birth}, {birthing}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Birthing \Birth"ing\, n.
   1. (Naut.) Anything added to raise the sides of a ship.
      --Bailey.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. the act or process of giving birth.
      [PJC]