Lamaze for Parents : Birth Day : Birth Day

Birth Day

Preparing for Birth

It’s a day you’ll mark with cake and candles in the coming years—the day that you finally get to meet your new baby! You’ve waited many months for this moment, and spent considerable time thinking about how it will unfold.

You’ve nurtured your baby during your pregnancy, making wise choices that ensure his or her well-being. Lamaze seeks to provide you with evidence-based information that helps you make informed decisions during birth, and ensure a safe and healthy experience for both of you.

	Healthy Birth Practices Healthy Birth Your Way: Six steps to a safer birth. See the videos today

	Birth Partner Cheat Sheet A birth partner can serve in any manner that helps the laboring woman. What will your partner’s role be? Use our tips

	Medical Interventions Common medical interventions you should know about. Become well-informed

	Induction by Artificial Rupture of Membranes Artificially rupturing the sac increases your risk of infection. Know your options and if necessary use comfort measures

	Induction with Pitocin Pitocin increases the strength of contractions and restricts mobility. Be patient waiting

	IV Fluids Routine use may restrict movement and over-hydrate. Share your desire to eat and drink during labor

	Epidural and Anesthesia Protect your baby and body from injury. What you need to know

	Movement Restrictions Restriction prolongs labor and reduces effectiveness of contractions. Move around and change positions often

	Continuous EFM EFM is often used inappropriately and increases the risk of cesarean surgery. Ask about intermittent fetal monitoring

	Directed Pushing Limited pushing is not beneficial. Be patient, keep breathing and follow your body’s urges to push

	Episiotomy Routine use is likely to be ineffective or harmful. Get upright and push spontaneously

	Cesarean Surgery Current research shows that vaginal birth is safer for mother and baby. Let labor start on its own and plan for labor support

	Establishing Breastfeeding Get your breastfeeding relationship off to a good start. Nature’s way to recover and fall in love with your baby