WASHINGTON (August 20, 2009)—More women in the United States are waiting to have their first child until after the age of 35—approximately 1 out of every 12 births, according to a new study. Traditionally, the focus has been on increased risks and complications for moms and babies, but there are advantages to delaying childbirth. Women who have their first child later in life have the added benefit of time to become better informed about childbirth, which increases the chances of a healthier and safer birth.
A report issued last week by the National Center for Health Statistics indicates that w omen in the United States and other developed countries are waiting significantly longer before having their first child than moms a generation ago. The dramatic increase in women having their first birth at the age of 35 years and over has made the largest impact in increasing the average age of first-time mothers.
While there are risks associated with birth later in life, women can improve the possibility of having safe and healthy births for their babies by becoming educated, active partners when making decisions about their maternity care. Lamaze International’s six healthy birth practices guide women of all ages to make informed decisions supported by the best medical evidence.
The Six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices are tried-and-true ways to make birth as safe and healthy as possible. From letting labor begin on its own to keeping your baby with you after birth, these practices stem from research that demonstrates how a more natural approach to labor and birth results in healthier and safer birth.
“Women who wait to have a child have probably heard a wide variety of birth stories from friends and family. They may be more willing and ready to make a conscious decision to inform themselves about their options,” says Judith Lothian, RN, PhD, LCCE, FACCE, author of The Official Lamaze Guide: Giving Birth with Confidence. “Lamaze gives women the information and confidence they need to be knowledgeable about pregnancy and birth, select a care provider and place of birth, and communicate with their care provider, all of which are essential for women of any age.”
Childbirth education empowers women and helps decode the many, often confusing, choices surrounding childbirth. Classes taught by Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators guide women through the maze of modern obstetrics so that they are able to make truly informed decisions about their health care, including information on how to keep birth as natural as possible, even when medical interventions are necessary due to complications.
It’s never too early to start preparing for and learning about pregnancy and birth. Gather general information about pregnancy and birth, including how to choose a health care provider and place of birth and where to find a Lamaze class, on the Lamaze Parents Web site.
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About Lamaze International
Lamaze International promotes a natural, healthy and safe approach to pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting practices. Knowing that pregnancy and childbirth can be demanding on a woman’s body and mind, Lamaze serves as a resource for information about what to expect and what choices are available during the childbearing years. Lamaze education and practices are based on the best, most current medical evidence available. Working closely with their families, health care providers and Lamaze educators, millions of pregnant women have achieved their desired childbirth outcomes using Lamaze practices. Visit www.lamaze.org for more information.
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