Lamaze Healthy Birth Practice: Keep Mother and Baby Together – It’s Best for Mother, Baby, and Breastfeeding

May 31, 2023 | by: Cara Terreri

Adapted from Giving Birth with Confidence, 3rd Edition.

Research supports the traditional practice of keeping parents and newborns together. Evidence shows that this is a key element of nature's plan. People experiencing natural birth have high levels of catecholamines, oxytocin, and endorphins. Catecholamines ensure that parent and baby are alert and ready to get to know each other.

Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To Do List: Postpartum Weeks 1-4

May 24, 2023 | by: Cara Terreri

Welcome to the first four weeks of postpartum in this month-by-month checklist guide to a healthy pregnancy, birth, and postpartum! This to-do list with a twist contains key tips and action items for optimal health and birth and post-birth preparation, in addition to reminders for fun things, too. Take a look at the checklists from months 1-10 of pregnancy.

Lamaze Healthy Birth Practice: Avoid Giving Birth on Your Back and Follow Your Body's Urges to Push

May 17, 2023 | by: Cara Terreri

Adapted from Giving Birth with Confidence, 3rd Edition.

Many doctors and nurses discourage laboring people from pushing until their cervix is completely dilated and/or encourage them to hold their breath and push as hard as they can without a natural urge once their cervix is fully dilated (called "directed pushing"). There's no research to support these practices. Breath holding without the natural urge to do so is exhausting and deprives a baby of much-needed oxygen.

Non-alcoholic Drinks to Order Out During Pregnancy

May 10, 2023 | by: Cara Terreri

Instantly quitting alcohol for pregnancy can feel challenging and disappointing. It's common to feel like you're missing out on the fun. The good news is, alcohol itself isn't the source of "fun," but rather it's the event and time spent with others that produces good feelings. If you're feeling down about being sober, focus instead on the ritual of drinking with a fun mocktail instead. Here are some suggestions for what to order (instead of just water or soda) when you're out:

Healthy Pregnancy & Birth To Do List: Month 10

May 03, 2023 | by: Cara Terreri

Welcome to Month 10 of your month-by-month checklist guide to a healthy pregnancy and birth! This to-do list with a twist contains key tips and action items for optimal health and birth preparation, in addition to reminders for fun things, too. Looking for later months? Stay tuned as we post about the postpartum month in the coming weeks! Take a look at the checklists from previous months.