Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices - #1: Let Labor Begin on Its Own

Today we are continuing with our series on the Lamaze Health Birth Practices with tip number one, Let Labor Begin on Its Own. It is important to note that interventions such as induction carry many risks (as stated by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists):

• Change in fetal heart rate
• Increased risk of infection in the woman and baby
• Umbilical cord problems
• Overstimulation of the uterus
• Uterine rupture

Stronger more painful contractions may limit oxygen supply to the baby thus causing fetal distress.  It is also important to note that there is an increased risk of cesarean birth, increased usage of pharmaceutical pain relief such as epidural, and, because of the uncertainty of due dates, and the variation in the amount of time any given baby requires to reach maturity, early induction carries a risk of causing premature birth.



For more information, please download the .pdf document Let Labor Begin on Its Own by Lamaze and Mother's Advocate

Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices - Intro: Safe and Healthy Birth

Beginning today, we will explore the six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices. Look for them all to be featured here! In addition to the videos on each practice, we've also included a link to a .pdf handout on the topic. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you may download it here.



Download the PDF document ~ Birth - As Safe and Healthy As It Can Be

Butterflies and Babies

It is spring... a time of where flowers bloom and so do mamas!  This year, my inspiration has been the chrysalis - a symbol of transformation.  As a mother goes through the processes of pregnancy, labour, birth and parenting, she experiences life-altering changes. When women have an amazing birth experience, they realize their strength, power and true beauty.  Witnessing this is awe-inspiring!

While preparing to write this post, I did a brief search of the word experience.  I was amazed to find that two of its synonyms were elevation and enlightenment.  Truly a woman's spirit is elevated when she is able to enjoy a blissful birth.  She is enlightened by the knowledge she has gained and the strength she has uncovered because now, she believes, she can do anything!  


Birth changes us deeply.  Owning our experiences is essential.  Preparing for birth and making informed decisions is vital.  Hold on to your butterfly spirit....allow yourself to soar!