Lamaze Magazine 2009

welcome President’s Message A s a certified nurse-midwife, I see a spectrum of emotions from expectant parents – joy, fear, ambivalence, anxiety and excitement. Lamaze helps you feel more prepared for pregnancy and birth, so you can achieve a safe and healthy experience. By educating yourself about pregnancy, birth and beyond, you are making a good investment in yourself and your baby. You will better understand how your body works, and what you can do to benefit you and your baby during the process. Lamaze can help you understand all of your options, so you can make informed decisions and learn how to achieve greater comfort and control during labor and birth. Based on the best medical evidence available, the key things you need to do for a safe and healthy birth are to: | | | | | | Let labor begin on its own. Walk, move around and change positions throughout labor. Bring a loved one, friend or doula to support you. Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary. Choose the most comfortable position to give birth, and follow your body’s urges to push. Keep your baby with you – it’s best for you, your baby and breastfeeding. Lamaze can help you understand all your options, so you can make informed decisions and learn how to achieve greater comfort and control during labor and birth. Lamaze can help you work effectively with your health-care provider so that, together, you can make informed decisions you feel good about – choices that can help ensure a safe and healthy childbearing experience, and give you and your baby the best start. This magazine, along with the links to other articles on www.lamaze.org, is a great starting point. Also, The Official Lamaze Guide: Giving Birth with Confidence is an amazing resource. Learn all you can about comfort measures and how to communicate collaboratively with your midwife or doctor. Millions of pregnant women have taken Lamaze classes over the years. The principles Lamaze is based on are just as relevant today as they always have been. All the best for a wonderful and healthy birth and joyful parenting! Pamela Spry, phd, cnm, facnm, lcce president, lamaze international Photo: Kim CooK P.S. We’d like to hear what you think about Lamaze magazine. Please log on to lamaze.org/ survey tell us what you love, what you don’t and what you want more of from Lamaze. lamaze magazine 2009 lamaze.org http://www.lamaze.org http://www.lamaze.org/survey http://www.lamaze.org/survey http://www.lamaze.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Lamaze Magazine 2009

Lamaze Magazine 2009 Contents Essential Lamaze for Pregnancy Making Connections Body Beautiful Birth Day, Your Way Mother Knows Best Essential Lamaze for Birth Supporting Cast Labor Day Position Statement Comfort Zone Intervention Intelligence The Waiting Game Essential Lamaze for Parenting Nursing School Reality Check Sleep Tight Unforgettable

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