When we talk about preparing for birth, we often focus on the physical stuff: dilation, contractions, perineal massage, pushing techniques. But here’s a truth bomb I wish more people knew:

Your brain is calling the shots in labour.

If you've been told your baby is "measuring big," you're not alone. It's one of the most common reasons given for recommending early induction in pregnancy. But thanks to a brand-new piece of research…

As a Birth Educator I teach the value of labouring and birthing in an upright position. It is also one of the key Healthy Birth Practices I teach in my Lamaze classes – Healthy Birth Practice #5: Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body’s urges to push.

Walk, Move Around and Change Positions Throughout Labour.

When allowed to move freely during labour, women instinctively respond to their powerful contractions. Walking, swaying, squatting, rocking, rubbing and changing positions during labour. 

Research supports that movement may help shorten labour, can provide effective pain relief and can decrease the likelihood of having a cesarean (Storton.S (2007) "the coalition for improving maternity services")

The Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices

Lamaze today is a ‘philosophy’ of birth, founded on 6 Healthy Birth Practices that are designed to encourage women to trust their bodies, reduce fear, and have a healthy and safe birth for mother and baby.