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Infographics for Lamaze #2 - Birth and Postpartum

You can simply refer to these during class or use them for discussions with your care provider.

Labor Positions - Two page download

Labor Positions - Two page download

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At the finish line, no runner ever wished that they had not prepared so well.

At the finish line, no runner ever wished that they had not prepared so well.


Lamaze Part #2 Pre-Class Viewing - Interventions

We’ll start out our next class discussing common interventions used during childbirth. Follow along with these short video clips that use both animations and some real life examples of how these might be presented to you either before or during your labor. This first section of video clips should take you less than 20 minutes to complete.

You can watch them in their presented format or click the 4 arrows to enlarge them to watch full-screen.

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Lamaze Part #2 Pre-Class Viewing - Cesarean Birth - 9”

You may be planning a surgical birth or it is possible that during labor either you or your baby would benefit from this option. Here are some video shorts to get an idea of what this might be like and how to care for yourself afterwards.

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Lamaze Part #2 Pre-Class Viewing - Stages of Labor

There are 4 stages of labor:

  • Stage 1: Dilating

    • Phase 1: Early Onset/Latent (longest phase, 0-6 centimeters)

    • Phase 2: Active (6-8 centimeters)

    • Phase 3: Transition (hardest but shortest phase, 8-10 centimeters)

  • Stage 2: Pushing & Birth

  • Stage 3: Placenta Delivery

  • Stage 4: Involution of the Uterus

These short video clips include animation and real life stories of various families experiences. Viewing this segment should take you about 15 minutes.

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Lamaze Part #2 Pre-Class Viewing - Your Newborn - 6”

Below you will observe new families during the first few seconds, minutes, hours and days following birth. Can you picture what your new baby will look like?

Here are two birth stories. Christina plans an unmedicated hospital birth and Chelsea plans to use an epidural. What do you notice in these stories that you’d like to put in your birth plan? We’ll give you a nifty tool to help you figure out which t…

Here are two birth stories. Christina plans an unmedicated hospital birth and Chelsea plans to use an epidural. What do you notice in these stories that you’d like to put in your birth plan? We’ll give you a nifty tool to help you figure out which things are most important to you.

Christina’s Birth- 11”- Unmedicated

Christina & Adam are planning an un-medicated birth. They spend several hours laboring at home before they go to the hospital. Notice the ways Adam supports Christina, the ways she is supported by hospital personnel. What surprises you in this birth? Approximately how long did Christina’s labor last? What questions does it raise about where you are planning to give birth? Will you ask your care provider about your options?


Esmerelda/Ashlei’s Births-11” -

In these two, side-by-side stories of birth, one is unmedicated and one is with the use of a planned epidural. Note the support, decision making process and the timing. How might you make similar decisions during the birth of your little one? Use these stories to imagine your ideal birth experience!

Relaxation, Rhythm, Ritual

We’ll watch segments of birthing persons and their labor support team in the referenced video as we discuss the different stages of labor during class.

Relaxation is an important element in early labor and then when active labor commences she should be able to relax between contractions or surges. In each stage of labor, birthing persons innately develop rituals (behaviors or vocalizations used throughout several contractions) for coping through the pain.

Early labor at home, hospital or birthing center

Active labor - Watch and listen for Rhythm

Transition - The HARDEST part, but there is still Rhythm!

Pushing! Notice behaviors, reactions and responses to this intense phase of labor

BIRTH! Intense - then immediate RELIEF! Sweet and tender moments - grab a tissue!

As long as these behaviors or sounds have a rhythm, the birthing person is doing quite well.

Attend class and follow along through 26 contractions in each stage of labor: early, active, transition, pushing and birth. Even when the mother cries out or roars, her body releases endorphins that cause her to appear to have a narcotic, deep relaxation response.

Congratulations! You are now ready to fully engage (haha) in our discussion session for
Lamaze #2 - Birth & Postpartum.


Your homework page will give you even more to consider!

See you in class!