Evidence based resources supporting Lamaze’s Six Healthy Birth Practices.

#1: Let labor begin on it’s own.

• 40 Reasons to Go the Full 40 Weeks
• Early Labor Activities – Labor has begun, now what?

#2: Walk, move around, and change positions throughout labor.

• Pros and Cons of Various Labor Positions
• Pictures of Labor Positions

#3: Bring a loved one, doula, or friend for continuous support.

• Evidence Supporting the Use of Doulas
• Find a Doula

#4: Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary.

• Understanding How Interventions Necessitate the Use of More Interventions
• Inducing Labor
• Common Medical Interventions

#5: Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body’s urges to push.

• The Research Says…
• Pushing Positions with Pictures

#6: Keep mother and baby together.

• Recognizing Hunger Cues in Breastfeeding Babies
• Comprehensive Breastfeeding Guide from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Hospital “Rooming In” Better for Mom, Better for Baby

Other great resources for expectant parents:

Birthing Babies VA’s Birth Plan: bbvabirthplan