I’ve been teaching childbirth classes since 1995.
My students’ goals are to have safe, healthy, and natural births. Sometimes the stars align and things fall into place and those goals are reached. Sometimes choices my students make or choices their care providers make influence an outcome that doesn’t align with their original goal of a natural birth. There are many factors involved and some are out of their control.
Evidence and research show that the safest and healthiest birth is a natural birth.
The Lamaze 6 healthy birth practices are based on research and medical evidence that lead to the best outcomes for mother and baby. One of the most important benefits of normal birth is the Microbiome. Your baby picks up and establishes his Microbiome – immune system – from the mother’s birth canal.
- Healthy Birth Practice 1: Let labor begin on its own
- Healthy Birth Practice 2: Walk, move around and change positions throughout labor
- Healthy Birth Practice 3: Bring a loved one, friend or doula for continuous support
- Healthy Birth Practice 4: Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary
- Healthy Birth Practice 5: Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body’s urges to push
- Healthy Birth Practice 6: Keep mother and baby together – It’s best for mother, baby and breastfeeding
The Microbiome is important because that is where the immune system begins.
The Microbiome consists of trillions of good bacteria that lay the foundation of a strong and healthy life. The function of your baby’s Microbiome:
- Supports the immune system
- Nutrient absorption
- Cognitive function
- Mood regulation
Without this essential Microbiome, your baby may be more susceptible to disease, and a weakened immune system.
A recent study found “Babies born vaginally were colonized predominantly by Lactobacillus, whereas cesarean delivery babies were colonized by a mixture of potentially pathogenic bacteria typically found on the skin and in hospitals, such as Staphylococcus and Acinetobacter, suggesting babies born by Cesarean were colonized with skin flora in lieu of traditionally vaginal type of bacterium.”
Babies born by Cesarean delivery were more likely to develop the following:
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Asthma
- Celiac disease
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Gastroenteritis
Watch the documentary Microbirth
Watch the documentary Microbirth on vimeo or order from Amazon to learn more about the Microbiome and how important it is to your baby. I believe birth is a miracle and can be magical. Most women can achieve a normal birth but it takes commitment and preparation, support, and the right care provider. Do everything you can to assure your baby will have the best start to life. If you’ve done all you can, you’ve done your very best.
by Liza Janda
