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Helping Your Hormones Do Their Most Wonderful Work
IN HEALTHY PREGNANCIES, THE PATHWAY SHOWN HEREIS THE SAFEST, SMOOTHEST ROUTE FOR LABOR, BIRTH AND THE CRUCIAL DAYS THAT FOLLOW.
HEALTHY BIRTH
Staying on the right path means helping your body’s natural hormones work well for you!
PATHWAY TO A
WHAT CAN PULL YOU AWAYFROM THE PATHWAY?
WHAT WILL HELP YOUSTAY ON THE PATHWAY?
WHAT CAN PULL YOU AWAYFROM THE PATHWAY?
WHAT WILL HELP YOUSTAY ON THE PATHWAY?
Inducing labor4
(or having a cesarean) beforeyour body is ready to give birth and your baby is ready to be born
Choose the care provider and birth placethat support your body’s abilities while avoiding unneeded tests and treatments
Choosing the careprovider and birth placethat intervene in natural processes when you and your baby are healthy
Not having skilled,personalized supportwhile giving birth
Feeling stressedduring pregnancy
Find a doulato help you stay comfortable and calmwhile you give birth2
Limit stressduring pregnancy whenpossible1
LATE PREGNANCY- Hormones prepare you for safe and smooth childbirth, breastfeeding, and bonding3
Let labor begin on its ownwhen possible
WHAT WILL HELP YOUSTAY ON THE PATHWAY?
WHAT CAN PULL YOU AWAYFROM THE PATHWAY?
EARLY LABOR- Hormones prepare you for a smooth labor and birth5
- Hormones help avoid unneeded interventions and side effects
Stay home until labor isstrong (“active” labor), while staying in touch with your care provider
Stay calm and relaxed,and get support froma doula2
Going to the hospital earlybefore labor is strong(“active” labor)6
Feeling stressed or anxiouscan slow down labor
If you or your baby need special medical care, you are likelyto benefit from the checked practices whenever possible.
Learn more about the pathway to a healthy birthin a booklet made just for women at
Presented By:
Selected References
ChildbirthConnection.org/BirthPathwayThese recommendations are based on the research summarized in Hormonal Physiology of Childbearing:
Evidence and Implications for Women, Babies, and Maternity Care by Sarah J. Buckley. Available with full extensive references at ChildbirthConnection.org/HormonalPhysiology
Fink et al. J Perinat Neonatal Nurs, 2012:296-306Hodnett et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2013:CD003766Fuchs et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1984; 150:734-41Phaneuf et al. J Reprod Fertil, 2000:91-7Blanks et al. BJOG, 2003(Suppl):46-51Holmes et al. BJOG, 2001:1120-4Hillman et al. Clin Perinatol, 2012:769-83Anim-Somuah et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2011:CD000331Nissen et al. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 1995:530-3Moore et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2012:CD003519Bystrova et al. Birth, 2009:97-109Khan et al. Matern Child Health J, 4 June 2014Winberg. Dev Psychobiol, 2005:217-29
1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.
10.11.12.13.
a program of thenational partnership for women & families
© 2015 National Partnership for Women & Families. All rights reserved.
ACTIVE LABOR- Hormones prepare you for a safe birth and the time after birth7
- Hormones help avoid unneeded interventions and side effects
WHAT CAN PULL YOU AWAYFROM THE PATHWAY?
WHAT WILL HELP YOUSTAY ON THE PATHWAY?
Stay in skin-to-skincontact with your baby inthe hours after birth10
Being separated from yourbaby after birth11
Breastfeed soon afterbirth and when yourbaby seems interestedin feeding12
Not breastfeeding shortlyafter birth and when yourbaby is interested in feeding
Limit distractions, staycalm, and focus on beingwith your baby in the daysafter birth13
Being distracted withother people and activitiesin the days after birth
EARLY HOURS ANDFIRST DAYS AFTER BIRTH - Hormones help you and your baby feel calm, connected, and ready to breastfeed9
Use comfort measuressuch as tubs, showers,and birth balls
Stay upright and movearound for good laborprogress; be patientduring labor
Stay calm and relaxed
Getting an epidural may slowyour labor and make pushingdifficult8
Getting synthetic oxytocin(“Pitocin”) to strengthen yourlabor can interfere with yourbody’s hormones4
Feeling stressed or anxious
DURING PREGNANCY- Pregnancy is a time to plan for safe, smooth childbirth- Low levels of stress hormones help you and your baby stay healthy1
WHAT CAN PULL YOU AWAYFROM THE PATHWAY?
WHAT WILL HELP YOUSTAY ON THE PATHWAY?
This information is not intended to be a substitute for the professionalguidance of qualified health care providers.
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