Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a special experience that creates a bond between mother and baby that no one else can experience. It is a great way to save money on formula and there are health benefits for both baby and mother.  According to WebMD " Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding reduces your baby's risk of having asthma or allergies. Babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first six months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea. They also have fewer hospitalizations and trips to the doctor."

At Lamaze Family Center our two-hour class, to be taken before your baby arrives, covers the basics of breastfeeding plus information on life with a breastfeeding baby, nutrition, proper latch, how fathers/partners can help, and avoiding or managing problems. Each couple will have an opportunity to practice various breastfeeding positions. Have you registered for a class yet? 

Cesarean Awareness Month: Support for VBACs at LFC

Did you know that April is Cesarean Awareness Month? According to the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN), the U.S. cesarean rate stands at 32.9%, but some states have rates of more than 40%.

“Cesareans are far from the niche occurrence of yesteryear. Every woman in her childbearing years MUST sit up and take notice of this alarming and astonishing rate of surgical delivery,” says ICAN President Desirre Andrews. “Now more than ever, women and babies need access to evidence-based care.” Click here to read the ICAN blog.

Lamaze Family Center's evidence-based childbirth classes help give families real tools and support to prepare for their births and make empowered choices. We teach families to recognize the "cascade of interventions" but also be flexible and realistic.

Additionally, we offer a Review Workshop class for second- (or third- or more) time moms who want refresher for their next birth, and we are hearing more and more from moms who are seeking a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Our next class meets Wednesday, May 25. This class isn't just for moms who have taken Lamaze previously; moms and their partners can enjoy devoted time to think about their next birth and reassess their priorities, hopes and plans for the upcoming birth.

Want to celebrate a recent VBAC or honor a friend? Buy your baby a VBAC onesie! Gotta love Etsie.

ICAN is asking for birth stories, and I'd love to hear some second-time birth stories to share with our readers. Email me at meredith@lamazefamilycenter.org

Expectant Moms: Come to Nesting, a Creative Prenatal Retreat at Blue House

Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor and Blue House proudly introduce a retreat on Saturday, March 5, dedicated to a day of creative empowerment for expecting moms. Whether you are a first time mom or a busy momma expecting #3, pregnancy is a journey to cherish. What better way to mark this time in your life than to celebrate what matters most. Come enjoy a day just for you and your baby.

The retreat includes two crafting projects (no previous experience required, so don't be intimidated if you aren't a Martha Stewart-type!), delicious local food, prenatal yoga session, and a comfort measures and birth wish list session, co-facilitated by yours truly (Meredith Lovelace, LCCE, one of the Lamaze Family Center's childbirth educators.)

The retreat is on Saturday, March 5, from 9:30am-4:00pm at Blue House Ann Arbor, 1026 South Main St. (corner of Main and Pauline, across from the Big House.) Limited to 20 mommas, so sign up now if you are interested!

Go to Blue House's site for more information and to register.

Welcome to the Lamaze Family Center Blog!

We are excited to be able to communicate with you in a fun, fast and interactive way.

Our appeal is broad:

• If you are pregnant and looking for a comprehensive, evidence-based childbirth class, look no further than our Lamaze classes, taught by certified Lamaze instructors.
• We have two board-certified lactation consultants on staff who teach our monthly breastfeeding classes and we also offer a fun infant care workshop/bootcamp to get you ready to care for your new baby.
• Recently had a baby and looking to connect with other new moms? Join one of our Mother's Groups.
• Struggling with the overwhelming reality of being a new mom and can't kick the "baby blues?" We host a monthly Postpartum Depression group facilitated by therapists/social workers.
• Is your child over 1 year old, but not old enough for preschool? We offer weekly parent-toddler playgroups, an interactive art class for 18months-3yr olds, an outdoor science camp perfect for your 2-3 yr old, and more.

We'll post articles and photos to keep you up to date on what is happening at Lamaze and the world of evidence-based childbirth education, as well as fun tips and ideas for your growing family.