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Reliable information on
pregnancy topics
by Heisje de Jong,
Certified Lactation Consultant
 Welcome
(home page)
Your
pre-conception diet
Home pregnancy tests
Early signs of pregnancy
Diet for your pregnancy
Things to give up
Lifestyle changes
 Childbirth classes
Breastfeeding - preparation
Complications during
pregnancy
Prenatal testing
Pregnancy Week-by-Week
When to contact your doctor
What to ask your obstetrician
Hospital or home delivery?
And your Packing Guide!
Pain relief in labor
& birth
Medical intervention
during
labor and delivery
Post partum exercises
Breastfeeding
About Heisje de Jong
Useful links
Contact Heisje
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The purpose of childbirth classes is to give accurate information
on the stages and process of labor & delivery, as well as
teach you and your partner about relaxation, breathing techniques
and pain relief during labor. Some classes offer also information
on nutrition, exercise and fetal development. Childbirth classes
help you to know more about your body and how to work with it
during labor and delivery. They also give you the opportunity
to meet other expectant couples and share experiences. I strongly
recommend that you enroll in a childbirth class. I believe that
childbirth education empowers women to make informed choices
about their healthcare and that of their baby.
I encourage you to investigate
the different classes available in your area and to sigh up with
the one that suits you most. It is worth to shop around for classes
because there is a wide variation in exactly what is taught and
how.
Classes are usually run by hospitals,
private teachers, instructors certified by the International
Childbirth Education Association or doctors. Many teachers offer
couples classes so you can prepare for labor together and your
partner feels more involved in the whole process.
The two leading methods of childbirth
instruction are the Bradley Method and the Lamaze Method. Many
other classes however have evolved their own approaches to childbirth
education using certain aspects from these two methods.
THE BRADLEY METHOD
Dr. Robert Bradley developed
this method in the late 1940's. It is a method of increasing
self-awareness, teaching expectant mothers how to deal with the
stress and pain of labor. The method encourages good diet and
exercise during pregnancy and teaches deep relaxation techniques
and natural breathing to manage labor pain. The woman's partner
is educated to be her coach and support during labor. The method
favours a natural approach to childbirth and consequently obstetric
interventions and pain relieving drugs are kept to a minimum.
Many women are attracted by this
natural approach and the idea of giving birth to a baby who is
not exposed to drugs. Other women may find that this method is
not right for them and prefer to have pain medication as an option.
The courses typically last 8-12
weeks and are taught by certified teachers. The classes are usually
small (no more than eight couples).
THE LAMAZE METHOD
Dr. Ferdinand Lamaze discovered
this method, also called the psychoprophylaxis technique, during
a trip to Russia. The theory behind this method is that a woman
in labor can condition her responses to contractions through
breathing, relaxation exercises and imagery to minimize her pain.
The classes start by deconditioning the women from their fear
and doubts about childbirth and recondition them to respond to
contractions as helpful stimuli. The Lamaze Method does not take
a hard line for or against the use of pain relief during labor
but encourages woman to make an informed choice.
The classes consist of 12 hours
of instruction and are taught by certified teachers. Lamaze educators
teach more than 150.000 Lamaze classes, every year, which are
attended by more than 2 million parents.
AscotReview, award-winning Shopping Directory
JCPenney Department
Store - the total resource for *all* your baby & family needs
Your most Reliable department store with a huge variety of quality
clothing, footwear, toys, furniture, bedding, supplies. For baby,
toddler, pre-school, school age and thereafter.
Clothing: bottoms, tops, dress up, sets, outwear, sportswear,
footwear, sleepwear, underwear.
Toys: action, action figures, barbie, cars, trucks, trains, collectibles,
dolls, educational, games, hobbies, musical instruments, nintendo,
playsets, playstation, plush, preschool, remote controlled, sega,
video, handheld
Sears Room for
Kids, furniture, bedding and fun things for kid's rooms
The best place to shop for all things kids! Kid's bedding, kid's
furniture, fun accessories, outdoor toys, electronics and games,
baby bedding, safety products. (90-HP-7)
Eddie Bauer,
fine kids' clothing, men's and women's apparel, footwear, travel
gear home furniture, outdoor furniture
Eddie Bauer offers casual lifestyle products for adults and kids.
Eddie Bauer products are for men and women who seek versatile,
classically styled, high-quality merchandise designed to meet
the wide range of their apparel and home furnishing needs. Men's
and women's apparel, kids clothing, footwear, bedding, in and
outdoor furniture, decor and accessories. (15-HP-5)
Jordan Marie
Baby Boutique, exclusive baby clothing from birth to 4T
Whether shopping for a child or purchasing a gift for a friend
you will absolutely love the unique product selection of layette,
fashion, monogramming and christening clothes available at Jordan
Marie. Jordan Marie is everything a baby boutique should be:
whimsical, adorable, and unique! For over twenty years, they'
ve delighted parents and gift seekers alike with their picture
taking playwear and special occasion garments. Jordan Marie is
for those who have grown tired of dressing their baby in mass-merchandise
clothing. They expect baby clothing to wash better, look better,
and feel better than mass produced clothing. Yet, Jordan Marie
clothing is surprisingly affordable. Also new baby gift baskets,
plush toys and gift certificates. (30-LS-15)
Spiegel, home
design, women's fashion and accessories
Spiegel creates products especially for the today's woman that
are consistent with her lifestyle and style preferences. The
today's woman wants to convey her own personality and style in
both the way she dresses and decorates her home. Spiegel provides
a broad, but focused product offer designed and organized to
encourage her to express her individuality. Women's fashion,
home collection, electronics, kids stuff, jewelry, gifts. (15-HP-5)
Carter's fine collection of baby and
toddler clothes, nursery bedding, bathtime gear
Carter's excellent collection includes baby clothes, shoes and
baby bedding, bodysuits, sleepers, pajamas, creepers, baby bath
towels, washcloths and mitts, bassinet sheets, cradle blankets,
thermal blankets, crib mattresses, coordinates. For over 135
years, Carter's have helped mothers put together their babies’
first wardrobes.They have dressed generations of children, and
their products reflect the exceptional quality and care that
mothers expect from Carter’s. Highly recommended.
OshKosh B'Gosh
- quality stylish baby, toddler and children clothing, bedding
and gear
OshKoshb'gosh is where you'll find a broad assortment of OshKosh
clothing, gear and accessories for newborns through size 16,
as well as car seats, strollers, nursery bedding and accessories.
Overalls, rompers, bodysuits, sweatshirts, jackets, slickers,
shortalls, pants, sleepwear, pants, swinsuits, coverups, t-shirts,
booties, shoes, athletic shoes, sandals, socks, hats, belts,
briefs, long sets, bedding sets, pillows, nursery accessories,
high chair covers, carriers, bouncers, car seats, strollers,
swings, diaper stackers/bags, bottle bags, totes, baby toys,
plush toys, rattles, dolls - to name only a few !!The OshKosh
B'Gosh brand name is recognized nationally and internationally
for its classic American style, durability and quality. (15-HP7)
MotherWear, fashion
for the young & nursing mother - nurse your baby anytime,
anywhere
Motherwear is your one-stop resource for nursing clothes that
help you breastfeed in style -- anytime, anywhere -- . Motherwear
helps make your nursing experience as great as it can be. You
simply won’t find such high quality, mother-tested garments
backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee anywhere else. All the
breastfeeding clothes a nursing mother could want are right here
including breastfeeding tops, swimsuits, dresses, sweaters, sleepwear,
and camisoles, in misses and plus sizes. And they’ve got
the largest selection of nursing bras, around -- from light support,
to extra support in sizes up to 50J. Shop Motherwear for the
breastfeeding accessories you need -- breast pads, carriers,
nursing pillows, breastfeeding books, and breastfeeding resources
-- all for you at motherwear.com! (45-HCJ-8)
All about baby and toddler at Babystyle - fine
quality at prices you will love
Babystyle is an online retailer providing shopping solutions
for today’s busy women. Babystyle is a one-stop shop that
targets one of life’s biggest changes -- a new family member!
As a one-stop shop, their baby department offers everything including
maternity clothing, nursery furnishings, baby clothes and gear
and even a baby registry. They've also got great gifts for the
whole family. Their kids department addresses so many family
needs as children grow. With a range of products aimed at children
2-10, the kids department has clothes, toys, decor for kids’
rooms and lots more! (07-H2L-10)
iMaternity, your
maternity everything store
iMaternity provides you with high quality products, excellent
customer service and the most competitive prices around. In their
Career section, you'll find dresses, ensembles, pants sets, separates,
plus much, much more that's sure to make you look your best while
in the workplace. Casual wear is essential in every wardrobe
and they've got everything from active wear to tank tops, pantsuits
to rompers to get you ready for a quick trip to the gym or the
weekend excursion out of town. Treat yourself to comfortable
or sexy Intimates. Choose from flattering attire to fit your
needs - bras and panties, hosiery, sleepwear, support belts and
even sensual body cream. iMaternity provides you also with parenting
advice and information, newsletter, pregnancy calendar, birth
planner, baby name finder, pregnancy glossary and more
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