Goodbye 2013, Hello 2014, and Coupons!

Goodbye 2013….

As 2013 comes to a close, here's a link to a nice article in the Huffington Post that reviews some of the new findings about pregnancy and childbirth: 8 Things we Learned in 2013 About Having a Baby.

And Hello 2014…

And as 2014 begins, we intend to continue bringing you evidence-based information on pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood education on a (more) regular basis.  Check here weekly for the latest news and information, in addition to information about our classes, programs, and support groups.

To welcome 2014 in style, we also have a couple of coupons to help you save on our classes. We currently have 2 coupons you can use on our website:

1) The first coupon gives you $15 off a condensed childbirth class (2 week or 1 day class). Please share with any friends you know who might benefit from this:

Coupon code is WIN2014CB

2) The second coupon is good for $10 off a Mothers Group or Toddler Playgroup (Little Scientist or Parent-Toddler Playgroup).

Coupon code is WIN2014TO

Coupons are valid until March 31, 2014.  If you encounter any problems using the coupons, just give us a call at 734-973-1014 and we'll help you out.

Thanks for being a part of our lives in 2013, and we hope to see you in 2014!

Pain Relief in Labor: The Importance of Knowledge and Support

I recently came across this article reviewing the evidence about labor pain relief on
childbirthconnection.org.
I won't go into a lot of detail, as I encourage you to read the article yourself, but I will mention a couple of key points.

1) A woman's pain relief options vary greatly depending on where and with whom she gives birth.  Most women in the US give birth in hospitals, and have access to a full range of pain medication options. Interestingly, though, those women who have access to good continuous support during labor (whether from a partner, doula, friend or family member) are less likely to use pain medication, and are more likely to be satisfied with their birth experience.
2) The best predictor of a woman's experience of labor pain is her level of confidence in her ability to cope with labor.
3) The four factors that have the most impact on women's satisfaction in childbirth are:

• Having good support from caregivers
• Having a high quality relationship with caregivers
• Being involved in decision making about care
• Having better than expected experiences

As I read the article, it struck me that Lamaze childbirth classes focus specifically on those four factors. While being in a Lamaze class can't directly impact a woman's childbirth experience, these classes do increase the chances of achieving the first 3 factors. Lamaze childbirth preparation classes are not just about mom; rather they are focused on helping moms and partners (whether the partner is dad or someone else) navigate the process of labor and birth. Lamaze childbirth classes recognize the vital role played by partners in providing the support that will give everyone a more positive experience. 

Lamaze childbirth classes also focus on educating families about labor and birth, so that they can make informed decisions about medical care and can improve their relationships with medical caregivers by asking knowledgeable questions and understanding labor options. 

Lamaze classes also go into detail regarding the various methods of pain relief reviewed in this article. And while some people associate Lamaze only with "natural" childbirth, the reality is that Lamaze does not take a stance for or against any particular pain relief option. Rather, Lamaze childbirth classes review the benefits and costs associated with each method, so that families can make the best decision for themselves. 

If you know someone who might benefit from a Lamaze childbirth preparation class, new classes are always forming at www.lamazefamilycenter.org. 

New! Little Hands Explorers Toddler Playday and Class Series

Does your toddler love to explore the world around them? Then Lamaze Family Center has a great new class for you!

In our Little Hands Explorers toddler class you and your child will have a hands on play date with science. You'll conduct experiments such as "Fun with Light" and "Exploding Color Bubbles." When you're done experimenting, your child can enjoy a book, snack, and open play with his/her friends. This class is a great way to get your little one (ages 18-36 months) hooked on science, critical thinking, and reasoning from an early age. Plus it's bound to be both messy and tons of fun!

Our five class series starts on November 14th, but to kick off the class, we are offering two play days on October 31st and November 7th, from 9:30-11am. On October 31st you can get your Halloween off to a spooky start by making Magic Mud. On November 7th you can experiment with thrust by moving balloons on a string.

The cost of attending a playday is $15 and you can find out more and register online by clicking here.

The cost of the class series starting November 14th is $85 and you can find out more and register online by clicking here.
As a special bonus, anyone who attends one of our Little Hands Explorer playdays will get $10 off the price of registration for the Little Hands Explorers class series. What a great deal! So grab your toddler, grab a smock and come on over to Lamaze Family Center for some scary good science!

Natural Variations in Pregnancy Length

A new study out of the U.K. suggests that the length of pregnancy naturally varies between different women by as much as five weeks. Although it has always been known that human pregnancies last between 37 and 42 weeks, the variation has previously been attributed to imperfect methods of estimating due dates.

In the new study, researchers from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences were able to pinpoint the actual day that women became pregnancy by taking daily urine samples. In the study group of 125 women it was found that the length of pregnancy varied by as much as 37 days! It is thought that length of pregnancy is affected by a number of factors including a woman's age and weight at birth.

The finding suggests that while due dates are useful estimates, it is important to remember that every woman is different. In particular, practitioners should be cautious about intervening too early in a pregnancy.

This might also provide a sigh of relief for all the pregnant women who remain pregnant past their due date. Now when you get the dreaded "when are you due" question, you can answer, "XX date, but due to natural human variation it could be next week or the week after."

*Results from the study are published in the journal Human Reproduction

New! Drop in Play and Drop In Arts and Crafts at Lamaze.

New This Fall! Drop in Play and Drop in Arts and Crafts Times at Lamaze

Looking for something to do with your baby or toddler on Monday or Friday mornings? Lamaze Family Center has added new drop-in play and drop-in arts and crafts times for babies and toddlers. Drop in play times will be offered 2

Mondays each month, and Drop In Arts and Crafts will be offered on 2 Fridays each month. Additional drop in times may be added in coming months...

Drop In Play is available on the following Mondays from 10-11:30am:

Monday October 14, Monday October 28th, Monday November 11th, Monday November 25th

Drop In Arts and Crafts is available on the following Fridays from 10-11am:

Friday October 11, Friday October 25th, Friday November 8th, Friday November 22nd

At the Drop in Play times you will have access to our safe, cheerful play space with an array of ever-changing toys, including a swing and jumper for our littlest visitors. At the Drop in Arts and Crafts hour, we will provide art and craft materials as well as crafting ideas. We will also have some toys available so your budding artist can take a play break. 

Lamaze will provide free coffee to parents/caregivers and will have healthy snacks available for a small fee. You are also welcome to bring your own peanut-free snacks.

The cost of our Drop In Play and Drop In Arts and Crafts is $5 per child. Drop in Play is recommended for ages 0-3. Drop in Arts and Crafts is recommended for ages 0-5. You can register in advance for the drop in times or pay at the door. We hope to see you there! To learn more click here.

Thank You To All Who Attended Our Silent Auction!

Auction Organizers: From L-R, Amy Lawson, Bonnie Kerber, Jodie Hughes, Elizabeth Satterley 

Many thanks to all that attended our annual Silent Auction on September 28th! Because of your generosity, I am happy to report that Lamaze Family Center raised approximately $5000.00. That money will go directly towards funding our free community programs including:

•   Miscarriage and Newborn Loss Support Group
•   Postpartum Depression Support Group 
•   Teen Childbirth Preparation
•   Community Education Programs, and
•   Our Scholarship Fund

Thank you again for helping to ensure that ALL families are educated, empowered, and supported. 

If you missed our event, but would still like to make a donation you can do so through our website or by visiting our page at justgive.org.

Friedman's Curve: An Outdated Standard?

This week's blog post explores the concept of "failure to progress" during labor and is based on a recent article at Evidence Based Birth. Please visit their website for more details and a full list of references.

C-Sections and Friedman's Curve

As most supporters of Lamaze childbirth preparation know, the C-section rate in the United States is among the highest in the world. About 30% of first time moms end up having C-sections, and about 35% of those C-sections were performed due to a diagnosis of "failure to progress."

Recent research, however, has shown that the standard measure of labor progress--Friedman's Curve--is outdated, and that following this standard may result in unnecessary interventions, including C-sections.  Friedman's Curve, published in 1955, describes the average length of time it took for women in Friedman's study to dilate each centimeter. Friedman found that the average time to get from 0-4cm dilation was 8.6 hours, the average length of time to get from 4-10 cm was 4.9 hours, and the average length of "pushing" was 1 hour. Friedman's data showed that labor sped up once women entered the active labor phase (about 4 cm) until they reached about 9cm dilation.Until recently, women whose labors did not follow Friedman's standards often had their labors induced or augmented (generally by use of pitocin).

Changes in Labor Since 1955

Although based on data from 500 first time mothers, labor conditions in 1955 were much different than today. In 1955 most women were moderately to heavily sedated during labor (Twilight Sleep was still common). Maternal demographics have changed greatly over the years as well, so today's moms are more likely to be older, overweight, etc .

In order to see whether Friedman's curve was still useful, a 2010 research study examined labor records from more than 62,000 women across the US. This study found that for women who go into labor on their own, labors tend to be much slower than in 1955. Most women do not start dilating rapidly at 3cm as Friedman had found, and many women went for long periods of time without any dilation. In and of themselves, today's longer labors have not been shown to generate increased risk of harm to baby or mother. However, if labor progress is measured by old standards, today's women are more at risk for medical interventions aimed at speeding up labor.

New Standards

In 2013 the definitions of normal labor and arrested labor were updated to reflect recent research. It is recognized that active labor may not begin until 6cm dilation, and the new definitions make it more difficult to diagnose arrested labor. It is hoped that these new definitions will decrease the rate of preventable C-sections.

The new standards make it more likely that families will be able to follow the Healthy Birth Practices promoted by Lamaze International, in particular Healthy Birth Practice 1: Let Labor Begin On Its Own and Healthy Birth Practice 4: Avoid Interventions that Are Not Medically Necessary. 
Most importantly, the new standards do a better job of recognizing that every woman is different, and that labor does not progress in the same way or at the same speed for everyone. Women's bodies are uniquely designed to undergo the process of pregnancy and labor, and in most cases can get the job done well without much intervention.

A Great Resource for New Families

This week on the blog I would like to give a shout out to our friends over at Mara's World.
Mara's World is a relatively new website run by 3 individuals who are dedicated to helping new parents navigate the world of pregnancy and infanthood.

The website contains a number of articles and planning guides covering a range of topics related to pregnancy and parenting. Some of the topics include:

• Pregnancy Nutrition
• How to Find a Childbirth Class
• How to Write a Birth Plan
• Relationship and Sex After Pregnancy
• How to Select a Pediatrician
• Top 10 Ways to Avoid Sleep Deprivation With a Baby

I have read a number of the articles and have found that they present useful, unbiased information that hits home. We particularly like their article Do I Really Need to Take a Childbirth Class? The short answer is: probably! Check out their website when you have a chance! 

Fall Partnership Classes for Babies and Toddlers

At Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor we have several great partners who offer classes for babies and toddlers at our location. This week's blog will provide some information about the great classes offered by two of our partners, Kindermusik and Signing Smart. Both programs have free preview classes coming up in the next week so you can check them out!

Kindermusik offers two types of classes at Lamaze, Kindermusik Village for babies 0-18 months, and Kindermusik Our Time for toddlers 18 months-3.5 years.
At Kindermusik classes you will experience:

• Variety of music. Musical diversity builds strong neural networks in a baby’s forming mind, which is why each Kindermusik semester contains an array of styles, sounds, and genres.

 
• Instrument play. Age-appropriate experiences with child-safe instruments enhances a sense of rhythm and steady beat, develops a keen awareness of the distinguishing qualities of sound, and encourages spontaneity and creativity.


• Dance. A classroom full of baby and adult pairs dancing together helps a little body develop the muscle strength needed to crawl and walk and helps a little heart to fall in love with the sheer joy of responding to music.

 
• Together time. A Kindermusik class is truly the essence of “quality time,”offering you a place to create special memories with your child, gain new insights into your child’s development, and nurture your child’s natural love of music.

 
• Expert advice. A Kindermusik educator explains “what-to-watch-for” every step of the way and how each activity enhances your child’s complete development
• Learning continues at home. With the home materials, the learning continues at home with your child’s best teacher—you! 

Kindermusik is offering two free preview classes at the Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor on Wednesday September 11th. The Kindermusik Village (babies 0-18 months) preview will be held at 9:30am and the Kindermusik Our Time (toddlers 18 months-3.5 years) preview will be held at 10:30am. Registration is not required, but it gives us an idea of how many people to expect. You can register here.

Regular Kindermusik classes at Lamaze Family Center start on Wednesday September 18th.

Signing Smart is another valued Lamaze Family Center partner offering fall classes.

By participating in a Signing Smart class, you can learn songs, signs, and activities to help your child communicate frustration-free. 

Signing with your hearing infant or toddler (6 months to 2 years) is an intimate experience that enriches your bond with your child while promoting speech, conceptual development and long-term learning. 

With Signing Smart your child can express his needs and interests, which results in less frustration and fewer tantrums. Your child can finally "tell" you what's on her mind-long before she can speak!

Signing Smart is offering a free preview class on Saturday September 7th from 11:00-11:45am at Malletts Creek Library. Registration is not required, but it gives us an idea of how many people to expect. You can register here.

Regular Signing Smart classes at Lamaze Family Center start on Tuesday September 17th.

Come check out the free preview classes and open up a whole new world of learning for your baby or toddler. We hope to see you there!

Healthy Babies: Worth the Wait

There is a nice blog post on the Lamaze International Science and Sensibility Blog this week by Dr. Richard Waldman, the past president of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.  In the blog post, Dr. Waldman discusses the importance of conversation and collaboration between doctors, nurses, midwives, doulas, and pregnant women to ensure that babies get the best start in life.

Dr. Waldman focuses specifically on the recent trend towards elective labor induction and elective C-sections before 39 weeks of gestation. This is also a focus of the March of Dimes "Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait" Campaign. As both Dr. Waldman and the March of Dimes point out, there is a growing trend over the past two decades of late preterm births. Dr. Waldman argues that the excellent care provided by NICU and neonatal nurseries has made both health professionals and women complacent about giving birth early.

Recent research, however, has shown that babies born after 39 weeks are generally healthier and do better in the long run, than babies born before 39 weeks. Of course, in some cases health risks to mom or baby make early labor induction/C-section a necessity. For most of us though, it makes sense to wait until 39 weeks or later to give birth, in order to allow the brain and other organs to fully develop. As someone who gave birth to my daughter at 41 weeks 1 day, I know how hard it can be to wait patiently for a baby to come. As the March of Dimes campaign states though, her good health has definitely made it worth the wait!

To read Dr. Waldman's original blog post, click here. To read about the March of Dimes campaign, click here.

Time to Think About Fall Classes

It's still hot and humid, but fall will be here before you know it! Have you registered yet for fall classes for your baby or toddler?

Lamaze Family Center and our partners offer a variety of classes for babies and toddlers 6 months and up including:

• Parent-Toddler Playgroup
• Creative Movement for Toddlers and Tykes
• Signing Smart
• Kindermusik

Click here to read descriptions of the classes and to register before they fill up!

Breastfeeding Facts

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, here are some fun facts about breastfeeding:

How Many Women Breastfeed?

• According to the CDC's 2013 Breastfeeding Report Card, 76% of US women start out breastfeeding their children. By 6 months, 49% of moms are breastfeeding, and by 12 months only 27% are still breastfeeding. 
• In Michigan 75% of moms start out breastfeeding, but only 22.8% are doing so at 12 months. data from cdc.gov
• Nationwide, 7% of babies are born in a "Baby-Friendly Facility" ( an accreditation program based on recommendations from WHO and UNICEF, that was designed to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing center that offer an optimal level of care for infant care and mother/baby bonding). data from cdc.gov
• In Michigan, only .55% of births occur at a "Baby-Friendly Facility." data from cdc.gov

The Health Benefits of Breastfeeding data from surgeongeneral.gov:

• Breastfeeding protects babies from infections and illnesses, including diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia.
• Breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma.
• Children who are breastfed for 6 months or longer are less likely to become obese.
• Breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS.
• Mothers who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

The Economic Benefits of Breastfeeding data from surgeongeneral.gov:

• Families who breastfeed can save between $1,200 and $1, 500 in expenditures on infant formula in one year.
• It is estimated that if 90% of US households followed guidelines to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, the US would save $13 billion annually from reduced medical and other costs.
• Breastfeeding leads to better infant health, which means fewer health insurance claims, less employee time off to care for sick kids, and higher productivity.

How Long Should a Mother Breastfeed?:

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mother and baby desire. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age and beyond. data from cdc.gov

Although breastfeeding is natural, it is not always easy, and many women quit breastfeeding because they are frustrated, or don't have good support. At the Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor, we offer two main breastfeeding classes: Breastfeeding 101 and the Breastfeeding Obstacle Course. The first is meant to be taken before birth and covers breastfeeding basics. The Breastfeeding Obstacle Course builds upon information in Breastfeeding 101 is a guide to the common pitfalls and challenges of breastfeeding. You can learn more about our courses here.

Thanks to all the moms out there who breastfeed, and have a great World Breastfeeding Week!

Postpartum Depression-The Most Common Complication of Childbirth

Did you know that between 10 to 20% of all women experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, often referred to as "postpartum depression?" That's about 1 in 8 women, which is why postpartum depression is sometimes cited as being the most common complication of childbirth.

The general term "postpartum depression" is used to describe a range of disorders, including postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder, postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder, and postpartum psychosis. The symptoms associated with these disorders are more serious than the "baby blues" experienced by up to 80% of mothers. Unlike the "baby blues," which often go away after the first month or so postpartum, these more serious symptoms can last for months if left untreated.

A woman with postpartum depression might experience feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, irritability, changes in eating and sleeping habits, and lack of interest in her baby. Those with postpartum anxiety often experience extreme worries and fears, often over the health and safety of their baby. Women with postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder have repetitive unwanted thoughts or feel the need to do certain things over and over to reduce their anxiety. Postpartum PTSD is generally caused by a traumatic childbirth experience and often includes strong feelings of anxiety and flashbacks to the trauma. Postpartum psychosis is very rare, but extremely serious, and those experiencing it may have hallucinations or delusions that lead them to consider harming themselves or their baby. The symptoms associated with any of these disorders can appear anytime during the first year after giving birth.

Although postpartum depression and anxiety disorders are relatively common, many OB-GYN's don't discuss the symptoms or warning signs with their patients, so women experiencing the symptoms may feel isolated or alone. The good news is that there are effective and well-researched treatment options that help women to recover. Treatment may include increased self-care, social support, therapy, and sometimes medications.

The Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor is proud to partner with the Postpartum Depression Support Group of the Greater Ann Arbor Area to offer a free support group for women experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 10:30 am to noon at the Lamaze Family Center (2885 Boardwalk). Women, their partners, babies, and other supports are welcome.

If you or sometime you know are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety, know that support is out there. For more information about the Postpartum Depression Support Group of Greater Ann Arbor, you can call 734-418-2683.

Winner of Our Blog Giveaway!

Thank you to everyone who entered our blog giveaway! Our winner is:
Kendra
Kendra, I can leave the goodies at the Lamaze Family Center for you to pick up next week. Leave me a comment to let me know if that is okay.

Stay tuned for future blog giveaways...

Lamaze Family Center Blog Giveaway!!

WHAT?: Lamaze Family Center blog giveaway

WHERE?: Here and on our facebook page

HOW DO I ENTER?: It's simple. Just post a comment either here on our blog or on our facebook page telling us what you like best about Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor. The contest runs from Monday July 22nd-Friday July 26th. On Friday I will randomly pick a name from among those who entered comments and that will be our winner!

WHAT CAN I WIN? A cute back-to-school collection for the under 5 set. It includes a reusable lunch tote, a jump rope, 3 packs of simple flashcards, a board book, an activity pad, some stickers, and some crayons. See below for a picture.

Let's see how many comments we can get. Please share our blog and facebook page with your friends and family, or anyone else who might benefit from our classes. Thanks!

The Importance of Early Childhood Education

When you hear the phrase "early childhood education" you might think of kindergarten or elementary school. Recent research shows, however, that the path to school and job readiness begins at birth. A child's brain development is shaped by early experiences, which set the foundation for all future learning.

 According to the Zero to Three organization:

"During the remarkable first three years of life, the brain creates 700 new neural connections every second. Synapse formation for functions such as hearing, language, and cognition peak during this time- before children reach preschool. These peak periods create the important foundation for higher level functions that will be built on top of them. During this sensitive period, early experiences influence whether this important foundation will be strong or fragile. The early years thus present a prime opportunity to positively influence the course of a young child's life."

Investing in early childhood education gives a great bang for the buck, as the diagram below illustrates:

Economists estimate that for every dollar invested in early childhood programs, a savings of anywhere from $3.50 to $17.00 can be expected in future public expenditures.

Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor has long believed in the importance of early childhood education, and seeks to provide the resources to help families at this crucial time. Our Parent Toddler playgroups offer a unique opportunity for children and their special adult to spend quality time together playing. Kids can work on gross and fine motor skills, language development, and can practice social skills. Parents can ask questions and get support from the instructors and their peers. 

New Parent Toddler playgroups start in August! If you or someone you know has a 12-36 month old, you can learn more or register for a class by clicking here. On vacation? Join us in September for our fall playgroups. Joining a Lamaze playgroup is a great way boost brain development!

To learn more about the importance of early childhood education, visit the Zero to Three website by clicking here.

New Location for Lamaze Family Center Blog!

We've updated our blog! Links to older blog posts can be found to the right of the new blog post.