In her new webinar, “The Impact of Birth Practices on the Breastfeeding Mother-Baby Dyad” Linda Smith, LLL Leader, MPH, IBCLC shares an in-depth view of current birth practices and their impact on breastfeeding behaviors in newborn babies and their mothers. She discusses how medications used in childbirth may affect the sucking ability of infants, the response of the mother to the baby, and the long lasting- perhaps even lifelong- effects that birth has on behavior. Linda’s presentation is supported throughout by research showing that interventions during birth are not without consequence.
Knowing these facts provides a clearer vision to Leaders as to how birth influences why some babies may act the way that they do. This, in turn, will assist Leaders as they encourage and educate breastfeeding parents. Understanding from the baby’s point of view provides guidance for supporting mothers during the early days of breastfeeding.
When discussing childbirth options during meetings, Leaders can share, or even role play, how to have an informed conversation regarding birth options with an obstetrician, midwife, and other birth attendant before the baby arrives. Leaders will be sensitive to any attendee’s past experiences and preferences while honestly discussing pros and cons of these choices. Perhaps having Linda’s book and other childbirth books available at meetings will give parents a means to begin their own research and make their own informed decisions.
Healthcare providers (HCPs) will find this information helpful as they meet with parents during the pregnancy to discuss what to expect from labor and ways to accommodate the parents’ preferences. Working as a team for the best pregnancy and delivery possible creates a positive environment for birthing and welcoming the new baby.
CHILDBIRTH BOOKS SUGGESTED BY LEADERS:
English
Impact of Birthing Practices on Birth, 2nd edition – Linda Smith
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide – Penny Simkin
Birth Partner 5th Edition: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Partners, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions Paperback, September 25, 2018 – Penny Simkin
Husband-Coached Childbirth: The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth – Robert A Bradley
The Positive Birth Book: A New Approach to Pregnancy, Birth and the Early Weeks – Milli Hill
Dutch
Veilig bevallen – Beatrijs Smulders & Mariel Croon
Veilig zwanger – Beatrijs Smulders & Mariel Croon
Vrije geboorte – Anna Myrte Korteweg
Spanish
Parir – Obone Olza
Parir en libertad – Raquel Shallman
La revolucion del nacimiento – Isabel Fernandez Castillo
Italian
Abbracciamolo subito! – Michel Odent
Parto a nascita senza violenza. Dalla gravidanza al parto, ai primi mesi di vita – Lorenzo Braibanti
Partorire e accudire con dolcezza: la gravidanza, el parto e i primi mesi con tuo figlo, secondo natura – Sarah J.Buckley
Partorire senza paura – Elisabetta Malvagna
Per una nascita senza violenza – Frédérick Leboyer
Venire al mondo, dare alla luce – Veran Schmidt
Partorire dopo un cesareo – a cura di Verena Schmid
Manuale del parto attivo – di Janet Balaskas, Red edizioni
Reviewed by: Ann Calandro and Cindy Garrison