Lamaze Essentials  Pregnancy is a normal, natural life event.   Women's bodies are perfectly designed to nourish and nurture their babies through pregnancy.   The months of pregnancy are necessary for babies to develop and grow, for women's bodies to prepare for birth and for women to prepare for motherhood.   Pregnancy provides an opportunity for mothers and fathers to begin forming lifelong bonds with their babies.   A good support system, a healthy lifestyle and the ability to cope with the stresses of life promote a healthy pregnancy, a healthy birth and a healthy baby.   The health-care system and care provider can increase or decrease a woman's confidence in the normality of pregnancy and her ability to have a healthy baby.   Lamaze education helps women gain confidence in their bodies,trust their inner wisdom and make informed decisions about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenting.

Making Connections Why fiding the right health-care provider and birth place for you are so important. Make the connection Body Beautiful Embrace the new body you share with your baby. Learn about your changing body   Birth Day, Your Way Plan for the unexpected. Consider these key factors   Mother Knows Best Experiencing labor and childbirth allows you to feel joy intermingling with pain and then delight in your incredible achievement. Follow your body's cues   Could I be Pregnant? Missed period? Extra tired? Your body may be telling you something. Look for your symptoms   Testing 1, 2, 3 Just because a test is available doesn’t mean it is necessary. Decide what prenatal testing you need and what you don’t. Check our list   The Truth About Which Rules to Follow and Which to Bend You’ve been give plenty of advice about pregnancy dos and don’ts, but what can you really have and what should you really avoid? Read what’s taboo   Food for Thought A healthy diet now will help ensure a healthy start for your baby. Learn about nutritious choices    Family Ties Bonding with your baby doesn't have to wait until after birth: It can start the moment you find out you are pregnant and continue throughout your pregnancy. Try these techniques