This is where you begin! 
Welcome!
Lesly Federici here, your childbirth educator! I am a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE). I’ve been teaching childbirth education for over 14 years. Find out more about me here.
Leslynotes.com created in 1998, is a free resource for expectant moms-to-be world wide looking for information on preparing for childbirth; How to have a natural birth, one with medications (epidural), how to use breathing techniques, comfort measures for labor, and how to manage “labor pain”.
The information offered here encompasses the philosophies of Lamaze (R) International, current evidenced based practices for childbirth, and my own philosophies based on 14 years of teaching expectant couples and experience as a labor & delivery nurse.
Evidence based practices are those practices that have been proven, through research, studies, and documentation, to benefit the laboring women.
Many hospitals, even though the evidence is clear, do not implement these practices. In the USA, the care women receive during labor and birth in hospital environments often lead to increased medical interventions and unnecessary Cesarean births.
Maternal/Infant care is undergoing great changes in the United States to implement Evidenced Based maternity care.
This creates a challenge for you, the expectant mom in three ways:
- learn what these evidence based practices are and how they can enhance your birth experience
- present this information to your doctor
- have the birth experience you want in spite of opposition from others (family, friends, even your doctor)
Two practices you should into right now:
- Get a midwife. Midwives are very safe care providers to manage pre-natal care and birth. If you can’t find a midwife and you are seeing a doctor – that’s fine. Then …
- Get a Doula or a Labor Support Person. A Doula is a person trained to provide emotional and physical support to the laboring woman and works as a “team” with your partner. Research has shown that their presence in the labor room decreases the use of medications and cesarean births.If you can’t get a Doula, enlist a family member , a sister, mother, etc. or friend who would be willing to be with you during your labor.
Throughout this free online childbirth class, will be sprinkles of Evidence Based information and resources for you.
This online childbirth class supplements your “live” childbirth education class at your birthing facility (hospital, etc. ).
If you are unable to enroll in a childbirth class where you live, you may be interested in the “live” Smartbirth 4 Online Childbirth Class series offered here at Leslynotes that you can take right from home!
The free online childbirth class provides you with information on relaxation techniques, breathing for labor, movement, physiology, and much more. Leslynotes also offers teleconferences, events and support calls. Make sure you subscribe to the mailing list to stay informed.
Do yourself a favor – don’t wait to the last minute to enroll in a birthing class! Be PROACTIVE! This is YOUR body, YOUR health, YOUR baby, and your experience – no one else’s. Learn well, birth smart. What you learn and experience in birthing classes can affect your:
- attitudes about birthing
- attitudes about baby
- decisions
- life and relationships
- parenting
- confidence
- awareness of how birth really is
While at the same time, provide an educational foundation for you and your new family!
How it works
Tour the e-class by following the numbers of each posts title. The numbers next to the title are meant to guide you through the information in an organized manner. The topics are meant to flow into the next to build on the information presented earlier. You’ll get the most out of it if you follow it consecutively.
The topics provide information and discussions with explanations when needed. There are also suggested readings from other sites that you can access immediately.
, it’s free. When you register, you let me know how many people are reading the information presented on this blog.
Also you have the option of applying for the childbirth class scholarship at the same time.
I welcome your comments and suggestions. This site is for you, so if there’s something you would like to know more about, let me know – send me a message below! I want the feedback. There are links to other websites to reinforce, or give more information on a topic. These links may change. (Disclaimer)
Something to remember
All childbirth education classes, be it Lamaze(R), ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association), and others, all share the common goal in guiding you, assisting you, preparing you, and empowering you with information on options and choices in planning a birth experience that is rewarding, filled with positive memories, and right for you.
I hope this free online childbirth class provides you with information you want, need, is useful,raises your awareness about birth, is interesting, and fun. I welcome your questions and feedback. Leave a comment or send me a note
Birth Bold,
Lesly
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