The six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices below are supported by research studies that examine the benefits and risks of maternity care practices. Therefore, they represent "evidence-based care," which is the gold standard for maternity care worldwide. Evidence-based care means "using the best research about the effects of specific procedures, drugs, tests, and treatments, to help guide decision-making." 

• Let Labor Begin on Its Own
  [English pdf] [Spanish pdf] [Russian pdf] [Mandarin pdf] [Portuguese pdf] [Czech pdf] [Romanian pdf] [Polish pdf] [Greek pdf] [Arabic pdf] [Hebrew pdf] 
   
• Walk, Move Around, and Change Positions Throughout Labor
  [English pdf] [Spanish pdf] [Russian pdf] [Mandarin pdf] [Portuguese pdf] [Czech pdf] [Romanian pdf] [Polish pdf] [Greek pdf] [Arabic pdf] [Hebrew pdf] 
   
• Bring a Loved One, Friend, or Doula for Continuous Support
  [English pdf] [Spanish pdf] [Russian pdf] [Mandarin pdf] [Portuguese pdf] [Romanian pdf] [Polish pdf] [Greek pdf] [Arabic pdf] [Hebrew pdf] 
   
• Avoid Interventions That Are Not Medically Necessary
  [English pdf] [Spanish pdf] [Russian pdf] [Mandarin pdf] [Portuguese pdf] [Czech pdf] [Romanian pdf] [Polish pdf] [Greek pdf] [Arabic pdf] [Hebrew pdf] 
   
• Avoid Giving Birth on Your Back, and Follow Your Body’s Urges to Push
  [English pdf] [Spanish pdf] [Russian pdf] [Mandarin pdf] [Portuguese pdf] [Czech pdf] [Romanian pdf] [Polish pdf] [Greek pdf] [Hebrew pdf] 
   
• Keep Mother and Baby Together – It’s Best for Mother, Baby, and Breastfeeding
  [English pdf] [Spanish pdf] [Russian pdf] [Mandarin pdf] [Portuguese pdf] [Czech pdf] [Romanian pdf] [Polish pdf] [Greek pdf] [Arabic pdf] [Hebrew pdf]