Published Articles

Cultural Diversity in Childbirth Education

Cultural Diversity in Childbirth Education Amy V. Haas, BCCE I had just started a new class and as I looked around the room I wondered what surprises these families would hold for me. How could I best help them find what they need? Most important, what would I learn from them? As a childbirth educator (CBE) of 15 years I have learned to tailor my classes to accommodate the needs of different families. Just because I live in a suburb of a small city in upstate New York does not mean I will only have white, middle-class students. The area where I live is actually quite diverse, mimicking the...

Read More

The Emotional Side to Drugs in Labor: The Beginning of Learning to Parent

The Emotional Side to Drugs in Labor: The Beginning of Learning to Parent By Amy V. Haas, BCCE The debate over natural vs. drugged labors rages daily. Professionals argue both sides, while parents wait to hear what the healthiest choice should be. Research emerges frequently that supports one side or the other. Issues of women’s right to choose an anesthetized birth over the struggle for a natural birth pervade the birth industry, in spite of evidence that shows the harmful side effects of drugs during labor. Proven or not, birth professionals have to be very careful what they...

Read More

How to Stay Healthy and Low Risk

How to Stay Healthy and Low Risk

The information in this article is general in nature and is not specific to your particular physical situation or problem. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. You should obtain information specific to the individual mother or baby directly from your medical practitioner.  Also, check out our once a month Healthy Pregnancy class! As seen in issue #4 of Midwifery Today’s Having A Baby Today How to Stay Healthy and Low Risk during Pregnancy, Labor,  and Birth   Amy V. Haas, BA, BCCE   Pregnancy can be a wonderful and exciting time of life for most women. ...

Read More