Leslynotes - Media

Rn - Specialized in Labor and Delivery

BA in Fine Art, Rutgers University

AS in Science

Certified Wellness Coach (CWC)

U Smile Radio Host

Reiki Master

Certified Calm Birth Instructor

Lamaze(R) International Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE)

Fellow of the American College of Childbirth Educators (Lamaze(R) International- FACCE)

Advanced Clinical Hypnocounselor (ACH) National Guild of Hypnotists

Lesly Federci

Labor is 30% Physical

& 70% Emotional

Oh NO way, you may be thinking. But let me tell you two stories that changed my life, my philosophies about childbirth and teaching.

Years ago when I graduated nursing school, I was absolutely elated to begin my career as a labor and delivery nurse. I loved it. When one ay there was a laboring woman who was so scared, she was crying and screaming. One of the “seasoned” nurses I worked with went into her labor room and screamed back at her “shut up! Shut up! Screaming is going to do nothing for you!”

Well, I was shocked and now the humiliated woman was crying hysterically. It was awful. I couldn’t believe this nurse had behaved this way to a patient - especially to a woman in labor. It was an attempt the nurse would tell me later “to get control of the situation” . I wanted to help this woman and didn’t know how at the time.

Several months later another woman was admitted to our labor and delivery unit. This woman during her labor was breathing slowly. She looked very relaxed and peaceful. Not at all frantic like the woman I told you about previously. The lights were dim, and the atmosphere was very serene. She delivered a baby without medication. It was the most beautiful birth I had been a part of in a hospital environment.

Yet, I was perplexed! How could these women behave so differently during childbirth?

Soon after I discovered I was pregnant. I of course did what you’re supposed to do - enroll in a childbirth class. I did , and it was the worst learning experience I ever had. I didn’t really learn anything new. After all I was a labor and delivery nurse and knew the physiology of birth. I learned nothing to prepare me for the physical and emotional aspects of labor.

These questions stayed in my head:

What made these birth experiences so different?

How could have my childbirth class better prepare me for birth?

How could I become a childbirth educator and help hundreds, thousands of women make their experiences positive ones?

I became a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator in 1997. I also continued studies in using hypnosis for labor pain management, and became a Reiki Master and practitioner.

The process of birth is the same for women all over the world. What makes the difference is culture, support, and the biggest one - personal attitudes towards having a baby and birth. I strongly believe childbirth education classes should be taken more seriously than they are and focus more on coping and relaxation skills, stress management, and exercise. 90% of stress is self induced.

Birth is such an incredible experience. I was surprised to learn how relaxation skills - hypnosis and meditation , can be used to manage labor pain and how effective they are. However, it all comes back to the woman. Her attitudes and her willingness to learn and apply these techniques, or not, will influence her birthing experience.

So learn about my Smartbirth 4 program for expectant women and see if it’s right for you. The benefits are many: