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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. I was told by an unreliable source that whenever I raised my arms above shoulder height I ran the risk of strangling my baby with the umbilical cord. is there any truth to this??

A. Old wive's tales still abound in our modern day, it seems. There is no possibility of strangling your baby with the umbilical cord whenever you raise your arms above shoulder height. It truly is a complete myth. So raise your arms above your heads without fear, ladies! All you are risking is pulling a muscle if you are putting something heavy on a high shelf. Otherwise, it's about as safe as you can get!

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.