Lamaze
French obstetrician Fernand Lamaze introduced an alternative to the use of medical intervention in the 1940’s, for women who wanted a natural labor and childbirth. However, it wasn’t until 1959 when Marjorie Karmel wrote about her own personal experiences in her book titled “Thank You, Dr. Lamaze” that it became popular in the United States. She described the technique that involved breathing and relaxation in her book and suddenly, it became the most common childbirth class in America.
Evolution of Lamaze
When Lamaze was first introduced to Americans, the focus was solely on breathing and relaxation. The goal for pregnant women was to get through labor and childbirth without the use of medical intervention. However, modern Lamaze classes teach women a lot more. Instead of Lamaze being a method for giving birth, it’s now a philosophy that provides the foundation and direction for women who are preparing for giving birth and motherhood.
What is Lamaze?
Lamaze classes are generally small, consisting of no more than 6 couples for at least 12 hours of instruction. The class covers many different aspects of pregnancy, labor, child birth and after birth, such as:
- Teaching you how to be an active and informed participant during the birth
- Allowing labor to begin naturally on its own
- Relaxation techniques and natural strategies to help you work through the labor pain, such as walking, massage, changing positions and hydrotherapy
- Teaching your partner how to help by being supportive and encouraging
- Continuous labor support
- No routine interventions
- Understanding the medical interventions that may be necessary to continue
- No separation of mother and baby
- Breastfeeding
- Confidence to give birth
- Responding to pain without medical intervention
- Increasing comfort
- Being receptive to medical intervention when it’s needed
- Being in control during all stages of labor
- Birth can take place in homes, birth centers and at hospitals
Lamaze empowers women, helping them to gain confidence in their body, trust their wisdom and to make informed decisions about their pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenting. Pregnancy and childbirth can be natural, safe and healthy if you receive the education and training provided by a Lamaze educator.
Is Lamaze for You?
Many pregnant women are encouraged by their health care providers, friends and family to join some type of childbirth class. Lamaze is the most common childbirth class today and for good reason. Compared to the earlier days of Lamaze, it’s very empowering for a woman to learn the Lamaze techniques and teachings. If you’re pregnant, you’re a candidate for the Lamaze technique. It’s important to make a decision early in the pregnancy if you want to join a Lamaze class. This way, you can learn the techniques and exercises early on, and practice them daily in preparation for labor and birth. It’s equally important your partner learns these techniques and coping skill too, this way, both of you are prepared when labor begins. There are many resources online and in your community to help you find a Lamaze class in your area.
