Lamaze is a childbirth method. It is generally taught in couples' childbirth classes. The aim of Lamaze is to provide women with coping skills needed to deal with the labor and delivery. Breathing methods are taught along with relaxation strategies and other options are discussed for managing pain including medications. Lamaze classes also address after-birth issues, including interaction with your infant and breastfeeding.
History
Ferdinand Lamaze, a French obstetrician, is responsible for developing the Lamaze method of childbirth. In the 1950s, he discovered a breathing method called "psycho prophylaxis" while away in Russia and recognized it could be adapted to assist women in labor. This simple controlled method of breathing coupled with visual imagery eventually became popular in the United States and many couples continue to attend Lamaze child birth classes and practice the method.
Philosophy
The major philosophy behind the Lamaze method is that women can rely on their natural internal wisdom to deliver children. Childbirth is a normal process in which a woman can safely bring a baby into the world naturally and in the manner and location she chooses as an empowered and informed person. Lamaze seeks to present accurate materials regarding childbirth and the postpartum period in an unbiased manner so women are in control of giving birth rather than simply submitting to their doctor's or caregiver's determinations.
Instruction
Lamaze classes instruct women regarding pain relieving measures such as deep breathing, relaxation skills, hydrotherapy and positions to facilitate labor. Other topics address the role of the woman's partner in supporting her during the birth. Classes also provide information regarding problems that can arise during child bearing. Lamaze also presents information about pain medication, including anesthesia, so a woman can make an informed choice. Finally, Lamaze classes present information regarding postpartum time and breastfeeding.
Choices
Lamaze gives women choices. The method allows women to make their own decisions regarding such issues as where to give birth (for example, at a hospital or at home), whether to use pain medication or not and who should assist with their infant's birth (such as a doula or midwife). Lamaze seeks not to prejudice women in these areas but to provide them with unbiased, accurate information so the pregnant woman makes informed decisions. One of the common misconceptions regarding Lamaze is that this "natural" method forbids the use of pain medication. This is untrue, and those expecting a child make this determination for themselves and are free to change their minds before or during labor.
Media Use
Lamaze classes typically use a variety of media in order to educate couples. One popular part of the classes is the showing of birth films. These videos document actual births in detail so the couple gets to witness labor and delivery using Lamaze methods. These films are used to help prepare couples for the reality of childbirth.
