Lamaze breathing takes its name from Ferdinand Lamaze, a French obstetrician who developed the technique in the 1950s, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Along with visualization, movement and focusing, Lamaze uses breathing techniques to minimize the pain of labor and delivery. By using Lamaze breathing techniques you can increase your chance of having the most positive birth experience possible for yourself and your baby.
Lamaze and the Birth Experience
Schedule your classes in advance of your due date, Pregnancy Period advises. A complete Lamaze course instruction typically lasts 6 weeks and includes massage techniques and information on the childbirth process, along with breathing instructions. Lamaze classes and other prenatal instruction instruct women and their partners on becoming parents, according to Cathy Warwick, professor at the Royal College of Midwives, quoted by BBC News.
Establish a baseline by measuring your normal breathing pattern for 1 minute. Next, slowly exhale through your nose to a count of five, then slowly inhale through your nose to a count of five. Continue to do the blowing exercise: inhale through your nose and exhale, forcing the air out as you exhale.
Perform the classic "he he hoo" breathing technique associated with Lamaze by exhaling with two short breaths, making the "he" sound, followed by longer exhaling motion, making the "hoo" sound. After the "he he hoo" exercise, take a deep breath through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. This exercise performs a cleansing function, Pregnancy Period explains.
Alternate these breathing exercises throughout labor and delivery to increase your comfort and minimize pain, Pregnancy Period advises. It is no longer necessary to practice Lamaze according to a strict pattern to "get it right," according to the Journal of Perinatal Education, citing Lamaze International.
Alternate the breathing exercises with periods of walking around, squatting on a birth ball or periodically lowering yourself into a warm pool of water to facilitate your labor, Lamaze International recommends. A nurse or midwife should monitor your labor progress and fetal vital signs as necessary. Your partner or a doula, or professional labor assistant, may also be present if you desire, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes.
Lamaze and Pain Management
Consider whether you want to receive an epidural, a spinal block, or both. Lamaze does not promise a pain-free delivery, Lamaze International warns. Both procedures provide regional anesthesia to lessen the pain of labor and childbirth, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
A spinal block is administered through an injection into your lower back. It begins working quickly but only lasts for an hour or two, so it is limited to the final stages of labor. An epidural block is administered through a thin tube in the lower back. The procedure allows you to remain awake but relaxes your pelvic muscles to relieve pain during labor and delivery. An epidural is typically administered only after the first stages of labor. The procedure itself takes 20 minutes, during which you must remain still, according to Carole M. Novak, the Adventis Health System Manager of Women's Health Education in Illinois, writing for FirstBabyMall.com.
You may receive an epidural along with Lamaze, Novak claims.You may also practice Lamaze before receiving a spinal block. Lamaze techniques can help you manage the pain until anesthetics take effect, Novak claims.
References
- Journal of Perinatal Education: Lamaze International
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Your Pregnancy -- Important Decisions
- Pregnancy Period: An Introduction to Lamaze Breathing
- BBC News: Natural Birth Classes Questioned
- FirstBabyMall.com: Who Needs Lamaze? I'm Getting an Epidural!
