Lamaze has come a long way from simple breathing exercises. Lamaze International, a non-profit organization that teaches a natural, healthy and safe approach to pregnancy and childbirth, provides resources and information for women and men throughout the childbearing years. The practice is named after Dr. Fernand Lamaze who introduced childbirth classes, breathing techniques and the importance of emotional support to pregnant women in the United States in the late 1950s.
Lamaze International Video Library
Lamaze International provides a wide variety of videos that introduce the practice of Lamaze as well as videos that provide educational and emotional support for both pregnant women and their partners. The videos feature an inside look into a Lamaze class, discussions from Lamaze educators and nurses -- as well as personal insight videos from actual Lamaze practitioners. The website provides other online resources as well including a community forum, blog and an Ask the Expert section. The videos are available for free.
Birthright: Virtual Childbirth Education
Available in seven and 12 week courses, StudyWomb provides an online Lamaze class that features course lessons, quizzes, videos, a birthing workbook and much more. The course provides step-by-step instruction on how to change your childbirth perceptions, understand birthing positions, the birthing process and how to manage pain and discomfort associated with childbirth. The classes may be accessed online as well as downloaded onto your computer. The program also provides a community forum for both expectant and brand new moms to share their experiences.
Leslynotes
Lesly Federici, a certified Lamaze Childbirth educator, Calm Birth instructor and labor and delivery RN, provides free resources for moms-to-be. Her website, Leslynotes.com, features an online course called Smartbirth 4. The course teaches helpful breathing and relaxation techniques to boost confidence, relieve stress and how to reduce labor pain. The course also features weekly in-depth conference calls, unlimited emails with questions, a newsletter and a three-month follow-up after your baby is born. And the website features resources for dads-to-be as well.
The Pink Kit Method for Birthing Better
Developed by the Common Knowledge Charitable Trust in New Zealand, the Pink Method Kit provides comprehensive resources for the childbirth process. The kit features four educational ebooks which emphasize the importance of breathing techniques as well as language and touch throughout the childbirth process -- plus two audio CDs which introduce positive breathing patterns during contractions. The charity also provides additional pregnancy and childbirth resources on its website.
