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What is Lamaze? Lamaze refers to a method of childbirth preparation based on the Lamaze philosophy of birth. In addition to early pregnancy classes focusing on pregnancy and the growth and development of the baby taught by some Lamaze teachers, all Lamaze childbirth educators teach a series of classes for women and their partners during the last trimester of pregnancy which prepares them for labor and birth. These classes focus on the normal process of labor and birth and strategies that women and their partners can use to enhance the progress of labor and to reduce pain and fear. Information about complications and medical options is also included so that parents can make informed decisions should they need to do so. What is the philosophy behind a Lamaze birth? Birth is normal. The experience of birth profoundly affects women and their families. Women’s inner wisdom guides them through birth. Women’s confidence and ability to give birth is either enhanced or diminished by the care provider and place of birth. Women have a right to give birth free from routine medical interventions. Birth can safely take place in birth centers and homes. Childbirth education empowers women to make informed choices in health care, to assume responsibility for their health and to trust their inner wisdom.
How long have women been using Lamaze, and how did it get started? In 1951, Dr. Fernand Lamaze introduced a method of childbirth in France by incorporating techniques he observed in Russia. This method, consisting of childbirth education classes, relaxation and breathing techniques, and continuous emotional support of the husband and a specially trained nurse, because known as the Lamaze method. Word of mouth spread in the United States during the late 1950s after Marjorie Karmel wrote of her childbirth experience titled, Thank You Dr. Lamaze. The book inspired many women to approach childbirth as a shared event for both mother and father. In 1960, Marjorie Karmel and physical therapist Elizabeth Bing formed ASPO/Lamaze (now Lamaze International), a not-for-profit organization composed of parents, childbirth educators, health care providers and other health professionals, to spread the word about Lamaze and to set the standards for Lamaze childbirth educators. Why should you attend Lamaze childbirth classes? Women have always prepared for the birth of their babies. Until recent times, women learned about childbirth from their own mothers and sisters. Birth took place at home, and family rituals and traditions ensured that women were confident in their ability to give birth-surrounded by family and wise women who provided comfort and encouragement through labor and in the days and weeks after birth. The confidence and wisdom with which previous generations of women moved through pregnancy and birth is often difficult to achieve in the high-tech world of modern obstetrics. Lamaze childbirth classes provide the knowledge, skills, and support that will help you give birth with confidence and joy as women have done for centuries.
What is covered in Lamaze classes? True Lamaze classes today focus on much more than just the “breathing.” Most Lamaze teachers concentrate class time on normal labor, birth, and on the many choices that expectant parents have today regarding their childbirth experience. Pregnant women and their partners practice various positions which will facilitate the normal progress of labor and birth. Partners and other support persons learn massage techniques to ease the pain of labor and enhance relaxation. Comfort measures such as hydrotherapy, the use of heat and cold, and pressure are discussed and- when possible-practiced. Much time is spent on relaxation skills, including breathing strategies and skills which can be used throughout life in times of stress. Communications skills are practiced-both for the pregnant woman with her partner or other support person, and for the pregnant woman with the other members of the health care team. Class members discuss what they would like for the childbirth experience and what they can do to help make that experience happen. Are common problems that arise during labor discussed? Yes. Some time is spent on problems that occur during labor and birth and what the pregnant woman and her partner might need to know. Information is provided about anesthesia and medical procedures so that women can make informed choices about what is appropriate for their particular experience. Fear is reduced by learning what happens during labor and birth, and confidence is increased by learning skills which help the pregnant woman to manage the pain and stress of labor and birth. New innovations in maternity care are discussed, such as the benefits of a doula or professional labor support. Most classes also spend time on getting breast-feeding off to a good start, other aspects of the postpartum period, and making the most of shortened stays in the birthplace. What
makes Lamaze classes different from other prenatal childbirth classes? Small, individualized classes with an ideal size of 6 to 10 couples and a maximum of 12 couples. At least 12 hours of instruction with plenty of time to practice skills and comfort measures and plenty of time for class discussion. Commitment to the Lamaze Philosophy of Birth. Teachers who have the highest credential in childbirth education (LCCE). How many women use Lamaze each year? An exact number is not available but we do know that today the majority of expectant parents attend Lamaze classes to prepare for childbirth. Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators (LCCEs) teach more than 150,000 Lamaze classes every year, which are attended by more than 2 million parents, representing approximately one quarter of American women who give birth.
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