Pregnancy - What You Need To Know About Lamaze

By Sarah Mosskoff

Lamaze is the most widely accepted form of natural childbirth. If you go to any childbirth class at a hospital, they will teach Lamaze.

The Lamaze Technique is a natural pregnant technique developed in the 1940s by French obstetrician Dr. Lamaze. It is a technique that is designed to aid women who choose to deliver via natural childbirth. It provides direction in breathing and relaxation. The Lamaze Philosophy of Birth is at the heart of Lamaze education and has been for nearly a decade the driving force for significant changes in Lamaze preparation for pregnant. The typical Lamaze course consists of 12 hours of instruction and includes no more than 12 couples.

If you watch a Lamaze chldbirth DVD, it typically won't take a hard line against pain relief medicines during labor. The classes aim to prepare women to "learn how to respond to pain in ways that both facilitate labor and increase comfort." Lamaze is just one method, but it is the most widely accepted method. You will typically take a childbirth education class to learn relaxation, breathing procedures and continuous emotional support from your husband, a friend, or a specially trained nurse.

Lamaze classes are a lot of fun. You are usually with a few other couples going through this all together. It feels a little wierd, and sometimes you feel strange breathing, getting in strange positions, doing the back rubs, etc. However, many of these other couples are doing this for the first time as well. The best thing to do is relax, learn to laugh at yourself, and most importantly, take what you learn in class and practice it at home.

If you are looking for a Lamaze class near you, I would suggest you visit Lamaze.org. It is a great website where you can learn many more details about this type of natural childbirth, and, locate a class with their schedule near you. It's best to think about taking your class somewhere near the beginning of your final trimester. Don't wait too long before you get signed up.

My final thought... don't be intimidated about taking a class if you do not have a husband, he won't go with you, or whatever your situation. Many classes have a variety of couples, friends, and family there to assist them. You do not want to go through childbirth alone. Grab a friend or sister and sign up today. Lamaze will be nothing short of a fantasitc experience, and the best preparation you can go through as you transition from woman to mother.

Sarah Mosskoff received her masters degree in early childhood education and is the mother of two.