Lamaze Methods

Choosing a natural childbirth is a personal decision between you and your partner. It is no mystery that pain is a key component of natural childbirth. Luckily the Lamaze method of childbirth, developed by French obstetrician Ferdinand Lamaze, teaches special breathing techniques, relaxation methods and imagery to help you cope with the pain and appreciate the joy of delivering your child naturally.

Progressive Relaxation and Special Place Imagery

• During the first and second Lamaze class, you will learn special relaxation techniques using positive imagery and affirmations. "Progressive Relaxation" is done by contracting and then relaxing each body part to help you recognize how your body feels when it is relaxed. "Special Place Imagery" is a Lamaze method of choosing your "special place" to promote relaxation by focusing on the sights, sounds and smells of a place of your choosing.

Breathing Techniques

• The breathing techniques taught in Lamaze classes are essential to dealing with the pain of a natural childbirth. You will be taught to pattern your breathing as contractions by first taking in a deep breath, then following it with slow and deep breathing, in through your nose and out through your mouth.

Active Labor

• In your fourth Lamaze class, active labor is discussed, with more breathing techniques to get through this period. The most intense part of the childbirth experience is active labor, and you may need help and support from your partner in focusing on your breathing. With each contraction during active labor, you are encouraged to take a deep breath that helps push the baby down.

Touch Relaxation

• The Lamaze method of "touch relaxation" is taught to help each muscle in your body relax as your partner touches it and, in turn, he learns to recognize when you are tense. This exercise helps you to cope with labor pains once you are in active labor. During this exercise, your partner touches various muscles in your body, and as you feel each one, you relax that muscle.

Pushing Techniques and Back Labor

• The "Pushing Techniques" method teaches you to resist the urge to involuntarily push during labor by introducing various breathing and relaxation techniques, such as taking in a deep breath and holding the breath while you bear down. Since most of the labor pains are felt in the back, "Back Labor" is taught during Lamaze classes to ease some of this discomfort. This method consists of pelvic-rocking or squatting during various stages in your labor.