Lamaze Techniques

Contrary to popular beliefs, Lamaze techniques are no longer just about the breathing methods touted in mainstream media. Instead, techniques range from breathing to distraction to massage by a Lamaze coach/partner and beyond.

Practice Lamaze techniques at home with a partner.

Women who want to undergo a natural childbirth may find themselves inundated with information from the Bradley Method to the Alexander Technique. Lamaze has been a widely regarded practice since mid-twentieth century. The Lamaze philosophy holds that women’s “inner wisdom guides them through birth . . . birth is normal, natural and healthy. . . childbirth education empowers women to. . . assume responsibility for their health and to trust their inner wisdom.”

The Lamaze method encompasses six practices for women to have a healthy birth. Women who choose Lamaze birth techniques should understand these practices and be knowledgeable about the reasons behind the care. Although one tenant of the six practices is that no routine interventions are used, it is a common myth that practitioners of Lamaze cannot use an epidural or other pain medications. Instead, women are educated to make an informed decision regarding their birth experience.

Lamaze birth techniques have undergone recent changes that make understanding the practice more important than ever.

Although breathing exercises are still an important part of the Lamaze method, they are accompanied by several other exercises that can help ease pain and discomfort of labor and birth. These techniques can include any or all of the following:

• Imagery and Visualization: Imagining the process using positive thoughts and feelings while visualizing the birth in a helpful and constructive light.
• Relaxation Techniques: Learning ways to relax the entire body. The progressive technique is common and begins with relaxing one body part, like the toes, and continues until the entire body is relaxed.
• Partner Massage: Having a Lamaze coach/partner incorporate massage to ease pain and discomfort.
• Focal Point Imagery: Focusing on a particular place or moment in time and all of the sights, sounds, and smells, to ease discomfort. May also include focusing on a particular person or point in the room.
• Movement: Moving into a comfortable position, such as upright or walking, throughout the labor process.

Techniques for pushing should be allowed to follow the instinctive responses of the body to the baby’s movement. As Judith A. Lothian explains in the article Really Teaching Lamaze: What About Pushing?, pushing is not a directed activity. It is a natural response to contractions and the descending baby. Women should be encouraged to respond naturally by using techniques like:

• Moving, tightening, and releasing vaginal and perineal muscles
• Moaning
• Occasional breath holding
• Not using a prescribed “right” position for birth

Taking classes through Lamaze International can help expectant parents learn more about Lamaze techniques. Although hospitals may offer classes, instructors may be restricted on what is and is not taught by hospital guidelines.

For more information regarding Lamaze techniques, looking into the following resources:

• Lamaze International: Organization for the promotion of Lamaze methods in childbirth
• Do They Deliver? by Lindsay Moran: Short personal article regarding five birthing methods, including Lamaze
• Preparation for Birth: The Complete Guide to the Lamaze Method by Beverly Savage and Diana Simkin
• The Official Lamaze Guide: Giving Birth with Confidence by Judith Lothian
• Having Your Baby!: VHS/DVD created by certified Lamaze instructor Ronnie Hammond
• Laugh and Learn About Childbirth: Lamaze and Beyond: An overview of childbirth and the Lamaze method

Learning about Lamaze techniques can empower women to make informed decisions regarding their childbirth experiences. Whether or not you use the techniques during actual childbirth, it is good to know the options available to help work through the pain and discomfort that comes naturally with labor..

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