Learn Lamaze for a Healthy Pregnancy

Lamaze, a prepared childbirth technique was developed in the 1940s by a French obstetrician with the same name. It gained popularity in the United States in the 1950s when an author wrote a book about her own experiences with the process. The idea behind Lamaze is to let the labor happen on its own, and the birth process to occur as naturally as possible. This involves a series of breathing techniques that will help both mother and child. The Lamaze technique began to take on a lot of popularity with women throughout the 1960s, when classes began to form that were specially designed to "coach" new mothers through childbirth. Fathers are always encouraged to attend the classes so that they can help their partners throughout the entire process.

There are several different philosophies involved with Lamaze. The first is to allow labor to begin on its own, by allowing the body to tell the mother when the baby is ready to be born. Next, new mothers are encouraged to walk around and move throughout the actual labor process. This is because the movement can help with contractions, which can often be quite painful. Support is a key element to Lamaze, so bringing a spouse, parent, or even a friend to labor is highly encouraged. True Lamaze also states that women should not give birth on their backs, and should not be encouraged to push the baby out. Medical related interruptions such as an epidural are also discouraged. Finally, when the baby is born, it is recommended that the mother touch the newborn with her bare chest to help acclimate the baby immediately.

Because of the focus of importance between mother and baby, Lamaze is now a common practice among both first time mothers, and experienced mothers. Classes can be found at local hospitals, clinics, community colleges, and even in someone's home. Women who participate say that they have an easier labor experience, and that the baby is happier in the end. Through calm, focused breathing methods and exercise, Lamaze has made giving birth easier for millions of mothers. It has become a common term in the pregnancy world, and is now being practiced across the globe as a way to give birth with less stress on the mother, and more calmness for everyone who is involved.

For additional resources on the Lamaze method, please refer to the following websites:

Lamaze.org – The official website for the Lamaze method
Basics of Lamaze – Some history and background on the popular method
About Pushing – Helpful information in regards to "pushing" during childbirth
Elisabeth Bing – Resource about one of the founders of the Lamaze movement in America
Lamaze Classes – What to expect when you attend classes
Find a Class – Directory of practitioners who participate in Lamaze classes
History of Lamaze – Background and history of the famous childbirth process
Lamaze Techniques – Some brief information about several different techniques
How Lamaze Works – All about Lamaze and how it works
Quick Facts – A basic run down of the method and what it is
Breathing and New Lamaze – About Lamaze and how new methods have changed the breathing exercises
Resources – Some resources, videos, and more on Lamaze
Childbirth Classes – What to expect from childbirth classes
Picking a Class – Some factors to consider when choosing a class
For Dads – Some information about Lamaze for fathers-to-be
Lamaze Coaches – Requirements for Lamaze coaches, what they do, and how to become certified
Learning Lamaze – Some basics and information on how to breathe properly and more
Preparation – A few things every new mother should know about Lamaze
New Breathing – Information about a few new breathing techniques
Benefits of Lamaze Class – Why taking a Lamaze class can benefit mom and baby

Disclaimer: The information provided within this site is not meant to be a substitute for a medical doctor's opinion. This site is for informational purposes ONLY. Please check with your medical practitioner before any type of treatment or prevention method is started.