The Lamaze technique, also known as the psychoprophylactic method, is a form of childbirth preparation that was popularized in the 1950s by a French obstetrician named Fernand Lamaze. Lamaze teaches natural childbirth coping techniques, including comfort measures, relaxation, and breathing. Patterned breathing used to be the hallmark of Lamaze. Today, the method incorporates conscious breathing and relaxation, among other principles. Fernand Lamaze observed the theory of psychoprophylactic childbirth (a method of pain relief that uses breathing and relaxation techniques) in the Soviet Union in the early 1950s. Using testimonies of people who had used the techniques, Lamaze popularized the method around the world.5 Lamaze's curriculum is rooted in evidence-based maternity care practices. Facilitating normal, physiological birth is the foundation of Lamaze’s Healthy Birth Practices. However, Lamaze is not only for people who want an unmedicated birth. Anyone who wants to prepare for the childbirth process—whether they are planning to use medication or ot—may benefit from Lamaze classes

BENEFITS

The Lamaze method may keep you from relying on pain medication. This can help you tolerate your contractions. The classes aren’t just about breathing techniques. They expand to more holistic ways of thinking, including psychological counseling. Helps support natural childbirth Helps with anxiety and fear It provides you with childbirth education. This helps you to know what to expect. Teaches you how to focus on your breathing It includes your partner. They are there with you during childbirth and labor. Some of what they can do includes offering emotional support, helping position you, reminding you to breathe, and massaging you to make you feel more comfortable