How useful is Lamaze?

Archhig

Has anyone used Lamaze during labor, and was it useful?

FyreFlyeRush

Very useful. I used a modified Lamaze/meditation technique.  My entire labor, the only time I wanted an epidural was during transition. They wouldn't have given me one anyway, but even then, the breathing really helped me with the pain. I use it to this day for pain and relaxation.

Archhig

FyreFlyeRush:

Very useful. I used a modified Lamaze/meditation technique.  My entire labor, the only time I wanted an epidural was during transition. They wouldn't have given me one anyway, but even then, the breathing really helped me with the pain. I use it to this day for pain and relaxation.

Thank you for sharing your experience! I am starting a class tonight and was interested if it was found useful!  

dosafyre

I didn't use Lamaze per say...but "breathing" was definitely a HUGE part of getting me through contractions and labor. Deep, steady, calm breathing through early labor (meditative)...later using a little humming/vocalization to get through deeper contractions (yoga-related)...and at the end they had me "puh"-ing to keep myself from pushing until I finished dialating.

 I'm personally not big on having to count out how long my breaths are, having DH hold up fingers in front of my face, or making specific sounds ("he he hoo")...but I bet for some women that kind of mental distraction is a great tool too.

Celyn

It totally depends on what sort of Lamaze training you get.  The 2-hr class often offered by hospitals is boiled down to just breathing techniques, and while useful doesn't give much in the way of a true Lamaze training.  The 6-wk course is a much more complete and useful childbirth education series.

rosiemomma

My mom showed me a few lamaze techniques and I used them during labor... I used the breathing the most. The biggest 'helper' was learning to relax everything else while in a contraction... saved tons of energy that way!

Archhig

thank you so much for the feedback I am feeling alot more confidence in the Lamaze class we are taking! 

Archhig

thank you so much for the feedback I am feeling alot more confidence in the Lamaze class we are taking! 

kdjudd

I took a four week class and I didn't have a good instructor. She tried hard, but my class just kept laughing the entire time because she was ridiculous. I did learn some relaxation techniques I plan on using, but I wish I had taken more from the class. 

tokenhoser

dosafyre:

 I'm personally not big on having to count out how long my breaths are, having DH hold up fingers in front of my face, or making specific sounds ("he he hoo")...but I bet for some women that kind of mental distraction is a great tool too.

That's really not current Lamaze. That's Cosby Show Lamaze.

I read the book, and it was excellent. 

Archhig

tokenhoser:

dosafyre:

 I'm personally not big on having to count out how long my breaths are, having DH hold up fingers in front of my face, or making specific sounds ("he he hoo")...but I bet for some women that kind of mental distraction is a great tool too.

That's really not current Lamaze. That's Cosby Show Lamaze.

I read the book, and it was excellent. 

Thanks for the book Recommendation!  

KylieBoo320

I didn't use actual Lamaze. I just read and practiced different breathing techniques and it was very helpful during labor. I found that breathing deeply in through my nose and out through my mouth was the best, along with moaning and humming!