Lamaze??

Mradivonyk · July 2014

Hey ladies, just wondering if anyone is going to be doing a Lamaze class-and for those moms out there already, did you find it helpful in labor??

TheOtherJacobsons · July 2014

Hello, this is 1975 calling, we want our birthing method back.

Just kidding, I couldn't help myself. I know zero about it.

Emerald27 · July 2014

I didn't take a Lamaze class when I was pregnant with DS, but I found some typical Lamaze techniques incredibly helpful during my labor.

The ONLY thing that actually helped me manage the pain of contractions was Lamaze-style breathing. My labor nurse guided me in the breathing technique, which was such a life saver because DH and I had planned a Bradley Method birth, and Bradley emphasizes breathing normally during labor rather than rhythmically. Lamaze breathing wasn't even something that had crossed my mind, but it WORKED for me! I've already told my doula that this was one of the things I found last time that worked. Even though every labor is different, I wanted her to be aware!

Saragoeswest · July 2014

You sassy thing, you @TheOtherJacobsons‌.

@Emerald27‌ I didn't know Lamaze was still around but now I want to compare the different breathing methods. To be honest, I was just planning on using good yoga breaths.

Emerald27 · July 2014

Saragoeswest said:
You sassy thing, you @TheOtherJacobsons‌.

@Emerald27‌ I didn't know Lamaze was still around but now I want to compare the different breathing methods. To be honest, I was just planning on using good yoga breaths.

I haven't done any research on Lamaze so I can't say for sure that what I did was strictly Lamaze breathing, but I suspect it was similar. It's a relaxation technique, and the nurse emphasized blowing out more forcefully than breathing in, and quick, short breaths (ok, harder to describe than I thought. Think typical movie woman in labor breathing). The idea is that when you have a contraction and tense your muscles in response to the pain, the contraction is both more painful and less effective. If you're able to relax your entire body, the contraction will be less painful and will be more effective. ...some women are able to relax by using breathing techniques, others condition themselves to relax when they hear their partner command them to relax their muscles, some learn to relax to music or massage or any number of things.

pnwlover12 · July 2014

TheOtherJacobsons said:
Hello, this is 1975 calling, we want our birthing method back.

Just kidding, I couldn't help myself. I know zero about it.

Omg, haha. I totally thought the same thing when I first read it. I was like is that still a thing people do?

sheluvs2travel · July 2014

DH and I are doing one! Except it's called "Childbirth Education." They explain the birth process and provide different techniques for coping with labor. As a first time mom, I think it will be helpful. Good luck!

bitsybubbles7 · July 2014

Dh and I are lamaze class drop outs. But I can tell you everything we got taught in the 1 1/2 classes we took (there were four) I could find online or in the booklet your ob office gives you. Also, I was put to bed on a monitor with in an hour of check-in, so very few coping mechanisms I did learn worked for me. I honestly felt that it was a waste of money and will not be going this time around.

Maggie6424 · July 2014

I didn't know anyone still offered Lamaze classes. Or maybe it's just not called that anymore . . . ? I'm doing a deep breathing/meditation mix that I've kind of adapted from multiple birthing methods.

IrishHoney123 · July 2014

I used Lamaze techniques during my previous 2 labors, and I thought they were very helpful. Our childbirth prep class included a little Lamaze info, and the rest I got from a book at the library and from their website.

Mradivonyk · July 2014

Ok let me clarify-I am aware that Lamaze "classes" per se are a thing of the past. I am also aware that there are many other techniques out there including the Bradley Method. Also, most breathing techniques are inclusive of a "Child Birth Education Class" in which they incorporate Lamaze breathing techniques. I just wanted to know if it was worth it-for those that have done it and have had children already. I probably should have been more specific. I am an RN, I recover c-sections among many other surgeries, so I am well knowledged. I am however a TYPE A personality and feel the worry of "what if" I don't do the class. Any type of rhythmic breathing is suposed to lessen the pain during contractions. Thank you for those who replied.

TheOtherJacobsons · July 2014

I think you were specific enough.

klfmorrison · July 2014

I totally understand your question! I had the same one. I asked my doctor about it and he recommended taking a "childbirth class." He said that the class will provide multiple options and techniques that I can use during birth. It's not for a few more weeks, so I can let you know after I've taken it. Sorry I'm not more help! Good luck!

megaroo64 · July 2014

We did a Lamaze-type class. I don't think it was really called that, but it had a lot of Lamaze-style breathing techniques and such. It really really helped when I had my son.

Raesofsunshine1 · July 2014

I found the breathing techniques super helpful. I got to a point a couple times where it hurt so bad I could barely remember to breathe at all. My DH would tell me to and it would help me focus on something.

atraveller · July 2014

DH and I signed up for a birthing class that incorporates yoga style meditation and lamaze techniques but it isn't listed as a lamaze class. I guess some classes do this - and its the differentiator from the very specific hypnobirth or bradley method classes. Guessing here of course.

BKLiz · July 2014

Our hospital only offers Lamaze as a childbirth class, so we will be going there for the month of August once per week. We'll see if it's helpful. I didn't realize it was outdated since it's the most popular style of class at all NYC hospitals...

fireflyrebirth · July 2014

I'm also signed up for a class that has Lamaze in the title

It's supposed to cover the same material as the hospital's standard prepared childbirth class but "allows more time for additional practice of labor comfort strategies, partner support, and in-depth discussion on working with the natural process of labor. The emphasis is on Lamaze labor and birth practices which support your personal plans for birth." I don't know much yet about the various approaches (Lamaze, Bradley, etc) and how they compare to each other but I am leaning heavily toward a non-medicated, no-interventions-unless-absolutely-necessary birth and this class was the one that seemed to meet my needs best.

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