What is the Lamaze method of childbirth?
When you see laboring women on TV huffing and puffing through clenched teeth, they're practicing the Lamaze technique of childbirth. It was popularized in the early 1950s by French obstetrician Dr. Ferdinand Lamaze, who discovered the psychoprophylaxis technique on a trip to Russia. These days, however, Lamaze is much more than simple breathing techniques: It emphasizes pain management through relaxation and breathing exercises. The theory is that a woman in labor can condition her responses to contractions through breathing and imagery to minimize her pain. In addition, the class emphasizes knowledge, preparation, and your role as an informed patient.

What is Lamaze's approach to using drugs during labor?
Lamaze courses typically don't take a hard line for or against the use of pain relief or anesthesia during labor; rather, the curriculum emphasizes making an informed decision.

What should I expect in a Lamaze course?
The typical Lamaze class consists of at least 12 hours of instruction: In class you'll learn and practice relaxation, visualization, breathing techniques, and comfort measures, as well as learn everything you always wanted to know about labor (except what it really feels like!). According to the the Lamaze International organization, the class will address:

• Normal labor, birth, and the early postpartum period

• Massage techniques to ease pain and enhance relaxation

• Comfort measures during labor

• Relaxation skills and breathing strategies

• Labor support--tips for the coach

• Communication skills

• Problems that could arise during birth

• Background about epidurals and other anesthesia choices to enable you to make the best choice for yourself * Breastfeeding and the early postpartum period. Typically, the class will have no more than 12 couples, and you'll also see movies of several births in preparation for your own.

How effective is this method?
Each year more than two million parents attend Lamaze childbirth classes: In fact, one quarter of American women prepare for childbirth with these classes. Through the classes, expectant couples learn how to be active patients, what to expect during labor and birth, their options, and, of course, the famous breathing and relaxation exercises. Whether or not you end up using those techniques will depend on your labor, of course, but nothing helps as much as simply being prepared. (Many new moms find those breathing/relaxation strategies very helpful during their first days of breastfeeding, for example.)

To get an idea if Lamaze is the right method for you, try our interactive worksheet.

Where can I get more information?
Call the referral line of the Lamaze International at (800)368-4404 for information about classes taught by certified Lamaze instructors, or visit their Web site at http://www.lamaze-childbirth.com.