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The Lamaze Technique is a natural childbirth technique developed in the 1940s by French obstetrician Dr. Fernand Lamaze as an alternative to the use of medical intervention during labor. Dr. Lamaze was influenced by Soviet childbirth practices, which involved breathing and relaxation techniques under the supervision of a "monitrice" or midwife. The Lamaze method gained popularity in the United States after Marjorie Karmel wrote about her experiences in her 1959 book Thank You, Dr. Lamaze.
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Modern Lamaze childbirth classes teach expectant mothers breathing techniques and often other ways to work with the labor process to reduce the pain often associated with childbirth, such as hot and cold packs, changing positions, the use of a "birthing ball" to remain in a supposedly more natural upright position, and even orgasm to induce or hasten labor.
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During labor and birth, the infant’s skull changes shape to fit through the birth canal, sometimes causing the child to be born with a misshapen or elongated head. This will usually return to normal on its own within a few days or weeks. Special exercises sometimes advised by physicians may assist the process.
Maternal | Pregnancy | Childbirth | Lamaze | Infant Caring | Breastfeeding | Surrogate Mother |
Lamaze International believes that the following care practices, adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO), promote, support, and protect nature's plan for birth:
1. Labor begins on its own
2. Freedom of movement throughout labor
3. Continuous labor support
4. No routine interventions
5. Non-supine (e.g., upright or side-lying) positions for birth
6. No separation of mother and baby after birth with unlimited opportunity for breastfeeding
Unfortunately, a recent study of women's childbirth experiences showed that interference in the normal processes of labor and birth is extraordinarily common. For instance, labor began by artificial induction for more than one-third of women, almost 70% of women who delivered vaginally were immobile during labor, and 74% of women gave birth lying on their backs.
The six care practices above are supported by research studies that examine the benefits and risks of maternity care practices. Therefore, they represent “evidence-based care,” which is the gold standard for maternity care worldwide. Evidence-based care means “using the best research about the effects of specific procedures, drugs, tests, and treatments, to help guide decision-making.” The Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth Care Practice Papers provide more information about the evidence that supports each care practice.
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