Don’t Skip Lamaze
Posted by Advocate Aaron on June 11, 2009 · Leave a Comment
Breathe… breathe! That’s what most people think of when they hear the word Lamaze, and is probably why many expectant parents skip Lamaze classes. Problem is, Lamaze has come a long way since the “breathe” stereotype surfaced, and today Lamaze education is needed more than ever to facilitate natural childbirth.
Today’s Lamaze classes prepare expecting parents for labor and beyond, and leave little of the birthing process to the imagination. That’s welcome news considering many laboring women are dealt surprises once they’re admitted to the hospital. What’s more, Lamaze learning isn’t limited to parents of hospital-born babies – birthing centers and midwives can teach Lamaze, now redefined as natural birth education.
It’s important for each pregnant woman to recognize and understand the physical, mental, and emotional changes she’s experiencing in preparation for pregnancy and childbirth. Armed with this knowledge, pregnant women can fully explore their birthing options – hospital, birthing center, home birth, etc. – and make educated decisions about her prenatal care and delivery environment based on what she is experiencing.
A typical Lamaze class today will teach you natural pain reduction and birth-facilitation techniques so you can avoid invasive, unnecessary, and expensive hospital intervention. Lamaze International (www.lamaze.org) states through the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth that “…evidence-based practices, adapted from the World Health Organization, promote, support and protect normal birth [include]:
· Labor begins on its own
· Freedom of movement throughout labor
· Continuous labor support
· No routine interventions
· Spontaneous pushing in upright or gravity-neutral positions
· No separation of mother and baby after birth, with unlimited opportunities for breastfeeding
These are powerful statements that demonstrate just how far out of touch many members of the modern American medical community are with natural laws. Lamaze is not about teaching you hospital procedure; rather, it is about teaching you how to deliver your baby naturally.
Just as beneficial is that when you know what to expect during your pregnancy and delivery, and how to handle it, you’re able to provide better care for yourself and your baby. Lamaze classes now teach the virtues of a healthy lifestyle and instructors work to dispel widely-circulated rumors that either have no benefits or can be detrimental.
Lamaze education is especially important for first-time mothers. Pregnancy is a journey, and if you don’t chart the right course from the onset you’re destined for disaster. That’s why Lamaze education should be an integral component of your overall prenatal maternity care plan.
It is your duty to protect your baby. Lamaze education is a small investment that plays a major role in your pregnancy and childbirth. Don’t skip it.
