Lamaze Exercises For A Painless Birth
Lamaze exercises stem from a philosophy that made its entrance in the 50’s. It is a technique that was developed to help prepare women for childbirth and reduce pain.
It was the French gynecologist Ferdinand Lamaze who introduced the technology. He insisted that childbirth is a normal and natural physiological process. Women must be prepared to approach it with confidence and without fear.
The Lamaze method is also known to be psychoprophylactic and it is based on breathing techniques that promote a conscious painless supply.
The purpose of these Lamaze exercises is to teach women to control their breathing with relaxation techniques based on tactile stimuli such as massage as well as visual and auditory stimuli.
These Lamaze exercises are performed to reduce stress and help reduce how the mother experiences the pain from contractions.
Preparations with Lamaze exercises can be practiced during pregnancy. The father also plays an important role. They will help the woman with massage and psychological support. In this way, they can actively participate in the birth of their child.
In his quest to reduce the difficulties and torments of childbirth, the doctor developed a series of Lamaze exercises that will simplify childbirth, reduce fear and control pain through positive stimuli.
All Lamaze techniques aim to make childbirth as natural, healthy and safe as possible.
Everything you need to know about Lamaze exercises
Breathing technique
Lamaze exercises use several simple learning patterns that you can practice from early pregnancy to the moment of delivery. Here’s how to do them:
Pure breathing:
This consists of a deep and slow inhalation through the nose and a slow exhalation through the mouth. This type of breathing should be used at the beginning and end of each contraction.
Slow breathing:
This is a useful technique for relaxation. Try to breathe naturally and slowly as when you sleep. Do not take deep breaths to fill your lungs. Try to breathe a little more superficially, raising your chest a little with just a little effort.
Conscious breathing:
To be able to perform this technique, you must first be relaxed. Do not force yourself to go outside your comfort zone. Start with clean breathing, then exhale gently through the nose and inhale slowly through the mouth.
To learn this technique, you can light a candle or hold a piece of paper a few inches from your face. Inhale gently and then exhale gently until the light or paper moves.
Structured breathing:
The expectant mothers learn this method as follows: First of all, they should say “hee, hee” when inhaling and “hoo” with the exhalation. The key to the exercise is to maintain a good rhythm with a small, gentle inhalation between each exhalation.
To use this technique, inhale for five seconds and then exhale for five seconds, take two short breaths and then take a deep breath. Keep your shoulders relaxed and concentrate on the sound of your breathing, not the pain.
Although this method aims to achieve a conscious birth without pain, it does not mean that it is against the use of epidural anesthesia. If the woman requests an epidural, the doctor should administer it.
Is it possible to have a pain-free birth?
Nowadays, there is a lot of talk about painless births. Many experts make it clear that there is no such thing for most people. However, there are various pain relief techniques that can be used during childbirth.
Nene Molina, a prenatal yoga teacher, says: “There will be pain, it will not completely disappear, but you can learn how to deal with it with breathing and relaxation. Lamaze exercises and prenatal yoga promote breathing, which in turn helps you manage your pain. In other words, your perception of pain will decrease. “
According to Maria Eugenia Rios, one who teaches Lamaze exercises, the mother must be aware that all women are born with the ability to give birth. Maria is deeply involved in teaching pregnant women how to breathe and switch between positions. It helps them face the pain when they give birth.
These Lamaze exercises aim to teach the woman to be aware of her body during childbirth. It allows her breathing to follow her contractions. It is beneficial for both the mother and the baby.
According to Rios: “There are theoretical prophylaxis classes that can be taken to prepare for childbirth. They teach women about labor and its various phases. In workshops and classes, they explain to both the expectant mother and her partner about the Lamaze technology. They also teach breathing techniques and different types of massage that can facilitate childbirth. ”
