what is lamaze

Lamaze is a childbirth preparation technique that began as an alternative to medical intervention during childbirth. It was popularized in the 1950s by French obstetrician Fernand Lamaze and based on his observations in the Soviet Union. The goal of Lamaze is to build a mothers confidence in her ability to give birth, through classes that help pregnant women understand how to cope with pain in ways that both facilitate labor and promote comfort, including relaxation techniques, movement, and massage. Lamaze childbirth education offers healthy birth practices, teaching healthy pregnancy and safe, natural birth. Lamaze International is a non-profit organization that provides trusted information throughout the journey of pregnancy, recommending the safest and healthiest options to parents without judgment. Lamaze education and practices are based on the best, most current medical evidence available, and they can help reduce the use of unnecessary interventions and improve overall outcomes for mothers and babies. The Lamaze Six Healthy Birth Practices are based upon the most recent, evidence-based research, and they are recommendations to help ease the birthing process and instill confidence. Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators (LCCEs) are trusted partners for one of the most important journeys of life, and they can help parents prepare for a safe and healthy birth.