So, one of my best friends, Amanda, is expecting her first child in September. And yesterday, she sent me an email:
"Did you ever go to any of the Lamaze classes? What are your feelings on them?"
This was my reply, "Hmm... very good question about the Lamaze classes. Ivan and I did it all wrong, but we didn’t want to do classes. I don’t know if birthing classes and Lamaze classes are covered together. I think Lamaze classes could be helpful, but honestly, it is mainly to help you focus on breathing and not the actual birthing pain. And depending upon whether you go natural or have help then you might not need anything to distract you. I heard from some women that the nurse really just tells you know how and when to push. I have a birthing DVD that you can borrow. I will send it to you. Ivan and I tried to watch the 5 – 1 hour segments at once. (I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS!!!) We got sick of it and then turned it off. Several weeks later, we decided to watch it to finish it, but this was after my water broke (not gushed), so very bad idea. You want to take it in strides, so Adam (her husband) won’t get bored and so that he will pay attention. (Nothing against Adam, but this is what I should have done with Ivan). Actually, I watched the whole thing, but wanted him to watch it, too so I turned it on that night while he was working at midnight finishing up some last minute things, just in case we went to the doctor. I don’t suggest this at ALL!"
Since I can't really answer my friend's question. (I'm a bit subjective.) What would you tell her? What are your experiences? Are Lamaze classes covered in the Birthing classes? And are they really worth it?
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
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7 comments:
I'm pretty sure Lamaze is just a breathing technique covered in most birthing classes. I watched a DVD too and there were different segments on the breathing. I had no desire to go to a class (or spend $170) and I feel the DVD was the way to go. Unless she's interested in natural techniques like hypno-birthing or something. Then I would recommend going to a class. My friends that actually went to class didn't get anything more out of it than I did from the DVD.
Lamaze, I don't know. But the birthing classes, I'd definately recommend. That way when the doctor says something like, "you're minus two station", you don't go, "huh?".
Besides, I thought the classes were fun. I met other Moms due at the same time as me, and it forced Aaron to learn something about my pregnancy once a week.
I would recommend a prenatal education class of some sort and a breast feeding class if she is interested in nursing. (Lamaze was not covered in the class I took, it was offered as a seperate class.) I am not really into things like Lamaze so I don't know if I am the best person to give advice about that. I think if she is interested and feels it would help her with L&D then it wouldn't hurt to take a Lamaze class. I don't know if that helps. Tell Amanda good luck!
BTW Thanks for the comments on my blog!
What is a Lamaze class?
After having three children all three ways ( cesarian, epidural, and natural) seriously all that breathing crap goes out the window. I would tell her to watch your DVD, and take any birth classes that the hospital offers, but don't stress about lamaze classes.
I know, I was a LITTLE camera happy...I can't take good cute pictures of him so I just take goofy ones!
Ivan, in one of my Nurses books it says, "The Lamaze method is based on the theory that through stimulus-response conditioning women can learn to use controlled breathing and therefore reduce pain during labor. (preventing pain in labor by use of the mind).
just a fun fact...the method was developed in Russia based on Pavlov's conditioning but popoularized by a French physician, Ferdinand Lamaze.
Becca! I think your baby is so cute. How is everything going for you? (Laura Noorlander)
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