International Health Partnership

Many kinds of childbirth embrace a particular philosophy about pregnancy and childbirth. In the United States, the two most common methods of breathing, relaxation exercises and childbirth are the Lamaze technique and the Bradley method.

The Lamaze technique is the method used in the United States. The Lamaze philosophy holds that birth is normal, natural and healthy, and that women must be empowered through education and support to tackle with confidence. The goal of Lamaze is to explore all the ways that women can find strength and support during labor and delivery.

Classes focus on relaxation techniques, but also encourage the mother to condition her response to pain through training and preparation (this is called psycho). This constraint is designed to teach pregnant mothers constructive responses to pain and stress of labor (for example, controlled breathing patterns) as opposed to counterproductive responses (such as holding your breath or get tense).

Also used other techniques such as distraction (can encourage a woman to concentrate on a special object from home or a photograph, for example) or massage applied by an assistant of support to reduce the perception of pain a woman.

Lamaze courses do not pose a position for or against the use of drugs or routine medical interventions during labor and delivery, but, instead, teach the mothers about their options so they can make decisions when the time comes.

The Bradley method (also called “assisted delivery by the husband”) focuses on a natural approach to childbirth and active participation of the father of the baby as a birth attendant. One of the main objectives of this method is to avoid the administration of medications unless absolutely necessary.

Other topics that focuses include the importance of good nutrition and exercise during pregnancy, relaxation techniques (eg, deep breathing and concentration on body signals) as a method for coping with labor, and training of parents to trust their instincts and become active and informed participants in the birthing process. The course is traditionally offered in 12 sessions.

Although the Bradley method emphasizes a birth experience without pain medication, the classes prepare parents for unexpected complications or situations, like emergency cesarean sections. After delivery, the emphasis is on immediate breast-feeding and constant contact between parents and baby. The Bradley method is the option many women choose to give birth at home or in other non-hospital areas.

There are many other types of classes available childbirth. Some include information from the two above techniques and others are exploring methods derived from a particular area. Two options may be available in your area are active classes childbirth that teach yoga techniques to prepare women for labor and courses “Hypnobirthing” (Hypno childbirth), which uses deep relaxation and self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques.

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