Lamaze Classes: Are They Worth It?

Are you a mom-to-be looking for the right birthing class to make your childbirth experience more natural and joyful? Then I’m sure your relatives and friends must have recommended Lamaze. The Lamaze technique is among the oldest, most popular, and loved birthing techniques.

I personally attended Lamaze classes when I was pregnant with my second daughter. I can tell you they are super effective. But it is natural to have questions like what do Lamaze classes teach? Are they really helpful? And most importantly, are these the right birthing classes for me?

Here at She Births Bravely, we help moms prepare for powerful and authentic births. I often have people ask me, how does your class, the Healthy Start Birth Prep Challenge compare to other classes, specifically Lamaze classes.

Well, you need to understand, we are super proud of our class and the results we get for our moms. That said, there are times when a Lamaze class may be the better option. So what this article is going to do is explain to you honestly and transparently the pros and the cons of both classes.

Then, by the end, you will have a great sense of which is the best choice for you. 

What Are Lamaze Classes About?

Founded by a French obstetrician Dr. Fernand Lamaze, the Lamaze technique has been around since the 1950s. Lamaze became famous because of rhythmic breathing techniques. Breathing can reduce the fear of labor and help moms cope with pain during contractions.

But, that is not all that the Lamaze technique is about. Lamaze classes also teach you different techniques and exercises to manage the pain associated with labor and childbirth. And another great thing about these classes is that they give you some very useful research-based information regarding pregnancy.

Course Objective:  The aim of Lamaze classes is to help moms-to-be prepare for safe, healthy, and natural childbirth. It does this by teaching rhythmic breathing techniques and provided research-based information about childbirth.

What Does A Lamaze Class Teach You?

This technique is based on six evidence-based birth practices. These practices help moms have a healtheir and safer birth experience. What are the six Lamaze principals?

Lamaze Principal 1: Wait For Spontaneous Natural Labor

This technique is based on the fact the natural labor is your body’s way of indicating that it is ready to give birth. This also increases the chances of your baby being healthier. The Lamaze stance is that labor should only be induced, or started by medicine, if it is medically necessary immediately.

Lamaze Principal 2: Be On Your Feet Throughout Labor

When you walk and change positions in labor, it helps you deal with intense contractions so that your body continues going into labor. And it also allows your baby to travel from your pelvis to the birth canal gently.

Lamaze Principal 3: Take Your Partner, A Close Family Member Or Friend To The Hospital

Having the support of a near and dear one during birth boosts your morale and gives you confidence. You can also take your doula with you.

Lamaze Principal 4: Don’t Opt For Medical Interventions Unless Absolutely Necessary

Research shows that unnecessary medical intervention during labor doesn’t do any good and carries risk. You should only choose medical treatments if they are absolutely necessary.

Lamaze Principal 5: Trust Your Body When It Tells You It’s Time To Push

Research shows that allowing moms to push when their body feels the need to push aids in making the birth experience positive.

Lamaze Principal 6: Hold Your Baby On Your Chest Right After Birth

Your baby should be placed on your chest skin to skin for the first hour after birth. This provides continual benefits to mom and baby. If there are no problems, all tests, weighing and procedures should wiat until after this time.

What Happens At A Lamaze Class?

There are around six classes (a total of 12 hours) in the course that last for six to eight weeks. There are classes that are taught over a long weekend. Lamaze classes are given in birthing centers or hospitals or an independent business place.

In a typical Lamaze class, you will begin each session by talking about your fears and concerns about your upcoming birth. You will then learn about the emotional and physical changes that happen in each stage of labor. Your instructor will then take you and your partner through exercises that will help you work together to get through contractions.

You will also discover important nutrition facts that will support your pregnancy and birth. You will learn the advantages of breastfeeding. You will go over some of the basic changes that happen to your body during the third trimester.

In the last Lamaze class, most instructors will take you through a labor simulation. In this process, you will have to place your hand in a bucket of ice water for the length of a contraction. Your partner will then help you through it using the comfort measures you learned in class. You will usually repeat this for about 10 to 30 minutes, to get the feeling of the rhythm of birth.

What Is The Healthy Start Birth Prep Challenge About?

My interest in childbirth education was sparked when I was a new doula. A doula is essentially a childbirth coach or companion. For part of my training, I had to volunteer at several different childbirth classes. I then attended several births of the women in these classes.

And I noticed a HUGE problem.

Most moms who took a childbirth class were prepared well for a straightforward birth.

But…. not all moms had a straightforward birth.

Many moms were having labors that were far more compliated than what was presented in the class. Challenges that made birth more difficult, more painful, and made medical intervention the right choice.

This led me to begin asking a new question. Why are some births complicated and dangerous, and other births straightforward and safe? And is there anything a mom can do to encourage her birth to be straightforwards and safe?

My efforts in exploring this question eventually led to me creating my own course. You can find my answers to that question in the Healthy Start Birth Prep Challenge.

What Do You Learn In The Healthy Start Birth Prep Challenge?

I certainly agree full-heartedly with the principals of the Lamaze classes. There is a reason they have been so popular for such a long time. The Lamaze principals are backed by research. It can certainly help moms get through labor without interventions most of the time.

In the Healthy Start Birth Prep Challenge, you will find many similarities.

1. You will learn both breathing techniques and relaxation techniques.
2. Together with your partner, you will learn to cope with pain. As you work together your sense of respect and trust in each other will grow.
3. You will practice simple exercises that make birth safer and easier. The goal is to restore flexibility and tone where you need it to keep you safe. These exercises also help your baby get into an ideal position for birth, which makes birth more straightforward.
4. And of course, nutrition. The proper foods can significantly reduce your risk for life-threatening complications such as preeclampsia and preterm birth.

The objective of the the Healthy Start Birth Prep Challenge is to have you, your partner, your body, and your baby ready for birth. We want to both prepare you for birth AND make your birth a straightforward and simple process.

For moms that choose a natural, drug-free birth, this course will prepare them better than any course currently on the market. We believe that natural birth is attainable to any well prepared, well-supported mom.

For moms who choose an epidural, this class will help them reduce risks and minimize the challenges an epidural can add to a birth experience.

What Makes The Healthy Start Birth Prep Challenge Different Than Other Birth Classes?

Where we really excel is presenting this information in a way that helps you embody it. The truth is, preparing your body, mind, baby, and relationship for birth takes work. Yes, it is rewarding work, but it is work.

We also know that moms have more demands on their bodies, time, and relationships than usual during pregnancy. Instead of long weekly classes, Healthy Start Birth Prep is a small daily commitment to preparing for birth. Lessons are ten minutes long over the course of 8 weeks. This means moms can get their childbirth prep done even if they are busy and overwhelmed.

We also know that making life changes and putting attention on preparing for birth can be difficult. That is why we created an online community of moms. In this space, moms share frustrations and challenges they are facing. Together, moms work towards positive birth experiences.

Plus, we call it a challenge because when you actually do the things that help you have a safer, more straightforward birth, like eating a nutritious meal or doing stretches that will help protect your pelvic floor, you can win super awesome giveaways. I know motivation can be hard to find when you have so much on your plate, that’s why we help you find it.

We don’t want you to just know what you can do to make birth easier, safer and more rewarding, but have the community, friendship and motivation to actually do the things that will help you meet your goal.

How Do I Know Which Class Is Right For Me?

By now, you probably have a pretty good sense of what each class is about. Of course, we would absolutely love to have you in the Healthy Start Birth Prep Challenge. Our classes start on the first of every month.

That being said, if you prefer in person classes, Lamaze classes are an excellent choice.

I would encourage you to choose a class where you feel safe asking your questions, working with your partner, and moving towards the birth you want. A mother’s intuition is almost always right when it comes to which class is best for her.

Who Teaches Lamaze Classes And The Healthy Start Birth Prep Challenge?

Lamaze:

Lamaze classes are only taught by their professional  Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators (LCCE). This is their way of ensuring that you are being taught the right techniques and are given the right information. Certified Instructors are available in a wide range of areas, and you can find one in your region online through the Lamaze website. Online classes are also available for your ease.

Healthy Start Birth Prep Challenge

The Healthy Start Birth Prep Challenge is taught by me Suzzie Vehrs. I am certified as a doula and in providing childbirth education through Birth Arts International. I also have a Bachelor of Science in Economics through Brigham Young University.

How Much Do Lamaze Classes Cost Compared to the Healthy Start Birth Prep Challenge

Lamaze classes typically cost between $150-$350. The cost depends on the region and instructor. Some of the less expensive classes are weekend classes or shortened condensed classes.

The Healthy Start Birth Prep Challenge is $347.

Keep in mind, you may be able to be reimbursed for some of these expenses through your insurance. You can also usually use Health Savings Accounts to cover childbirth education. This includes both Lamaze classes and the Healthy Start Birth Prep Challenge.

When Is The Right Time to Take Lamaze Classes?

Like most birthing classes, it is best to take Lamaze classes or the Healthy Start Birth Prep Challenge at the end of the second trimester or the beginning of the third trimester.

Do Birth Classes Gaurantee My Birth Will Be Safe And Easy?

Even though these classes do help you manage pain, be more relaxed during labor and birth, and help in giving birth naturally, you need to accept the fact that childbirth doesn’t always go as expected or planned. And the birth experience is not the same for everyone. It can be quite intense and painful for some women, while others may find it quicker and easier. Medical interventions may be necessary in some cases.

That being said, many studies confirm that when a mom takes a high-quality childbirth education class she is less likely to have a c-section or need medical interventions. The knowledge you gain during a childbirth class will help you decrease your risks and make informed decisions along the way.

How Do Lamaze Classes Compare to Hypnobirthing Classes?

Although both the techniques involve ways to help expectant mothers with natural childbirth, Lamaze and hypnobirthing are based on totally different techniques. While Lamaze focuses on research-based practices for a healthy birth, hypnobirthing is all about dealing with pain through self-hypnosis using positive affirmations, hypnosis tracks, controlled breathing, and meditation.

Hypnobirthing involves going into a deep relaxation mode by using hypnosis techniques that help in relaxing the body muscles of the mom-to-be during labor. It is based on the work of Dr. Dick-Read, an English obstetrician, which states that pain caused during labor is linked with the fear of labor, which increases the heart rate and makes the blood flow away from the uterus.

You can read out detailed explanation of hypnobirthing here.

TL/DR Are Lamaze Classes Still a Thing and Are They Actually Helpful?

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Lamaze classes were quite popular in the 80s and 90s, and they are definitely still around today. Lamaze classes are designed to help you have a healthy, safe natural childbirth.

The Healthy Start Birth Prep Challenge is an online childbirth course that helps you prepare your body, mind, baby, and partner to work together through birth. It totally prepares you for birth whether you are going natural or not. So that you can have a straightforward, safe birth.

As I’ve worked with mothers over the years, I’ve noticed that many moms have a high priority of avoiding an unnecessary c-section and nurturing their relationship through birth. It’s true, both of these classes will help with those goals.

Lamaze classes are perfect for moms who want an in person, class.

Healthy Start Birth Prep is perfect for busy moms. These are the moms who have demands on their time and energy. They will benefit from the support of an online class in many ways. First, the flexibility to choose when to watch classes. Second, the friendship and encouragement of other moms also preparing for birth in the exclusive online community. Third, because when you do the things in the Healthy Start Birth Prep, you are entered to win amazing giveaways.

I hope this article helped you understand the pros and cons of Lamaze classes compared to the Healthy Start Birth Prep Challenge. We would LOVE to help you prepare for a fabulous birth. Our next class starts on the first of the month! If you have any questions reach out to Suzzie at contact @shebirthsbravely.com.

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