Lamaze birth is not a method of delivery but rather a birth philosophy. Developed by Fernand Lamaze, this philosophy aims to ensure that the mother actively participates in the birth, allowing the process to unfold naturally.

In Lamaze birth, the active involvement of both mother and father in the learning process is encouraged to ensure a natural and healthy birth experience.

The fundamentals of the Lamaze philosophy:

• Pregnancy is a normal and natural process.
• The expectant mother's body is fully equipped and capable of carrying, nourishing, and growing the baby.
• For a healthy pregnancy and proper baby development, the mother should prepare for birth and develop mentally during this process.
• A stress-free environment is necessary for a healthy pregnancy, birth, and for the baby.
• The expectant mother has the right to choose to give birth without medical interventions.
• Birth can take place anywhere as long as safe conditions are met.
• There should be a supportive team at the birth location to reduce the mother’s stress.
• It is important that the mother is free to move as she wishes during labor.

What Are the Criteria for Lamaze Birth?

The criteria of Lamaze birth philosophy are defined by the World Health Organization. There are six main principles:

• Birth should start naturally and spontaneously, without external influence.
• The mother should have the freedom to move and act as she wishes throughout all stages of labor.
• The mother should receive psychological and physical support during labor from both the medical team and her partner.
• Routine procedures should be avoided. All care should be tailored to the mother's specific needs.
• During labor, the mother should be able to push comfortably and naturally in upright or other birth positions.
• Mother and baby should remain together immediately after birth. Skin-to-skin contact should be ensured, and separation should occur only when absolutely necessary.
• Breastfeeding should begin within the first 30 minutes after delivery.

How Is Lamaze Training Provided?

The goal of Lamaze training is to fully inform expectant mothers about the birth process, teach breathing techniques, support relaxation, and help the mother enter labor calmly. The first step is to eliminate fears about birth.

According to the Lamaze philosophy, fear is the most important factor that causes pain during childbirth. A fearful mother suppresses the release of essential hormones, resulting in increased pain.

Additionally, restricting the mother's movements during birth and preventing her from acting freely causes stress and creates a negative perception of childbirth.

Through childbirth preparation training, both mothers and fathers can overcome their fears, learn techniques such as relaxation, giving space to the baby, soothing massages, and breathing exercises, and participate in the process with physical and mental readiness.

Lamaze training includes:

• Breathing exercises,
• Relaxation techniques,
• Visualization,
• Soothing massages,
• Dancing,
• Birth positions and classes that encourage the mother's active participation in birth.
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