GentleBirth vs Lamaze: Which childbirth class is right for you?
Expectant families, gather ‘round! It's time for a competition between two leading prenatal classes: GentleBirth and Lamaze. Who will come out on top? Let's find out!
In this blog, we will be discussing two childbirth preparation techniques: GentleBirth and Lamaze. Both organizations aim to help pregnant women have a healthy and positive childbirth experience, but each has its own specific approach and benefits.
We know it can be overwhelming to think about labor and birth, but with the right tools, you can be prepared to face the emotional and physical challenges of pregnancy and childbirth and beyond.
Lamaze is long associated with specific breathing patterns. Parents learn to breathe in a controlled and rhythmic manner to help reduce pain during childbirth. They are also taught to relax and use distraction techniques to cope with pain. On the other hand, GentleBirth is a more holistic technique that focuses on the mind-body connection and emotional preparation for childbirth. This approach uses tools such as meditation, positive affirmations, mindfulness, sports psychology, and hypnosis to help women (and partners) reduce stress and anxiety, strengthen their confidence in themselves, and visualize positive childbirth.
One of the main advantages of GentleBirth over Lamaze is that it addresses not only the physical aspect of childbirth but also the emotional and mental aspects, which is of great importance when bringing your baby into the world. By learning to change your relationship to stress, you can experience a more comfortable and positive birth experience. Additionally, by strengthening your confidence in yourself and your ability to give birth, you will feel more secure and empowered during labor. The practice of mindfulness is a buffer to birth trauma and PTSD - unfortunately Lamaze does not facilitate these skills.
The choice between one childbirth prep class or another is very personal and should be based on your needs, expectations, and preferences. GentleBirth is an excellent option for all families looking for a more holistic and personalized approach to everything involved in bringing a baby into the world - no matter how your baby arrives. The skills that come with the GentleBirth approach also provides you with tools to manage stress and uncertainty that are part and parcel of becoming a parent.
How do I know if GentleBirth is right for me?
GentleBirth is for all women, for all types of birth. GentleBirth might be the best option for you…
If you are looking for a more personalized and holistic approach to your childbirth preparation.
If you want to learn mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety.
If you have previous experiences of painful or traumatic births and are looking for an approach to help you overcome these fears.
If you are an active person interested in yoga and meditation for your wellness.
If you have a stressful job and are looking for tools to manage stress during pregnancy and motherhood.
If you value emotional connection and mutual support during birth, breastfeeding, motherhood and caring for your baby.
If you want to feel supported and prepared to deal with any changes that may arise during your birth experience, even if it is different than expected.
If you and your partner have limited experience with babies and no support network.
If you are having a hard time managing negative thoughts would like to enjoy your pregnancy more.
To be specific, as to which women may benefit most from each technique, there is no single answer. Both techniques can be useful for any woman who desires a natural, participatory and mindful approach to childbirth. However, as mentioned above, the choice between one technique or the other may depend on your individual needs and preferences. Some women may be more attracted to Lamaze's prenatal education and hands-on approach, while others may prefer a more comprehensive approach that includes emotional wellness and GentleBirth meditation.
Lamaze:
Benefit? It may help you have a more natural birth, with fewer medical interventions and more control over your birth experience.
How? By providing you with breathing and relaxation techniques to help you manage pain and stress during labor. It also provides you with prenatal education for a better understanding of the birthing process to make informed decisions about your medical care.
What techniques are used? Deep controlled breathing techniques, massage for pain relief, emotional support from your partner or support partner.
GentleBirth:
Benefit? Helps you have a healthier and more balanced pregnancy and birth, both physically and emotionally. It reduces the likelihood of medical intervention and are more likely to experience a physiologic birth.
How? By combining breathing, relaxation, mindfulness, meditation, and visualization techniques with education on exercise, and emotional wellness to prepare for childbirth and motherhood in a holistic way.
What techniques are used? Controlled breathing techniques, guided meditations, sport psychology, visualizations, positive affirmations, yoga and Pilates exercises to strengthen the body, education, and emotional wellness during pregnancy.
Something more tangible?
Both Lamaze and GentleBirth techniques seek to help you manage the pain and stress associated with childbirth effectively and naturally. Here's a look at some of the pain points both techniques can address and how they do it:
Lamaze:
Abdominal and lower back pain: The Lamaze technique offers breathing and relaxation techniques to help you manage pain in these areas during labor.
Leg pain: Lamaze's focus on muscle relaxation can help relieve leg pain often experienced during labor.
Pain associated with tension and stress: The Lamaze technique emphasizes the importance of relaxation and breath control to reduce tension and stress, which in turn can help reduce pain.
GentleBirth:
Abdominal and low back pain: Like Lamaze, GentleBirth also offers breathing and relaxation techniques to control pain in these areas during labor.
Pelvic and hip pain: GentleBirth emphasizes the importance of pelvic and hip strengthening and flexibility, which can help reduce pain in these areas during labor.
Emotional and psychological pain: In addition to addressing physical pain, GentleBirth also focuses on helping people manage the emotional and psychological pain that often accompanies childbirth through meditation practices, visualization and positive affirmations.
What does the evidence say when it comes to birth experiences and outcomes?
There are some studies that support the benefits of both the Lamaze technique and GentleBirth. Here are a few examples of published studies
Recent evidence comparing Lamaze childbirth education with mindfulness-based childbirth education. Some studies have compared the effects of these two types of childbirth education on maternal and infant outcomes.
A study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing compared the effects of Lamaze childbirth education with mindfulness-based childbirth education on maternal stress and anxiety levels during pregnancy. The study found that both types of education were effective in reducing stress and anxiety levels, but mindfulness-based education was more effective than Lamaze education.
Another study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada compared the effects of Lamaze childbirth education with mindfulness-based childbirth education on pain and maternal coping during labor. The study found that both types of education were effective in reducing pain and increasing coping skills, but mindfulness-based education was associated with better outcomes than Lamaze education.
Overall, while there is evidence to suggest that mindfulness-based childbirth education, such as GentleBirth, may be more effective than Lamaze education in reducing stress, anxiety and pain during pregnancy and childbirth and breastfeeding more research is needed.
Class format
Lamaze childbirth classes are usually taught in a group setting and can range from a one-day intensive to a series of weekly classes and online options. Face-to-face classes last about 12 hours. Online classes last 60 to 75 minutes.
GentleBirth classes are available as an online self-study through a Masterclass (8+ hours), weekend and weekly face-to-face courses (10-12 hours), and worldwide virtual classes.
Choose GentleBirth for a Confident and Empowered Pregnancy Journey
The most important aspect to consider is that you feel informed and empowered to make the decision you find most appropriate for your own unique experience.
Which class is the winner? That will be up to you! Both Lamaze and GentleBirth offer valuable education and support for expectant parents. It all depends on your personal preferences and needs. Just remember, no matter what kind you choose, the real winner is that adorable little one you're bringing into the world.
P.S.
***Talk to doulas and midwives about the level of coping skills GentleBirth parents exhibit during labor and how well they adjust to the unpredictability of labor.