The Lamaze Technique of breathing for childbirth is credited to French Obstetrician Dr. Fernand Lamaze who promoted the technique in the 1940’s as an alternative to the use of traditional medical intervention practices most often used during childbirth. Today, the technique is used world-wide, and favored by many people and medical personnel as well. Lamaze classes are one of the most popular types of pregnancy classes available, and millions of women and men attend them when they are expecting a baby. There are, however, a few things you may not learn about in these classes. Here are 5 amazing birth tips you won’t learn in Lamaze class.

Avoid giving birth on your back

This is not bad advice at all. In fact, giving birth in an upright position can make it easier to deliver your baby because this allows gravity to work for you rather than against you. Still, not all women are comfortable in an upright position, and trying to maintain one only winds up causing them to become stressed at not being able to stay upright.

TIP #1

Take the position that gives you the most relaxation. Becoming all stressed out will only cause your body to work against you.

Let labor begin on its own

Again, not bad advice. Any time you can allow your body to function in its natural capacity it’s usually a good choice to allow it to do so. Besides, avoiding the use of drugs, in most situations, is always better for your body and your baby. However, this does not mean that if you choose to use drugs to induce your labor, that you’re doing a disservice to you or your baby.

TIP #2

When you’ve exhausted your mental ability to allow your body to begin labor on its own, don’t let anyone talk you out of using drugs to induce your labor. Not only is it a common practice, it’s your right to determine when to make that choice; no one else’s.

Bring someone with you for support

The majority of expectant mothers cling to the idea of having someone with them for support when the big day comes. The birthing experience can stir up all sorts of emotions in a woman, and having a husband, doula or even a parent or close friend with them can help her get through the experience. Still, some women would rather (For many different reasons) experience childbirth without having anyone around.

TIP #3

Delivering a baby is a very personal experience. Never feel obligated to have someone with you if you don’t want to.

Prepare for the unexpected

Although each pregnancy is different, they aren’t all unique. The majority of pregnancies are uneventful and follow a somewhat normal process. However, there is no way to tell if you’re pregnancy will run along that somewhat normal vein or if it will turn out to be unique. You can prepare and prepare, but there’s really no way to tell how things will go when the day comes.

TIP#4

Prepare yourself mentally that things may not turn out how your expecting them to, and be ready to trust the professionals if it doesn’t. The circumstances that may arise could be beyond your control, so it’s better to be prepared.

Consider acupuncture if your baby is breached

More often than not a breech baby will turn on her own with no intervention. If your baby doesn’t turn before delivery you may need to have a C-section. There are an assortment of techniques that can help to encourage your baby to turn, but they don’t always work.

TIP#5

Using a process of needles and warmth, acupuncture can help your baby is encouraged to turn on her own, and in many cases, remains in her new position until delivery.

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