Does Lamaze really help during labor & delivery?

[SavyB]

I'm just curious if Lamaze really helps during labor & delivery...can you take just one class or do you have to go multiple times & keep up with it? Does it honestly help with pain? I don't really know too much about it. I'm only 11 weeks, but I'd like to know if the class is really worth taking. I'd love to hear everyone's experiences...the good & the bad. Thanks ladies!

[SavyB]

Yea, I think I'm going to take a class. Couldn't hurt right? Thanks!

[aicnov14]

I watched videos on YouTube. one woman said breathing is the most important thing, when you hold your breath it constricts everything and closes everything up making it counterproductive, if you breathe it opens everything up allowing the baby to pass through, I heard you need to listen to your body and only push when your body is ready to to reduce the risk of tearing.I have no idea though I've never given birth but it makes sense to me, same reason they tell you not to push when going to the bathroom, your body will do it on its own when it's ready with little help from you.

[zo_n_daemommy]

I took a birthing class, not lamaze, they made that clear. They did teach breathing. It does help, if you can remember to breath. While in labor i know i held my breath multiple times because it was easier than breathing. But the breathing did help, whether it was mental or physical I'm not sure (you're blowing away your pain).  It does help you focus and focusing helps with getting thru the pain