Pain Relief in Labor: The Importance of Knowledge and Support

I recently came across this article reviewing the evidence about labor pain relief on
childbirthconnection.org.
I won't go into a lot of detail, as I encourage you to read the article yourself, but I will mention a couple of key points.

1) A woman's pain relief options vary greatly depending on where and with whom she gives birth.  Most women in the US give birth in hospitals, and have access to a full range of pain medication options. Interestingly, though, those women who have access to good continuous support during labor (whether from a partner, doula, friend or family member) are less likely to use pain medication, and are more likely to be satisfied with their birth experience.
2) The best predictor of a woman's experience of labor pain is her level of confidence in her ability to cope with labor.
3) The four factors that have the most impact on women's satisfaction in childbirth are:

• Having good support from caregivers
• Having a high quality relationship with caregivers
• Being involved in decision making about care
• Having better than expected experiences

As I read the article, it struck me that Lamaze childbirth classes focus specifically on those four factors. While being in a Lamaze class can't directly impact a woman's childbirth experience, these classes do increase the chances of achieving the first 3 factors. Lamaze childbirth preparation classes are not just about mom; rather they are focused on helping moms and partners (whether the partner is dad or someone else) navigate the process of labor and birth. Lamaze childbirth classes recognize the vital role played by partners in providing the support that will give everyone a more positive experience. 

Lamaze childbirth classes also focus on educating families about labor and birth, so that they can make informed decisions about medical care and can improve their relationships with medical caregivers by asking knowledgeable questions and understanding labor options. 

Lamaze classes also go into detail regarding the various methods of pain relief reviewed in this article. And while some people associate Lamaze only with "natural" childbirth, the reality is that Lamaze does not take a stance for or against any particular pain relief option. Rather, Lamaze childbirth classes review the benefits and costs associated with each method, so that families can make the best decision for themselves. 

If you know someone who might benefit from a Lamaze childbirth preparation class, new classes are always forming at www.lamazefamilycenter.org.