Lamaze has changed a lot since the first parents took Lamaze classes back in the day (1960s).
The biggest way that Lamaze has changed is that we no longer focus on the "He He He Who" breathing to help moms get through labor.
Now, we focus on helping the mom relax and do deep breathing -- whatever kind of deep breathing you're used to doing when you need to help yourself calm down. We help you identity comfort strategies that you already use and help you practice them in this new setting, as you go into labor and give birth to your baby. You already know how to take care of yourself -- the class will help you apply it to this very new situation.Relaxation
Relaxation is central to helping you get through labor and birth. The more you practice consciously helping yourself relax, the easier it will be to manage your opening contractions.
And relaxation is key not just because you'll feel better.
The more you are relaxed, the more blood flows to your belly with the needed oxygen.
The more blood flows to your belly, the more blood gets through to your baby.
Your ability to relax the rest of your body as your contractions are coming directly helps your baby get through labor more easily. Of course, there can be other things going on, but relaxing as much as possible is key.
About Birth Plans
I'm not sure if parents used birth plans a couple generations ago, but now many first-time families create them in order to make it more likely to get the kind of care they would like.
If you are thinking about developing one, please consider taking my Lamaze class. Using only book or internet research will not give you the best information about childbirth and local options, which is absolutely, positively necessary in order to prepare as effectively as possible for the birth of your baby.