Our Lamaze childbirth journey.

Our first family photo, a few hours after my wife delivered Isaac. 

I want to share my personal journey with you - one filled with nervousness, uncertainty, and eventually, the joy of supporting my wife through labor and delivery. As someone with no medical background, the idea of childbirth was a total mystery to me. But let me tell you how Lamaze childbirth classes became a game-changer and helped me become a confident birthing partner for my wife.

A few months before our baby's due date, I was a bundle of nerves. The thought of being in the delivery room and not knowing how to support my wife properly was overwhelming. That's when our dear friend Bobby Jean Barreto stepped in to introduce us to the Lamaze method. I had never heard of it before, but it turned out to be exactly what we needed.

The Lamaze method is a more traditional approach to childbirth, where general anesthesia is not typically used during labor. Intrigued, we decided to attend Chiqui Brosas' classes, recommended by Bobby Jean. She offered classes in three different locations, making it convenient for us to find one that worked best for our schedule. You can check out her website at http://chiquibrosas.blogspot.com/ for more information.

With about four months to go before our baby's arrival, we eagerly enrolled in Chiqui Brosas' class. Little did I know that those few weeks of discussions would equip me with valuable knowledge and preparation for the birthing process using the Lamaze method.

At first, I must admit I was skeptical. As someone unfamiliar with childbirth, I had my doubts about whether Lamaze was the right choice for us. But our coach, Chiqui Brosas, was incredible. She provided clear explanations and instilled in us the courage to embrace this approach with confidence.

Now, let me share some of the most significant learnings I gained from the Lamaze classes:

Deep Breathing Techniques: Lamaze emphasizes the importance of controlled deep breathing during labor. We practiced various breathing techniques to help my wife manage pain and stay calm throughout the process. These techniques proved to be invaluable during the actual labor, and I was right there, coaching and encouraging her every step of the way.

Physical and Emotional Support: As a birthing partner, my role was not only to be there physically but also to provide emotional support. We learned techniques to ease tension and offer comforting touches, such as massages and gentle pressure, to help alleviate any discomfort during labor.

The Importance of Relaxation: Labor can be intense, and stress can hinder progress. We learned relaxation techniques to help my wife stay focused and calm. Creating a peaceful and comforting environment for her was essential, and I was able to contribute by playing her favorite soothing music and offering words of encouragement.

Active Participation: I used to think that during childbirth, I would be a passive observer, but Lamaze taught me otherwise. I was an active participant in the entire process, understanding what was happening and communicating with the medical team effectively.

Knowledge of the Labor Process: Lamaze classes covered the stages of labor, what to expect during each phase, and when it might be time to head to the hospital. This knowledge gave me a sense of preparedness and empowered me to be proactive during the labor and delivery.

Coping Techniques: Lamaze taught us various coping mechanisms, such as changing positions, walking, or using a birthing ball, to manage pain and promote progress during labor. These techniques offered alternative ways for my wife to find comfort during the process.

When the big day finally arrived, I felt ready, thanks to the Lamaze classes. I knew how to support my wife physically and emotionally, and I was there with her every step of the way. As she labored using the Lamaze method, I guided her through the breathing techniques, provided the comforting touches we learned, and created a calming atmosphere to help her relax.

I must say, witnessing the birth of our baby and being an active participant in the process was the most incredible and fulfilling experience of my life. It brought us closer as a couple and solidified the bond between us as parents.

To all the expectant fathers out there, I encourage you to explore childbirth classes like Lamaze. The knowledge and confidence you gain will not only help you support your partner during labor but will also make you a more involved and empowered parent from day one.

So, embrace the journey, learn all you can, and get ready to welcome your bundle of joy with open arms and a heart full of love!

The Lamaze method uses breathing technique. 

Take an organizing breath—a big sigh as soon as the contraction begins. ...

Conscious breathing (especially slow breathing) reduces heart rate, anxiety, and pain perception. It works in part because when breathing becomes a focus, other sensations (such as labor pain) move to the edge of your awareness.

Focus your attention.

Slowly inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, allowing all your air to flow out with a sigh. ...

With each exhale, focus on relaxing a different part of your body.

Husbands, be careful with how you coach your pregnant wife aside from being irritable on this stage, please understand that your wife has some big belly bulging on her tummy so just a heads-up to be careful while you coach your ailing wife.

Benefits of the Lamaze Method

Management of pain without drug intervention gives the Lamaze method widespread appeal among parents who seek a natural childbirth experience

In our experience as first-time parents, it was difficult but if you are strong enough to face the challenge its absolutely beneficial physically, emotionally and financially.  You talk through with your wife how much it would impact your life as a whole if you will go thru this method.

Physical healing - using this method helps us to heal faster and healthier.  Since there were no ingested anesthesia, the baby was able to express his attention after the delivery.  It was easier to notice that the baby was alive as soon at it breaks the water bag.  A local anesthesia was administered only to stitch when the baby was already out so the baby was not affected.  According to our coach, when the baby is delivered, colostrum triggers which give more opportunity for the breastmilk to stimulates to give mamary glad an opportunity to function well.

Emotionally healing - because my wife did not have a long stitched, unlike the cesarean section delivery the healing took only in less than a month.  Because of this, the emotional healing is better than the CS.  It gave a much brighter outlook for my wife to take care of our baby while I am working.

It will help Financially - for most of the fathers this method I think would be the least depending on how much you love your family(hahaha) to have a brighter life(Sunlife).  When I was counting my bills and paying for them one by one I noticed a large amount of help this method has given to our finances.  First, I don't need to pay for the anesthesiologist during the delivery, second because the breastmilk was triggered on the delivery my wife produced milk which in turn i don't need to buy expensive less nutritious formula milk up until now(a lot of help).

Honestly, if their would be a group of Husbands who would want to promote this method I think I would be the first person to advertise this advocacy.

We have taken an excerpt of one of the important lesson during the childbirth.  Please watch the video below. 

Here are some of our pictures with our batchmates:

This is our group mates together with Ms Chiqui Brosas 

This picture was taken during our class graduation. 

If you have comments and suggestions please write below to improve this blog.  If you have other topics that we can discuss send us your inputs @ cooljackm@gmail.com.