Pregnancy, Baby and You magazine, August 2006

Lamaze classes are run by Jane Howard, an obstetric physiotherapist and Lamaze certified childbirth teacher. They are held either at a clinic in East London or at a couple's home within the M25, as Jane is based in London.Those living outside the M25 can organise a small workshop with other couples and Jane will be happy to teach the group. Couples can also receive private tuition in their home.

Lamaze classes have been around in the USA since the mid 1950s. The philosophy behind Lamaze is that birth is a natural process, and women can be taught to use their inner wisdom to guide them through it. Like active birth classes, Lamaze aims to teach women how to use their bodies in the best way for labour. Topics also covered include visualisation, meditation and natural pain relief such as acupressure. TENS and water births. Lamaze examines the emotional aspects of parenting, too, and the classes have a relexed but informative approach.

Each weekly class lasts for two hours, and a course of five sessions is recommended (or three if having private tuition at home). It's best to book classes at around week 20 of your pregnancy, and they usuallly end three to four weeks before due date. Classes are small: often just four or five couples and never more than 12. Partners (baby's father, relative or friend) are encouraged to attend, but Jane is also happy to work with those who would prefer not to bring anyone. Costs vary, but expect to pay around £270 for five sessions.

• You prefer to have individual tuition or just small numbers in a class
• You want to prepare your body physically for labour and plan to focus on using your own coping mechnisms.

Lamaze classes aren't for you if...

• Cost is a consideration - they are quite expensive.
• You live outside M25 and would prefer not to organise a workshop with other parents.
• You want to cove topics such as babycare.

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