Effect of Lamaze Technique on Labor Pain and Women’s Satisfaction during First Stage of Labor

Background: Lamaze breathing technique is an effective noninvasive, non-pharmacologic and supportive technique for reducing labor pain and improving the behavioral responses of women in labor. It is known as a method of psycho prophylaxis that prepares a pregnant woman to deal actively with contractions. Aim of research : To evaluate the effect of Lamaze technique on labor pain and women’s satisfaction during first stage of labor. Research design: A Quasi-experimental research design. Research setting: The study was conducted at obstetrics and gynecological out-patient clinic and labor unit of obstetrics and gynecological department affiliated to Benha University Hospital. Research sample: A purposive sample of 140 pregnant women divided randomly into study group [70] and control group [70]. Tools of data collection: Five tools were used to conduct this research: tool I :A structured interviewing questionnaire sheet, tool II: Numeric Pain Rating Scale, tool III: Partograph , tool V: Apgar score and tool IV: Woman's Satisfaction scale. Research results: The result of current study showed that there was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding intensity of labor pain score during first stage of labor before applying of Lamaze technique while, there was a reduction of intensity of labor pain score among study group compared to control group during the first stage of labor after practicing the Lamaze technique with a highly statistically significant difference between both groups . Also , indicated that more than three quarters of studied women were satisfied with applying Lamaze technique compared to more than one fifth of them were unsatisfied. Conclusion: Applying Lamaze technique during first stage of labor had a positive effect on enhancing labor pain and increasing women’s satisfaction. Recommendation: Designing brochures regarding Lamaze breathing exercise should be available at outpatient clinics , labor unit and obstetrics and gynecology departments for all pregnant women.