Lamaze Founder Dies at 100

NBC New York ^ | 5/14 | Jennifer Peltz

[SamAdams76]

My wife went through natural childbirth with our two sons and refused painkilling shots. We were out of hospital with both babies within a day of birth. The both of us hate hospitals by the way. I'm now in my 50s and I have yet to be admitted to one myself and I'm glad about that.

However, I guess I'm a bit of a chauvinist pig about the whole "father being there for the childbirth" thing. I did do the "Lamaze" classes with my wife and was in the delivery room with her both times because that is what is expected of men these days. But I did not like it. I felt like I was in the way of things and did not like seeing my wife in so much pain. I could have done without witnessing the childbirth as well. Just not my cup of tea. And all that blood...I'm surprised I didn't faint on the floor. I guess I'm just not cut out to be a doctor.

My father told me when I was born, back in the "Mad Men" days of the early 1960s, he sat in the waiting room with other expectant fathers, passing whiskey bottles back and forth and playing cards. When I was finally born, a nurse came in to give him the news. He took a quick peek at me through the window of the maternity ward, passed out some cigars to the other fathers, and went home to get a good night sleep.

Those were the days!

Now when my father was born in the 1930s, his mother didn't even go to the hospital. She had all her children in the same Alabama farmhouse with midwives and a traveling doctor. The doctor's bill was under $10.

So this whole "three days in the hospital" thing is a modern invention.

[Jack Hydrazine]

Laz makes Lamaze happen!

[b4its2late]

Because of payment per occurrence instead per diem by providers.

[gov_bean_ counter]

My wife went natural for our first child. Although IIRC it was about midway and she is yelling “give me the shot!” but it was too late for that.

Same here for Mrs GBC. She was hooked up to a contraction machine I called a seismograph. When I saw the lines going up, I stepped away from the bed. I know if she could have gotten her hands on me she would have choked me to death.

[Future Snake Eater]

Mother and baby used to spend 3-days in the hospital.

And the vast majority of mothers and babies don't need any such long stay.

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.

[Daffynition]

He may be on the Board of Directors.....certainly a stock stakeholder. ;)

[...think we better ping him?]

[LibertarianLiz]

in the 1950s, women were often heavily medicated

Let me tell you, I was begging for medication. Breathing properly doesn't help when you've been in labor for a very long time and nothing is happening. I was exhausted. The first time it took 22 hours, most of that was hard labor.

The thing is, when they finally gave me the epidural, I could relax a bit and the process started moving forward. There is a place for medication. If you can do without, I'm very happy for you -- and jealous. But, I couldn't; and, I don't think women who need the help of medication should be made to feel like we have done something wrong.

[ViLaLuz]

I left the hospital one day after my baby was born, by choice. I couldn’t wait to get away from the clowns “caring” for us.

[Hugin]

No, it just came to mind because in Lamaze classes it’s all about breathing techniques.

[21twelve]

“I know if she could have gotten her hands on me she would have choked me to death.”

LOL. The scene at our hospital, with me the supportive husband making all the Lamaze classes.

“It’s okay honey - breathe.”
“AGGGGGHHH”
“Short little blows honey.”
Grabbing me “SHUT UP! YOU did this to me!!!”

I spent the duration sitting in a chair out of view!

[gov_bean_ counter]

LOL. Good move.