psychophysical preparation for childbirth, a program that prepares women for giving birth by teaching them the physiological characteristics of the process, exercises to improve muscle tone and physical stamina, and various techniques of breathing and relaxation to promote control and comfort during labor and delivery. There are several methods of psychophysical preparation for childbirth. Among the goals of all of the methods are a decrease in the mother’s fear and pain, a decrease in or elimination of the use of analgesia and anesthesia in childbirth, and an increase in the mother’s participation and cooperation, resulting in a reduced need for obstetric intervention. Kinds include Bradley method, Lamaze method, Leboyer method of delivery, Read method.
