The Lamaze technique, also known as the psychoprophylactic method or simply Lamaze, is a childbirth education approach that emphasises non-pharmacological pain management. It began as a prepared childbirth technique. As an alternative to medical intervention during childbirth, it was popularised in the 1950s by French obstetrician Fernand Lamaze and based on his observations in the Soviet Union. The goal of Lamaze is to build a mother's confidence in her ability to give birth, through classes that help pregnant women understand how to cope with pain in ways that both facilitate labour and promote comfort, including relaxation techniques, movement, and massage.