Analgesic effect of the Lamaze breathing method combined with spousal doula support on vaginal delivery in primiparas and its impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate whether a Lamaze breathing program combined with spousal (partner) doula-style support provides superior analgesic benefit for primiparas undergoing vaginal birth.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We recruited 116 primiparous women delivering at our hospital between February 2024 to April 2025. Using a random-number table, participants were assigned to a control group (standard analgesia management) or a study group (Lamaze breathing plus continuous spousal support). Outcomes included visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores at each labour stage, stage-specific and total labour duration, Labor Agentry Scale (LAS) and General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ) scores, maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes, and satisfaction with analgesia.

RESULTS

Of 116 randomized primiparas, prespecified exclusions (intrapartum cesarean or epidural request) left 52 controls and 54 study participants for efficacy analyses. Compared with the control group, the study group reported lower VAS pain scores across the first, second, and third stages of labour (all p < 0.05), and experienced shorter stage-specific and total labour durations (all p < 0.05). LAS and GCQ scores were higher in the study group (all p < 0.05). Maternal adverse outcomes occurred in 11/54 (20.4%) vs 20/52 (38.5%) and neonatal adverse outcomes in 2/54 (3.7%) vs 8/52 (15.4%) (both p < 0.05). Analgesia satisfaction was also higher in the study group: 52/54 (96.3%) vs 43/52 (82.7%) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The Lamaze breathing method combined with spousal doula support can effectively relieve labor pain in primiparas undergoing vaginal delivery, shorten labor duration, enhance maternal sense of control and comfort, ensure safety, and improve maternal satisfaction with analgesia.