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The Bonapace method to prepare for childbirth
Imagined in the early 90s by a Canadian specialist in parenthood and pain management, the Bonapace method of preparing for birth is gradually developing in France. Innovative because it combines finger pressure, relaxation and massages, this approach is also distinguished by the very active role it gives to the future dad.
What is the Bonapace method?
The Bonapace method of birth preparation is a non-pharmacological approach to pain management. It aims, when possible, to less medicalize childbirth. It also seeks to allow the parental couple to gain confidence in their capacities to live the pregnancy and the birth. It is based on 3 main areas with which future parents will have to familiarize themselves during pregnancy to master them on D-Day:
- Gentle massages on the lower back, face, hips, between each contraction, to relax the sore muscles of the mother-to-be and help her relax.
- Stimulation of specific points called trigger points on each contraction. Digitopression exerted on these eight trigger points distributed over the hands, feet, sacrum and buttocks is painful but paradoxically, it reduces the pain of contractions. Not only is the brain “deceived” but it produces more endorphins, natural hormones with analgesic properties. In addition, the stimulation of these points is known to increase the efficiency of contractions, activate the opening of the cervix and facilitate the progression of the baby in the maternal pelvis.
- Breathing exercises combining positive visualization and breathing work.
The future dad: a key role
Within the framework of the Bonapace method, the future dad does not only accompany his partner to the sessions of preparation for birth and parenthood, he plays an active role there. It is in fact he who will massage her, stimulate the trigger points, help her visualize positive images and concentrate on her breathing on D-Day. Via teaching her method, Julie Bonapace’s goal is effect of allowing the two parents to work in complementarity to reappropriate the earing.
The theoretical bases of the method
- The pain gate theory developed in 1965 by Canadian psychologist Ronald Melzack and British physiologist Patrick Wall. These researchers were the first to present a model that took into account the complexity of the pain phenomenon and its sensory, cognitive and affective components. According to this theory, non-painful massage of painful areas partially blocks pain messages sent to the brain.
- The work of Dr Le Bars (Laboratory of Neurophysiology, CHU de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris) on endogenous mechanisms of protection against pain, and more particularly on trigger points whose stimulation allows the release of endorphins.
- The work of Dr Serge Marchand, holder of a university chair in the pathophysiology of pain, on the development, persistence and treatment of pain.
For the moment, the validity of the method relies mainly on observations. However, the initiator of the method, Julie Bonapace and Dr. Marchand, conducted a small-scale study on 28 couples. The results indicate that the Bonapace method reduced the intensity and unpleasant aspects of pain by about 45% more than traditional methods.
Is the massage chair essential?
Since the trigger points used by the Bonapace method are located in the lower back, using a massage chair can be useful but it is not essential. These chairs remain professional equipment, the cost of which remains relatively high, whether purchased or rented.
Is this preparation reimbursed?
The Bonapace Method is part of the eight sessions of preparation for birth and parenthood supported by Health Insurance on condition that it is provided by a midwife. For a list of French midwives trained in the Bonapace method, contact the trainers using the contact form available on www.bonapace.com.