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