I enjoy teaching and knew that becoming a childbirth educator was in my future. Upon researching the various organizations, I realized that becoming a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator was my future!

This isn't your ma's Lamaze - gone is the strict patterned breathing that it was known for. Breathing is an important tool, but it's only one of many. Lamaze's view that birth is normal is one that I can really get on board with. We have really moved away from that realization in the past century or so, and I want to be a part of spreading that message far and wide!

And that brings me to my next obstacle: the boring childbirth ed classes that you hear so much about. I experienced one myself. I was very excited to learn about Passion for Birth, one of Lamaze's programs, which is determined to "stomp the boring out" of childbirth education. I signed up right away and learned a number of tools to keep my classes fun and interactive - two things that are missing from most series!

About Lamaze :: Certification

About Lamaze International

"Lamaze is a nonprofit organization that promotes a natural, healthy and safe approach to pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting. Knowing that pregnancy and childbirth can be demanding on a woman’s body and mind, Lamaze serves as a resource for information about what to expect and what choices are available during the childbearing years.

"Lamaze education and practices are based on the best, most current medical evidence available. They can help reduce the use of unnecessary interventions and improve overall outcomes for mothers and babies. Working closely with their families, health care providers and Lamaze educators, millions of pregnant women have achieved their desired childbirth outcomes using Lamaze practices.

"The mission of Lamaze International is to promote, support and protect natural, safe and healthy birth through education and advocacy through the dedicated efforts of professional childbirth educators, providers and parents.

"Forming the foundation of the organization are the Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices. These evidence-based practices, adapted from the World Health Organization, promote, protect and support natural, safe and healthy birth."

I couldn't say it better myself! This is taken verbatim from the Lamaze website.

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Certification

There are a number of different paths to becoming certified. The following information (which are new requirements as of 2010) is assuming you are new to childbirth education (CBE).

In no particular order, here are the requirements!

1. Attend (& provide documentation for) a Lamaze Accredited CBE Program Seminar.
2. Work through the Lamaze Study Guide.
3. Provide proof of teaching with a mentor/observer.
4. Take the Lamaze Certification exam (offered twice a year).

It is also recommended that you:

1. Observe a childbirth ed series.
2. Read the recommended reading list.
3. Attend at least three births.
4. Create a course design.
5. Teach a complete class series.

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