Thanks to today’s technology, we have endless information at our fingertips and in our pockets. With all of the philosophies, methods, and advice available to expectant parents today about pregnancy, birth, and early parenting, why should you choose to focus on Lamaze over everything else out there? I asked and answered this question myself when I was pregnant with my third child, and felt so happy with my answer, that when I wanted to become a childbirth educator three years later, I knew I wanted to represent Lamaze.
So, why should today’s parents learn from and trust in Lamaze?
EVIDENCE-BASED
Lamaze is a non-profit organization and is the oldest childbirth education in existence, but it has not remained the same over the decades. Quite the opposite, Lamaze is constantly up-to-date because all of their recommendations come from the latest research available — research that may not have even made it into your care providers standard protocol just yet. When writing your birth plan, it is important to know these fresh recommendations in case they do differ from standard practice, so that you can specify how you’d like your experience to be different.
INCLUSIVE
Lamaze is not a “method”, but a philosophy. Contrary to popular belief, there are no specific breathing techniques or exact ways to behave during labor when following the ideas behind Lamaze. Instead, guidelines are offered based on the best evidence available, and the goal of a quality Lamaze education class is not only to teach those guidelines, but to offer parents the opportunity to discover the unique ways they personally feel comfortable following and achieving them. Lamaze recognizes that everyone’s journey is unique, and all are welcome.
RELIABLE
Rest assured that any educator bearing the credentials LCCE (Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator) and referencing Lamaze in their curriculum has been certified through a rigorous training and exam period. It is the only internationally recognized certification for childbirth educators, and the only program accredited by the National Commission For Certifying Agencies (NCCA). LCCE educators are required to continue their education, re-certify every three years, and become fluent not only in interpreting childbirth-related research, but also in the best techniques for teaching adults in engaging and interactive ways. When you choose an LCCE educator, you know they are being held to a high standard, and that the standard is based in decades of research and continuously updated.
Lamaze stood out to me as a parent because of the science behind every aspect of its philosophy, and the fact that the ideas could be applied in any birthing environment, whether that be at home, a birthing center, or hospital. No matter what happened during my pregnancy or birth, I felt that I had the knowledge to assuage any fears. Lamaze is a pillar of education and support for mothers all over the world. Contact me if you feel a Lamaze-based childbirth education class is right for you, or with any questions you may have!
Lamaze Six Healthy Birth Practices
1 : Let labor begin on its own.
2 : Walk, move around, and change positions throughout labor.
3 : Bring a loved one, friend, or doula for continuous support.
4 : Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary.
5: Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body’s urges to push.
6: Keep mother and baby together; it’s best for mother, baby, and breastfeeding.