In order for a class series to be designated as a Lamaze class, the series must last for at least 12 hours total, be taught by a Lamaze Certified Birth & Parenting Educator, and must include the Six Healthy Birth Practices.  Empowered Birth is a Lamaze class series.

I joined Lamaze in 2009 after spending three years with a different birth education organization.  At Lamaze I have found support for quality teaching and professional development, two concepts that are important to me as a professional educator.  I am proud to be a Lamaze Birth & Parenting Educator.

In case you’re wondering if Lamaze is about the breathing–that’s all changed!  The basic principles behind the Lamaze philosophy are:

• Birth is normal, natural and healthy
• The experience of birth profoundly effects women and their families
• Women’s inner wisdom guides them through birth
• Women’s confidence and ability to give birth is either enhanced or diminished by the care provider and place of birth
• Women have the right to give birth free from routine medical interventions
• Birth can safely take place in birth centers and homes
• Birth education empowers women to make informed choices in health care, to assume responsibility for their health and to trust their inner wisdom

To that end, Lamaze promotes the Six Healthy Birth Practices (HBPs) in our birth education classes.  The HBPs are based on years of evidence based research in maternity care, and promote safe and healthy outcomes for mothers and babies.  These six core statements are the cornerstone of Lamaze birth classes.  Read more about them here, https://www.lamaze.org/HealthyBirthPractices.