How to Get Training to Teach Lamaze

You can train to teach Lamaze.

When you think of natural childbirth, you probably think of Lamaze. This method of childbirth, introduced in 1951 by Dr. Fernand Lamaze, incorporates breathing techniques, relaxation and the father's involvement to the childbirth process, using a specially trained nurse. No longer just about breathing, Lamaze teaches an entire philosophy of childbirth, which empowers the mother. In order to become a Lamaze childbirth educator, you must be certified through Lamaze International.

Instructions

If You Are New to Childbirth Education

1. Log in to Lamaze International's certification site (www.lamaze.org/GetCertified/tabid/134/Default.aspx). Select "Pathway 1." Lamaze International offers different ways to become certified in Lamaze depending on your childbirth experience. Pathway 1 is for people new to childbirth education.

2. Attend a Lamaze Childbirth Educator seminar. These seminars are offered in various cities throughout the United States.

3. Provide documentation that you attended and completed the seminar.

4. Enroll in the Lamaze Study Guide. This core curriculum will help you to prepare for the Lamaze certification exam. You will take this self-study course on line.

5. Provide documentation of your self-study form. You will get the necessary forms to submit at the Lamaze seminar.

6. Practice teaching Lamaze with a mentor/observer. You can achieve this during the seminar or another teaching setting.

7. Provide documentation of your practice teaching. This can also include a completion of a formal childbirth education course through Lamaze International, ICEA, Bradley, Birthing from Within, CAPPA, Birth Works or Childbirth International.

For Experienced Childbirth Educators

1. Log in to Lamaze International's certification site (www.lamaze.org/GetCertified/tabid/134/Default.aspx). Choose "Pathway 2." This is for people who are experienced childbirth educators.

2. Provide proof that you are a licensed health professional such as an RN, PT or MD. Holding a bachelor's degree or higher or having completed a formal course on teaching childbirth education are also acceptable for Pathway 2.

3. Show documentation that you have completed 25 contact hours of continuing education in the past three years in a program that promotes natural childbirth, or through Lamaze.

4. Provide documentation that you have 60 hours of childbirth education teaching experience in the past three years. This can include pregnancy, breastfeeding, birth, sibling and postpartum classes.

For Midwives

1. Log in to Lamaze International's certification site (www.lamaze.org/GetCertified/tabid/134/Default.aspx). Select "Pathway 3" if you are a midwife.

2. Take a special one-day seminar for midwives.

3. Provide documentation that you attended the seminar.

Tips & Warnings

• You must take the certification exam within three years of completing the seminar.

• It usually takes new educators in Pathway 1 about six to 12 months to prepare for the certification exam.

• If there are no seminars near you, if you are part of a group wishing to do this, you can request that Lamaze bring the seminar to a local hospital or school.

References

• Lamaze International: Get Certified--Pathways to Certification