The program is a self-study format which allows the candidate to fulfill all the requirements (except the Seminar) in her/his home community. The candidate receives an internationally developed Study Guide from Lamaze® International, which is available in two formats, online or a hard copy. The three-phase program is designed to be complete in 9-12 months. Our faculty is available to provide assistance and guidance throughout the educational process.

            Self Study Phase

            Seminar Phase

            Practicum Phase

            Certification

Self Study Phase

Candidates must complete the following requirements prior to the seminar:*

1. ✴  Independent study of seven competency goals outlined in the Study Guide
   

1. 1.Promotes the childbearing experience as a normal, natural, and healthy process which profoundly affects women and their families.
   

2. 2.Assists women and their families to discover and to use strategies to facilitate normal, natural, and healthy pregnancy, birth breastfeeding, and early parenting.
   

3. 3.Helps women and their families to understand how complications and interventions influence the normal course of pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and early postpartum.
   

4. 4.Provides information and support that encourages attachment between babies and their families.
   

5. 5.Assists women and their families to make informed decisions for childbearing.
   

6. 6.Acts as an advocate to promote normal, natural, healthy childbirth for women and their families.
   

7. 7.Designs, teaches, and evaluates a course in Lamaze preparation that increases a woman's confidence and ability to give birth.
   

8. ✴ Class observation
   

9. Observe 2 complete series of Lamaze classes taught by a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator.
   

1. ✴  Labor and birth observations
   

2. Observe a minimum of four labors and births and prepare written reports.
   

1. ✴  Curriculum Plan Outline
   

2. Develop Topic Outline of a curriculum plan for a complete series of Lamaze classes.
   

Individualized Plan available upon eligibility and approval.

Seminar Phase

Three Day Seminar

Attend a seminar present by Lamaze International Faculty Members which focuses on teaching strategies, incorporating the Lamaze International Philosophy of Birth and Care Practices. This is an opportunity to integrate academic and practical experiences in a group setting.

During the seminar phase candidates learn and apply:

1. ✴Teaching strategies incorporating he Lamaze International Philosophy of Birth and Parenting, and Care Practices that promote normal birth.
   

2. ✴Knowledge of obstetrics.
   

3. ✴Teaching adult learning theories and models.
   

4. ✴Curriculum design and instructional strategies appropriate to content.
   

5. ✴Principles of consumer advocacy related to assisting clients to make informed choices regarding health care.
   

6. ✴Opportunity to network with sponsoring Chapter Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators.
   

Practicum Phase

Upon completion of the self-study and seminar phases, candidates:

1. ✴Develop an individual teaching plan that reflects the Lamaze International Philosophy and Care Practices for a Lamaze Childbirth Prenatal Series.
   

2. ✴Teach a Lamaze Childbirth Prenatal Series under the supervision of a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator.
   

Certification

Upon successful completion of all program requirements candidates will be eligible to take the Lamaze International Certification Examination for Childbirth Educators. Candidates who pass the International Certification Exam are certified as Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators and then become eligible for membership as a fellow in the American College of Childbirth Educators. For information about fees and dates of the International Certification Examination, contact Lamaze International.