Lamaze Classes

Click here for class schedules

Many people still think Lamaze classes are where you learn how to breathe -- hee, hee, hee, hooooo -- and if you have an epidural for pain relief, you've failed.

Would you be surprised to learn that breathing is just one of many techniques we teach for coping with labor?

It's true!  Lamaze is no longer just a "breathing method."  This is one of several myths about Lamaze still circulating out there. Lamaze is actually a philosophy in which pregnancy and birth are viewed as normal and healthy!!! 

In fact, the Lamaze motto states, "Lamaze International envisions a world of confident women choosing normal birth."

In Lamaze Childbirth Education classes, you'll learn much more than just breathing.  Some of the topics covered include:

• maintaining a healthy pregnancy

• anatomy & physiology of pregnancy

• stages of labor & birth

• common birth interventions and their risks & benefits

• decision-making tools & skills for birth (and parenting!)

• infant feeding methods

• basic baby care

• plus, an entire "tool bag" of labor coping techniques

These are the basics; however, each class series is tailored to the families attending and their particular needs. 

Our goal is not only to give you the skills you need to meet the challenges of labor and birth, but also to give you resources for getting the information you need to make the decisions that are best for you and your baby – during pregnancy and birth and as you continue your journey into parenthood.

We will accomplish these goals through interactive classes which will include some lecture time interspersed with videos, Q&A sessions, small group activities, labor skill practice stations, and a variety of other activities. This is not one of those classes where you will fall asleep – well at least not until we start the relaxation exercises!

So, if you're confident and ready to choose normal birth, then click here for schedules, registration, and contact information!

You can get more information about your pregnancy and birth by visiting the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth at www.normalbirth.lamaze.org.

Lamaze Philosophy of Birth

• Birth is normal, natural and healthy.
• The experience of birth profoundly affects 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 homes, birth centers and hospitals.
• Childbirth education empowers women to make informed choices in health care, to assume responsibility for their health and to trust their inner wisdom.
  

Lamaze® International