What Is A Childbirth Educator?

A Childbirth Educator is someone who teaches about pregnancy and techniques in labor and childbirth. They will mentally prepare the 'to be' new mom and dad for labor, and what all those great breathing tricks can do to keep them busy while labor pains are pounding her body.

A Childbirth Educator instructs Lamaze classes. Lamaze is the most common childbirth preparation method. It teaches the new parents relaxation techniques, such as different breathing patterns, to relieve pain. This method conditions her to respond to labor contractions by relaxing her body. Exercise and massage are also taught to promote a calmer childbirth experience. The goal of Lamaze is to increase confidence in the woman's ability to give birth.

Lamaze originated in Russia and then became popular in France before it was introduced in the United States in the 1960s.

Lamaze courses don't advocate for or against the use of drugs and routine medical interventions during labor and delivery, but instead educate mothers about their options so they can make informed decisions when the time comes.

Lamaze is based on the Lamaze fundamental 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.