Lamaze believes that

• We have an innate ability to give birth

• Birth is deeply transformative

• We have the right to respectful and continuous support

• We have the right to give birth free of interventions

• Birth can be safe at home, birth center, or hospital

• Evidence-based care helps improve outcomes

• Lamaze childbirth classes and Lamaze childbirth educators empower parents to make informed decisions

The primary goals of this course are your confidence in your innate ability to give birth and be a parent, in asking questions and making informed decisions, and in comfortably taking control of your personal journey. Lamaze childbirth classes, with the Lamaze Six Healthy Birth Practices as the science-backed foundation, cover the safest and healthiest options for making informed decisions for your unique family, no matter where you plan to give birth.

Lamaze International offers a form to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement for your childbirth and lactation education classes. Many insurance companies provide partial, if not complete, coverage for childbirth classes. If your insurance company does not, we suggest you write a letter detailing your classes' importance to your birth experience. You may even request that your care provider write a brief note on the significance of meaningful childbirth or lactation education – a “prescription” of sorts.

Lamaze childbirth education classes are also an acceptable healthcare expense covered by flexible spending accounts benefits, offering you pre-tax savings on the cost of classes.

The course consists of four 2 1/2-hour private classes held in the comfort and intimacy of your home. Classes are scheduled at your convenience. Dress comfortably and be prepared to be engaged. This is not a lecture series. Some things are best learned by doing and practicing, seeing and hearing, discussing and exploring together.

Lamaze classes aim to help you discover and increase your confidence in your innate ability to give birth. Breathing is an integral part of any childbirth class, but breathing is just one of the many skills you will learn to help you in labor. Some other skills are movement and positioning, using the gate control theory of pain, massage, relaxation, warm baths/showers, and the use of heat and cold.

Lamaze classes provide information about natural pain relief options and the epidural so that someone can make informed decisions that are right for them.

For example, it is important to know that epidurals may not work well or have unforeseen side effects. Learning coping skills can still be very helpful in those situations.

Sometimes people are unaware that someone with an epidural will require IV fluids, a catheter, a blood pressure cuff, a pulse monitor, and continuous Electronic Fetal Monitoring. This is a lot of things attached to you when someone is trying to move and promote the rotation and descent of their baby!

People with an epidural may also need Pitocin to increase the strength of contractions. Using other coping techniques and delaying the epidural can help reduce the need for Pitocin and other interventions.