December 04, 2023
Representing Diverse Perspectives in Childbirth Education
By: Tanya Cawthorne, LCCE, FACCE, Lamaze International Immediate Past-President | 0 Comments
As a trusted leader in childbirth education for over 60 years, Lamaze International is committed to advancing safe and healthy pregnancy, birth, and early parenting through evidence-based practice and advocacy. We provide childbirth educators with the highest quality resources and information about childbirth education to ensure all parents feel confident, supported, and empowered through their pregnancy journey.
Our goal is to continue to further our organization’s evolving strength and value in supporting childbirth educators. Reevaluating how we create, publish, and amplify Lamaze content, blogs, articles, research, and thought leadership means we are better positioned to elevate childbirth educators, demonstrate our commitment to maternal health equity among all birthing people, and continue to deliver professional education for birth workers.
As the new year approaches, we are implementing a series of exciting changes in how we deliver this information to you.
Connecting the Dots in 2024 and Beyond
For several years, Sharon Muza, BS, CD/BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE, led the charge for the Connecting the Dots blog. It serves as a valuable source of information for childbirth educators and directs members to products and programs that advance childbirth education and effectiveness. Sharon’s dedication, creativity, and unique perspectives have contributed significantly to the success of the blog, and Lamaze is grateful for the knowledge and expertise she has shared with our community.
In 2024, Connecting the Dots will continue to deliver information and tips for childbirth educators you’ve come to expect and will shift to leverage multiple contributors who will lend different voices and perspectives for perinatal professionals, including research findings, evidence-based practices, and insights on the issues that are top of mind to childbirth educators and pregnant people. As a member-based organization, this shift presents an increased opportunity to highlight the diverse expertise and insights of Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators (LCCE). In the coming months, Lamaze will issue a call for volunteer contributors. Be sure to visit the Connecting the Dots blog now as there is already a wealth of content for you to explore!
I want to thank Sharon for the high-quality work she has contributed to Connecting the Dots and her long-standing service and commitment to Lamaze.
Advance Your Practice with the Journal of Perinatal Education
Lamaze publishes the Journal of Perinatal Education (JPE), the premier scholarly journal dedicated to childbirth education. Through evidence-based, peer-reviewed articles, JPE advances the knowledge of aspiring and seasoned childbirth educators in any setting—independent or private practice, community, hospital, nursing, or midwifery school—and informs educators and other health care professionals on research that will improve their practice and their efforts to advance safe and healthy birth.
Lamaze LCCEs receive a subscription to JPE as part of their Lamaze member benefits—an individual subscription to JPE is valued at $350 alone! If you aren’t already accessing JPE articles, take advantage of this scholarly journal specifically for childbirth educators.
The Lamaze Podcast: bringing awareness and action to the childbirth educator community
In 2021, Lamaze launched The Lamaze Podcast to spotlight LCCE educators, parents, and industry experts from around the globe to talk about healthy birth practices, advocacy, labor and pregnancy tips and tricks, childbirth advice, and opportunities and challenges facing the childbirth educator community. We recently wrapped up season 3 and in three years we have steadily increased episode plays and listeners. You can listen to all seasons and episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Looking to the Future
Lamaze is excited about the future direction of our organization and how our evolving content strategy will continue to position Lamaze as a trusted leader of childbirth education for perinatal professionals and parents.
Ways you can contribute and submit articles to the Connecting the Dots blog will be shared in early 2024.
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