Lamaze International is thankful for the global community of childbirth educators whose expertise leads to safe, healthy births. On this #GivingTuesday, we ask you to make a contribution to help Lamaze continue its mission of offering education, scholarships, programs, and resources for Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators and the families they serve.

Your contributions make an impact. Here, Lamaze International Executive Director Silvia Quevedo, CAE, shares how donations to Lamaze contribute to meaningful outcomes for evidence-based childbirth education and advocacy. Read more, and donate today.

How does donor support impact Lamaze International’s mission of promoting healthy pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting?

Silvia Quevedo, CAE (SQ): Donor support is so important for many organizations like Lamaze. It allows the organization to engage individuals in its mission as well as supporting expansion of programming and access.

Share some examples of how past donations have contributed to meaningful outcomes or programs within Lamaze. How will continued support help expand these initiatives?

SQ: Past donations provided scholarships for childbirth educators to attend continuing education events to stay up to date on childbirth education best practices.

Donations support training and mentoring for aspiring childbirth educators from underrepresented communities through the Expand Equity Scholarship Program.

Tell us more about the Expand Equity Scholarships, the travel scholarships for continuing education, and expanding access to become a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator in underserved communities. How do these initiatives support safe and healthy birth around the world?

SQ: The Lamaze Board of Directors recognizes the need to diversify its membership and expand access to evidence-based education and advocacy to communities that need it most: BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and rural communities. The Expand Equity Program is supported in part by generous donations and grant funding from the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation. To date, 10 individuals have completed the training and are serving their communities to ensure safe pregnancy, birth, and early parenting.

There are many organizations and causes to support, especially at this time of year. In your opinion, what is the most compelling reason to support the Lamaze mission this Giving Tuesday?

SQ: Lamaze International’s mission is to protect the future. Donations support the organization’s ability to expand maternal infant health and well-being through evidence-based childbirth education and advocacy. Advocating for the Lamaze Six Healthy Birth Practices ensures everyone has the best start in life.