What is Lamaze?


​When you hear "Lamaze" the first thing that might come to mind is the image of a person in labor using their patterned breathing. 

​hee-hee-hee-heeeeeee  hee-hee-hee-heeee  hee-hee-hee-heee
In the early days of Lamaze (nearly 60 years ago), Lamaze was a "method" of childbirth education that conditioned people to use relaxation and breathing techniques to manage uterine contractions during labor.  This is known as psychoprophylaxis.  In 1951, french obstetrician Dr. Ferdinand Lamaze saw this technique used successfully in Russia and he brought it back to France where he began teaching his patients.  One of his patients, American, Marjorie Karmel had such a wonderful birth experience that she wanted to share this "method".  She wrote a book called "Thank you, Dr. Lamaze".  Marjorie later met Elizabeth Bing, and by 1960, Lamaze International was founded in the United States.  
Lamaze is no longer a "method" for birthing babies.  Although comfort and relaxation continue to be key in managing labor, how that comfort and relaxation occurs looks different for everyone.  Therefore,  breathing is just one of MANY comfort techniques taught in Lamaze.  Parents have the option of discovering what comfort technique works best for them.
​Today's Lamaze focuses on the Six Healthy Birth Practices.  These six evidence-based guidelines help parents become partners in their own prenatal and birth care.  Decisions made during birth can have a life-long impact and with a current cesarean rate three times higher than what the World Health Organization recommends, parents need to be informed decision makers about the care they receive.  Lamaze classes help parents become informed consumers of health care.


​Upcoming Classes in Lancaster, PA

Family Trees Lamaze classes are limited to six pregnant people and their support person.  Due to the popularity of this class, early registration is highly recommended.  If a class fills up, your name will be added to the waiting list.
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It is never too early or too late to take a Lamaze class.  Everyone is welcome at any stage of pregnancy.

One-day Lamaze Class
First Saturday of the Month
9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Cost: $195
Register here

4-week Lamaze series
Tuesdays
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost: $195
Register here

More Parenting Classes

Class Calendar

About the Instructor


Wendy is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, a Fellow of the Academy of Certified Childbirth Educators and is internationally known for her dynamic teaching style.  She holds a masters degree in health with a concentration in midwifery and women's healthcare.  She is pursing a doctorate in adult education and plans to complete certification as IBCLC in 2019.

​​As a doula and assistant midwife, Wendy has attended nearly 500 births. ​ Professionally, she speaks at major universities, hospitals, and at international conferences.  A published scholar, Wendy enjoys facilitating research projects.
Teaching thousands of parents independently and in major hospital systems in the US, Wendy is also a Program Director for Lamaze International where her Lamaze-accredited program trains aspiring childbirth educators.  To date she has trained nearly 150 educators from nine countries.

​Read more about Wendy here.

Hear From Our Students


"Very thankful for Wendy.  This was absolutely an amazing learning experience!" 

"The instructor was knowledgeable and well prepared. A+++++

"You are an angel, and an amazing teacher.  An inspiration to all of us."

"Wendy is a really beautiful and kind soul."

"Wendy was engaging, supportive, and encouraging"

"Wendy is an angel!  She's been amazing.  It has been a true blessing having her here"

"Wendy is an amazing instructor and person"

"Wendy is a wonderful educator.  She had very creative activities to help us learn the material." 

"Wendy was absolutely amazing!  So knowledgeable and kind"

"Excellent seminar taught by an excellent instructor." 

"Excellent, engaging and informative"

"Instructor was engaging and organized.  Allowed ample time for discussion.  She was open and honest.  The atmosphere was conducive to learning and sharing."

"Wendy was an excellent instructor - warm, knowledgeable, and creative!"

"I highly recommend Wendy as a Lamaze trainer"

"Wendy has a non-hurried, relaxed teaching style which puts all students at ease.  She shared a multitude of resources for instructors to share with their students."


"I really enjoyed this seminar.  The instructor kept us engaged and very interested." 

"Your interactive teaching methods are receiving kudos across the board on the surveys.  Raving reviews came from ....on how prepared they were for the process, the laboring and ultimately the OR. What you are teaching is working and the way you are teaching is getting our patients prepared for their big day. Thank you for all you do!"  - Program Manager – Women’s Community Education

"Wendy is an excellent instructor.  Very warm, engaging, creative.  I had a wonderful experience." 

"This class was both very informative and enjoyable!  Wendy is amazing and I feel totally confident and supported in the new relationship we have." 

"The content of this course was FANTASTIC!!!  Wendy was so professional, kind, informative, yet relatable.  I HIGHLY recommend this specific course to anyone interested in taking a Lamaze class"

"Great course.  Great instructor."  

"  Wendy is a fantastic instructor.  She makes me feel more confident." 

Survey Question:  "What did you enjoy most about this class?"

Answers from students:
  • ​"The instructor"
  •  "Knowledge of the instructor"
  • "Wendy was so energetic.  Kept me attentive"
  •  "Wendy is amazing!  She made us feel so comfortable!"
  • "The knowledge Wendy has"