EMPOWERING, EVIDENCE-BASED LAMAZE CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION
Family Trees Birth Programs' Orlando Lamaze is an independent childbirth education program that recognizes pregnancy and birth as a transformative experience for families. We strive to provide students with dynamic classes that offer meaningful tools for a comfortable and healthy birth experience.
We are committed to providing evidence-based information, shared decision making, and informed consent. As an independent childbirth class, we are able to take a deeper dive into topics that are often omitted from hospital-based classes.
Choose from live, virtual classes, or in-person classes.
We are committed to providing evidence-based information, shared decision making, and informed consent. As an independent childbirth class, we are able to take a deeper dive into topics that are often omitted from hospital-based classes.
Choose from live, virtual classes, or in-person classes.
What is Lamaze?
Our Lamaze classes are the parent education branch of Family Trees Birth Programs, a Lamaze-accredited childbirth educator training program. Family Trees Birth Programs offers international training for maternal-child health care professionals, and Lancaster Lamaze for local childbirth classes for parents.
For more than 60 years, Lamaze has been the Gold Standard of childbirth education.
Lamaze International is a non-profit organization with a mission to advance safe and healthy pregnancy, birth and early parenting through evidence-based education and advocacy.
The Lamaze Vision is to be the trusted global leader in ensuring all parents make confident and informed decisions with the support and resources to have safe, healthy births.
Our goal is simple: We want all parents to feel confident, supported and powerful as they ask questions, make decisions, and navigate their path through pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
For more than 60 years, Lamaze has been the Gold Standard of childbirth education.
Lamaze International is a non-profit organization with a mission to advance safe and healthy pregnancy, birth and early parenting through evidence-based education and advocacy.
The Lamaze Vision is to be the trusted global leader in ensuring all parents make confident and informed decisions with the support and resources to have safe, healthy births.
Our goal is simple: We want all parents to feel confident, supported and powerful as they ask questions, make decisions, and navigate their path through pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
ORLANDO LAMAZE CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASSES
We offer several options including in-person, virtual, one-day intensive, or 4-week series,
Family Trees Lamaze Childbirth Classes take you from pregnancy to immediate postpartum. Each class focuses on coping techniques for labor and birth, shared decision making, and evidence-based practices.
Classes are interactive. Many personalized activities, keepsakes, and deeply meaningful experiences are included throughout our time together. One of the benefits of childbirth education is improved family engagement, and this class is a perfect example.
We are confident this class will be enlightening for you and your family.
Family Trees Lamaze Childbirth Classes take you from pregnancy to immediate postpartum. Each class focuses on coping techniques for labor and birth, shared decision making, and evidence-based practices.
Classes are interactive. Many personalized activities, keepsakes, and deeply meaningful experiences are included throughout our time together. One of the benefits of childbirth education is improved family engagement, and this class is a perfect example.
We are confident this class will be enlightening for you and your family.
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4-WEEK SERIES
2024 Dates: Date: Mondays, February 5 - 26, 2024 Time: 6 pm - 8 pm Eastern Time Date: Mondays, July 1 - 22, 2024 Time: 6 pm - 8 pm Eastern Time |
ONE-DAY INTENSIVE CLASS
2024 Dates: Date: Saturday, January 6, 2024 Time: 10 am - 4 pm Eastern Time Lunch break 12 pm - 1 pm |
ADD-ON CLASSES
Enhance your existing childbirth class or tailor to your learning needs with our add-on classes
COMFORT MEASURES FOR LABOR & BIRTH
This class incorporates a variety of comfort measures and various options for coping with labor and birth. We spend time learning the famous psychoprophylaxis of the original Lamaze relaxation techniques as well as some other tried and true comfort measures. You and your support team will be well equipped with an arsenal of options for comfort measures that work for you.
Choose Date:
Monday, January 8, 2024
Monday, March 4, 2024
Monday, August 12, 2024
Time: 6 PM Eastern Time
Location: Virtual
This class incorporates a variety of comfort measures and various options for coping with labor and birth. We spend time learning the famous psychoprophylaxis of the original Lamaze relaxation techniques as well as some other tried and true comfort measures. You and your support team will be well equipped with an arsenal of options for comfort measures that work for you.
Choose Date:
Monday, January 8, 2024
Monday, March 4, 2024
Monday, August 12, 2024
Time: 6 PM Eastern Time
Location: Virtual
POSTPARTUM PLANNING
Planning for the full year of postpartum challenges is vitally important to your childbirth preparation class.
The scientific name for the changes that occur in the mother's brain after giving birth is called matrescense. We cover not only these changes, but the physical recovery process and plan for support immediately following the birth of your baby.
Choose Date:
Monday, January 29, 2024
Monday, June 10, 2024
Monday, November 4, 2024
Time: 6 PM Eastern Time
Location: Virtual
Planning for the full year of postpartum challenges is vitally important to your childbirth preparation class.
The scientific name for the changes that occur in the mother's brain after giving birth is called matrescense. We cover not only these changes, but the physical recovery process and plan for support immediately following the birth of your baby.
Choose Date:
Monday, January 29, 2024
Monday, June 10, 2024
Monday, November 4, 2024
Time: 6 PM Eastern Time
Location: Virtual
BRINGING BABY HOME
Newborns undergo significant changes in the first hours, days, and weeks after birth. They also do not come with a set of instructions. Your friends and family are sure to offer tons of conflicting advice on how to care for your new little bundle.
We break it down into the most simple, need-to-know, up-to-date information on caring for and comforting newborns. We have a very holistic and gentle approach to early parenting so that you feel confident in following your own natural instincts.
Choose Date:
Monday, January 22, 2024
Monday May 6, 2024
Monday, October 7, 2024
Time: 6 PM Eastern Time
Location: Virtual
Newborns undergo significant changes in the first hours, days, and weeks after birth. They also do not come with a set of instructions. Your friends and family are sure to offer tons of conflicting advice on how to care for your new little bundle.
We break it down into the most simple, need-to-know, up-to-date information on caring for and comforting newborns. We have a very holistic and gentle approach to early parenting so that you feel confident in following your own natural instincts.
Choose Date:
Monday, January 22, 2024
Monday May 6, 2024
Monday, October 7, 2024
Time: 6 PM Eastern Time
Location: Virtual
BREASTFEEDING EDUCATION
Breastfeeding is that natural continuation of pregnancy. It is what your body and your baby are preparing to do, regardless of what decisions you have made about feeding your newborn.
Additionally, the benefits of breastfeeding are so significant (as well as unknown to many new parents) that including the topic in our classes is crucial.
Much like childbirth education, breastfeeding is not something learned in a formal educational system and therefore, often misunderstood. We work to break those myths and empower breastfeeding families.
Grandparents are welcome (and encouraged!) to attend with you and your partner. The more support you have, the more likely you are to have a successful breastfeeding journey.
Choose Date:
Monday, January 15, 2024
Monday, April 1, 2024
Monday, September 9, 2024
Time: 6 PM Eastern Time
Location: Virtual
Breastfeeding is that natural continuation of pregnancy. It is what your body and your baby are preparing to do, regardless of what decisions you have made about feeding your newborn.
Additionally, the benefits of breastfeeding are so significant (as well as unknown to many new parents) that including the topic in our classes is crucial.
Much like childbirth education, breastfeeding is not something learned in a formal educational system and therefore, often misunderstood. We work to break those myths and empower breastfeeding families.
Grandparents are welcome (and encouraged!) to attend with you and your partner. The more support you have, the more likely you are to have a successful breastfeeding journey.
Choose Date:
Monday, January 15, 2024
Monday, April 1, 2024
Monday, September 9, 2024
Time: 6 PM Eastern Time
Location: Virtual
Why do I need a childbirth class?
The United States maternity care system is one of the worst in the developed countries, ranking nearly last for maternal mortality and morbitiy. That's inexcuseable. It is imperative to your health and your baby's health, that you take a childbirth education class to assume your partnership in your health care.
When (and how) did you learn how to have a baby? We have spent years in the public school system learning all of the ways how to NOT have a baby. We never learn HOW to have a baby. Or how to feed a baby. Or how to take care of a baby. We learn early on that babies are a trouble to be avoided (remember those Baby Think It Over dolls?).
Research shows that parents who take a Lamaze Childbirth Education class have significanly improved health outcomes for themselves and their babies. Evidence-based childbirth education classes are one of the most under-utlized tools in the maternity care system.
The United States maternity care system is one of the worst in the developed countries, ranking nearly last for maternal mortality and morbitiy. That's inexcuseable. It is imperative to your health and your baby's health, that you take a childbirth education class to assume your partnership in your health care.
When (and how) did you learn how to have a baby? We have spent years in the public school system learning all of the ways how to NOT have a baby. We never learn HOW to have a baby. Or how to feed a baby. Or how to take care of a baby. We learn early on that babies are a trouble to be avoided (remember those Baby Think It Over dolls?).
Research shows that parents who take a Lamaze Childbirth Education class have significanly improved health outcomes for themselves and their babies. Evidence-based childbirth education classes are one of the most under-utlized tools in the maternity care system.
What should I bring to childbirth class?
All of the items listed above are needed for this class as well as for your labor & birth. Having your own, properly sized birth ball, your own rebozo, and a copy of your own book will provide you with important and valuable tools that you can begin using right now.
- A pillow or two
- An exercise/birth ball
- For proper sizing, visit Premier Birth Tools
- Authentic Rebozo
- Book: The Birth Partner 5th edition by Penny Simkin
- Optional, but highly recommended: Giving Birth With Confidence (2017)
- Support person if available
- Wear comfortable clothing - we will be on the floor and moving around
All of the items listed above are needed for this class as well as for your labor & birth. Having your own, properly sized birth ball, your own rebozo, and a copy of your own book will provide you with important and valuable tools that you can begin using right now.
When is the best time to take a Lamaze Childbirth Class?
Right now.
It is never too soon, or too late to take a Lamaze Childbirth Class.
The earlier you take a class, the earlier you learn valuable information - information that could change the trajectory of your care and experience. What happens in your birth will affect you for the rest of your life, physically and emotionally. You will have more time to plan your pregnancy care, birth care, and plan for your postpartum period. You can line up appropriate support and align with the right care providers,
Childbirth education is such a valuable tool that even if you are at the very end of pregnancy, you will still benefit from taking an evidence-based Lamaze class. Much like taking an early class, taking a later class could change the trajectory of your health care.
Right now.
It is never too soon, or too late to take a Lamaze Childbirth Class.
The earlier you take a class, the earlier you learn valuable information - information that could change the trajectory of your care and experience. What happens in your birth will affect you for the rest of your life, physically and emotionally. You will have more time to plan your pregnancy care, birth care, and plan for your postpartum period. You can line up appropriate support and align with the right care providers,
Childbirth education is such a valuable tool that even if you are at the very end of pregnancy, you will still benefit from taking an evidence-based Lamaze class. Much like taking an early class, taking a later class could change the trajectory of your health care.
I'm planning to use pain medication. Do I really need to take a class?
Yes! Your plan for pain management does not change your need for childbirth education. While Lamaze provides lots of natural comfort measures (which you WILL need to manage early labor before the epidural or other pain medication is available), we cover ALL OPTIONS for pain management. Comfort measures are LIFE SKILLS. What you learn here, you will use throughout your lifetime.
Yes! Your plan for pain management does not change your need for childbirth education. While Lamaze provides lots of natural comfort measures (which you WILL need to manage early labor before the epidural or other pain medication is available), we cover ALL OPTIONS for pain management. Comfort measures are LIFE SKILLS. What you learn here, you will use throughout your lifetime.
I'm signed up for a childbirth class at my hospital. Why do I need this class?
Research shows that hospital based childbirth classes do not provide accurate information regarding informed choice and shared decision making. While the best intentions are there, "the reality is that choice in a hospital based class is an illusion" (Lothian, 2017). Hospital based classes are designed to help you become a more compliant patient rather than an informed consumer. Hospital culture is a heirarchy of power where decisions regarding your care are created by hospital attorneys and administrators rather than your care provider.
Independent childbirth classes such as Lancaster Lamaze, focus on YOU, the individual. In addition to stages of labor and comfort measures, you'll also learn advocacy skills and your human rights during childbirth. We focus on research based information regarding common hospital procedures and practice shared-decision making scenarios to improve communication with your health care provider.
Research shows that hospital based childbirth classes do not provide accurate information regarding informed choice and shared decision making. While the best intentions are there, "the reality is that choice in a hospital based class is an illusion" (Lothian, 2017). Hospital based classes are designed to help you become a more compliant patient rather than an informed consumer. Hospital culture is a heirarchy of power where decisions regarding your care are created by hospital attorneys and administrators rather than your care provider.
Independent childbirth classes such as Lancaster Lamaze, focus on YOU, the individual. In addition to stages of labor and comfort measures, you'll also learn advocacy skills and your human rights during childbirth. We focus on research based information regarding common hospital procedures and practice shared-decision making scenarios to improve communication with your health care provider.
I have a doula. Can she attend with us? Do I really need a childbirth class with a doula?
YES! Please bring your non-pregnant support team. You deserve to experience the group dynamics a childbirth class offers and your doula would support you having the benefits of a childbirth class from a professional childbirth educator. People often meet lifelong friends at their childbirth classes. You deserve that opportunity, too.
A doula and a childbirth educator are two important, but different members of your birth team. Having both empowers you to have the best birth experience.
While many doulas also offer childbirth education as part of their package, unless they are a certified childbirth educator, they have not had training or earned certification as a childbirth educator. Much like a childbirth educator who has not had doula training could probably support someone in labor, they would lack the specific skill set needed to be the most effective labor support person. The two roles may have a common goal, but they are separate roles.
Your doula benefits from YOU having a formal childbirth education class. The better you are prepared for birth, the easier your doula's job is (as well as your job too!).
YES! Please bring your non-pregnant support team. You deserve to experience the group dynamics a childbirth class offers and your doula would support you having the benefits of a childbirth class from a professional childbirth educator. People often meet lifelong friends at their childbirth classes. You deserve that opportunity, too.
A doula and a childbirth educator are two important, but different members of your birth team. Having both empowers you to have the best birth experience.
While many doulas also offer childbirth education as part of their package, unless they are a certified childbirth educator, they have not had training or earned certification as a childbirth educator. Much like a childbirth educator who has not had doula training could probably support someone in labor, they would lack the specific skill set needed to be the most effective labor support person. The two roles may have a common goal, but they are separate roles.
Your doula benefits from YOU having a formal childbirth education class. The better you are prepared for birth, the easier your doula's job is (as well as your job too!).
I do not have a partner to attend class with me. Will I still benefit from this class?
YES! This class is designed for EVERYONE regardless if you have a support person or not. Support people are essential in labor, but if you do not have one, we will assist you during class.
It is not unusal for pregnant people to attend class without a partner. You will need support during labor, but that should not stop you from taking a class. You are not alone. We will support you during class and assist you in finding support during birth if you choose.
YES! This class is designed for EVERYONE regardless if you have a support person or not. Support people are essential in labor, but if you do not have one, we will assist you during class.
It is not unusal for pregnant people to attend class without a partner. You will need support during labor, but that should not stop you from taking a class. You are not alone. We will support you during class and assist you in finding support during birth if you choose.
Will my insurance cover my class?
Please check with your health insurance. Many companies will reimburse you for your childbirth class. We will provide you with a receipt and certificate of completion to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Additionally, Health Savings Accounts often cover CBE classes.
Please check with your health insurance. Many companies will reimburse you for your childbirth class. We will provide you with a receipt and certificate of completion to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Additionally, Health Savings Accounts often cover CBE classes.
I'm giving birth outside of the hospital (OOH) with a supportive midwife. Why do I need a childbirth class?
We love OOH birth. But you still need a childbirth class.
Giving birth outside of the hospital is a safe option for low risk people and eliminates many of the hurdles of common hospital interventions that can make labor & birth more difficult. However, giving birth unmedicated requires preparation in comfort measures and labor management. Your support team should learn to recognize self coping techniques, when to step in, and how to provide appropriate comfort measures.
Childbirth education is the first step in breaking the fear-tension-pain cycle, making labor more manageable. You and your support team will be better prepared for an OOH birth experience.
Your midwife also benefits from you taking a childbirth class. You are an equal partner in your own health care. Your participation in your health care is essential. When you are better prepared, your midwife is better prepared. A supportive provider (doctor, midwife, doula, etc) will support your decision to take a childbirth class.
We love OOH birth. But you still need a childbirth class.
Giving birth outside of the hospital is a safe option for low risk people and eliminates many of the hurdles of common hospital interventions that can make labor & birth more difficult. However, giving birth unmedicated requires preparation in comfort measures and labor management. Your support team should learn to recognize self coping techniques, when to step in, and how to provide appropriate comfort measures.
Childbirth education is the first step in breaking the fear-tension-pain cycle, making labor more manageable. You and your support team will be better prepared for an OOH birth experience.
Your midwife also benefits from you taking a childbirth class. You are an equal partner in your own health care. Your participation in your health care is essential. When you are better prepared, your midwife is better prepared. A supportive provider (doctor, midwife, doula, etc) will support your decision to take a childbirth class.
