Lamaze International

Lamaze International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing safe and healthy pregnancy, birth, and early parenting through evidence-based education and advocacy. Founded in 1960, Lamaze has evolved far beyond the breathing and relaxation techniques it is often associated with and now focuses on helping families understand their options and participate confidently in decisions about their care.

Lamaze offers online childbirth classes, educational articles, videos, decision guides, birth-planning tools, breastfeeding and chestfeeding education, and resources for finding Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators. Its educational approach is built around the Six Healthy Birth Practices, which translate research into practical guidance for labor and birth.

✨ Starlight Recommended

Lamaze International is included in the Starlight Resource Library as a trusted source of evidence-based pregnancy and childbirth education. I appreciate that modern Lamaze goes far beyond teaching breathing techniques and instead focuses on helping families understand how birth works, explore their options, ask questions, and participate actively in decisions about their care.

Lamaze can be especially useful for building a foundation of childbirth knowledge before diving deeper into individual topics or decisions.

This Resource May Be Helpful If...

You are preparing for pregnancy, labor, birth, breastfeeding, or the early postpartum period and want evidence-based information that helps you understand what to expect and what choices may be available to you.

Lamaze may be especially helpful if you want structured childbirth education, practical preparation for labor, information about common interventions, or tools to help you communicate your preferences and participate confidently in decisions with your healthcare team.

At a Glance

Resource: Lamaze International
Type: Pregnancy, childbirth & early-parenting education
Format: Articles, online classes, videos, decision guides, birth-planning tools, books & in-person classes through certified educators
Topics: Pregnancy, labor, comfort measures, medical interventions, informed decision-making, breastfeeding/chestfeeding, postpartum, newborn care & early parenting
Core framework: Lamaze Six Healthy Birth Practices
Classes: Online self-paced education and classes taught by Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators
Cost: Many educational resources are free; classes, books and some additional resources are paid.
Accessibility: Online worldwide; local classes vary by location
Website: Lamaze International

From the Village

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