Lamaze ® International is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote normal, natural, healthy and fullfilling childbearing experiences through education, advocacy and reform. Lamaze ® prepared childbirth classes provide women with the knowledge, skills and support they need to give birth with confidence and joy, as women have done for centuries.

The Washington D.C. area chapter of Lamaze ® International offers a variety of classes for pregnant couples--prepared childbirth, infant care, breastfeeding, parenting and cesarean and VBAC classes--in convenient locations throughout the Washington metropolitan area.

Our prepared childbirth classes include: breathing, relaxation and massage techniques, which help shorten labor, reduce pain and decrease complications; body toning exercises to facilitate labor and birth; and a detailed description of the stages of labor and what to expect physically and emotionally from each stage.

In addition, each instructor pays a great deal of attention to the partner to teach him/her how to give mom comfort and support, how to aid her in using the breathing and relaxation techniques and how to help her have the most positive experience possible. Unprepared women often express regret later in their lack of knowledge and their inabilities to cope with their labors.

Epidurals and other anesthetic techniques, medications, cesarean births and hospital procedures are also discussed. Parents-to-be learn when epidurals and medications are used, their methods of administration and the pros and cons. The whens, whys and hows of cesarean births are also covered, as are the variations of labor and delivery.

The baby's experiences during labor, birth and the first few days of life are explained in detail. Parents appreciate knowing what is normal for a newly delivered baby. Since babies don't come with directions, our infant care classes build confidence in caring for your newborn.

The early postpartum period is also explained. Participants learn what mom's physical, emotional and sexual adjustments are after the baby's birth. Infant feeding, choosing what's best for you and your baby, is also discussed.

Each instructor is certified by Lamaze ® International. Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators (LCCE’s) are degreed professionals who are registered nurses, physical therapists or professionals in health or education fields. They are required to complete a rigorous 12 month certification program that includes obstetrics, childbirth education, pain management techniques, instructional methods and group dynamics. Lamaze assures competence in current medical practice through a national examination and recertification every three years to maintain high professional standards. Only those who have passed these rigorous standards are entitled to use the respected “LCCE” designation.

If you want to take a prepared childbirth classes, you have your choice of 5-week classes, which meet for 2 ½ hours once a week, or weekend classes, which meet for 6 hours on a Saturday and Sunday or two consecutive Saturdays. Receive the complete education about childbirth you deserve as well as learning how to cope with labor. Dads become involved learning how to support the laboring mother. Mothers are more confident in approaching their labor after learning coping strategies. We prepare families for labor and the new experience of parenting.

The infant care and breastfeeding classes are a single 2 1/2-hour class, designed for mother and partner. Cesarean and parenting classes can be privately arranged, as can private prepared childbirth classes for parents who have special needs or for the mother on bedrest.

We also have experienced lactation consultants available to give you expert breastfeeding and breast pump advice. We want moms to be successful and confident in breastfeeding.

You can now register online or if you'd prefer via phone, by calling Sharon, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at (703) 598-5213.