FAQ

Q. When should I register for a Lamaze class?

A. It is advised that you enroll in Lamaze classes 6 to 8 weeks before beginning your 7th month of pregnancy. Classes fill up quickly, so contact Heart and Hands Perinatal Services as soon as possible.

Q. When should I begin taking Lamaze classes?

A. It is recommended that you begin a class in your last trimester (the beginning of the 7th month) of pregnancy.

Q. How do I know which class to take?

A. To assist you in having a healthy and fulfilling childbirth experience, Lamaze International recommends that you look for these features when choosing your childbirth educator:

Certified by Lamaze International. Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators have met the Lamaze standards for knowledge and skills that help women give birth with confidence and joy! LCCE Educators believe wholeheartedly in the Lamaze Philosophy of Birth and guide women through the maze of modern obstetrics so that they are able to make truly informed decisions about their health care. The LCCE educator is a skilled teacher, a knowledgeable professional and a passionate advocate for expectant women and their families.

A curriculum that supports birth as normal, natural and healthy, and empowers expectant women to make informed decisions. Class content that includes normal labor, birth and early postpartum; positioning for labor and birth; relaxation and massage techniques to ease pain; labor support; communication skills; information about medical procedures; breastfeeding; and healthy lifestyles. At least 12 hours of instruction with emphasis on skills practice (especially positioning and relaxation), comfort measures and class discussion.

Q. What is covered in Heart and Hands Lamaze classes?

A. Topics included in Lamaze childbirth education classes are:

  • Normal labor, birth and early postpartum
  • Positioning to facilitate the normal progress of labor and birth
  • Massage techniques to ease the pain of labor and to enhance relaxation
  • Comfort measures, such as hydrotherapy, the use of heat, cold and pressure
  • Relaxation skills to use during labor and after pregnancy to relieve stress
  • Communication skills between the pregnant woman and her partner, and with members of the healthcare team
  • Problems that could occur during labor and birth
  • Guidance to assist the pregnant woman to make informed decisions about options regarding anesthesia and medical procedures
  • Breastfeeding and the early postpartum period
  • Healthy lifestyles for pregnancy and postpartum period

Q. What makes Heart and Hands Lamaze classes different from other prenatal childbirth classes?

A. Heart and Hands Lamaze classes are different from other childbirth education classes in that they offer the following:

  • Small, individualized classes of 3-5 couples, instead of a large group of 10-12.
  • At least 12 hours of instruction, including time to practice skills and comfort measures as well as time for class discussions.
  • Commitment to the Lamaze Philosophy of Birth.
  • Teachers who have the highest and most recognizable credential in childbirth education (LCCE).