Lamaze International has been around for 56 years. Over those 56 years, the words "Lamaze classes" have earned a special distinction synonymous with high-quality evidenced based childbirth education, and as LCCE educators there is value in claiming a connection to the Lamaze brand making it stronger when used frequently by those who have earned the LCCE credential. Marketing your classes as Lamaze childbirth classes can benefit you and your students and increase your market share and student enrollment in your community. This post is the most recent in the series: Building Your Birth Business, and you can find the entire series here.

If you are a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator and have earned the right to use the LCCE credentials after your name, and you offer classes that meet the Lamaze guidelines, you have the right to use the Lamaze name and seal on your website and in your class marketing. Here are the full guidelines and policies on the use of the "Lamaze" term. In order for your class to be called a Lamaze class, it must meet the following education guidelines:

• it is presented by a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator,
• it is consistent with the mission, vision, and fundamentals of Lamaze International,
• it promotes the Six Healthy Birth Practices identified by Lamaze International,
• it includes interaction between students and the educator,
• it promotes shared decision-making,
• it incorporates evidence-based information,
• it utilizes strategies to incorporate the cultural values and beliefs of the participants,
• the educator facilitates groups of no more than 12 pregnant women and their support teams. Four to eight pregnant women with their support teams is considered an ideal class size.

Lamaze International recommends that first-time parents receive a minimum of 12 hours of instruction in order to adequately address the topics included above.

Here are five reasons why you should consider using the "Lamaze" term in your marketing and online presence efforts if you are qualified to do so:

1. Lamaze is a well recognized and well respected organization with a long history of preparing families for pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Lamaze International is here for the long haul and has decades of proven quality childbirth educator training programs that have trained thousands of educators. A great foundation for any new parent to explore receiving information and classes from.

2. Lamaze is evidence based. Practice standards change and Lamaze International follows these changes over time. As new research and best practice recommendations evolve, Lamaze updates their consumer and professional materials so families are assured of receiving current evidence based information that supports safe and healthy births from their LCCEs.

3. Lamaze offers families a plethora of support materials on their consumer website and social media channels for parents and additional support for LCCEs on their professional site. New infographics, online classes, videos and more are released and old ones are updated to reflect current practice. Families will find a gold mine of information to support what they are learning in class and educators can use this material to enrich their class curriculum.

4. Lamaze certified childbirth educators have passed the gold standard of childbirth certification exams. The Lamaze International childbirth educator certification exam is the only examination for childbirth educators that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Achieving and maintaining this accreditation is a rigorous and ongoing process. If a childbirth educator holds the LCCE credentials, families can be assured of the educator's proven competency in evidence based childbirth education practices and current maternal infant health standards.

5. Lamaze standards ensure that class sizes are not overcrowded (no more than 12 families) and of adequate length for first time parents (minimum of 12 hours). Lamaze International and their educators recognize the importance of a childbirth education class that allows interactions and positive group dynamics offered in a manageable class format. With restrictions on class size, families are assured adequate opportunity to connect with the other families as well as the instructor. A minimum of 12 hours of class time provides an opportunity for material to be thoroughly covered and discussed. Families leave prepared, connected and confident.

Conclusion

When you are marketing your childbirth education business in your community, you want to demonstrate that you offer a quality product that families can rely on. Using the "Lamaze" name can help assure potential students of your credentials, qualifications and the top-notch product that you offer during your childbirth classes. Considering connecting with the Lamaze office to receive permission to use the Lamaze seals and include the term "Lamaze" in your professional marketing materials.

Are you already using the "Lamaze" name to your advantage? If so, please share how you feel it benefits you in your community by commenting on this post.

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