Research and resources for perinatal professionals.
August 23, 2021 | by: Brenda Kirkpatrick, AIMI, CD(DONA), LCCE, FACCE
"I teach both in a hospital environment and directly to parents who are planning on giving birth in a variety of settings. In either case, I always ask, “What is your fantasy birth?” In other words, if you knew that no matter what you and your baby would both be safe, what kind of birth story would you like to tell? It should be shocking to realize how low of a bar most people have set for their expectations." - Brenda Kirkpatrick
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May 18, 2021 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, CD/BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE
Many important perinatal topics are recognized during the month of May. It is a busy month in that regard as some topics have a day designated for them, others take place over a week and still others continue for the entire month. We cover many of these recognition periods here on the blog, In regards to birth and postpartum doulas, the period of time that doulas are “recognized” can be a bit confusing. In fact, some individuals and organizations recognize and honor doulas on March 22. Alternately, a full week beginning March 22 is celebrated. The entire month of May has often been called “International Doula Month” and now, I have just become aware that in the United States, the Senate just passed a resolution recognizing the Week of May 9th as “National Doula Week.”
May 13, 2021 | by: Molly Giammarco, MPP
Lamaze is excited to host a three-day virtual event focused on international, federal, and state advocacy September 27-29, 2021. Through educational content-offerings and meetings with Congressional representatives, Summit attendees will have opportunities to earn CEUs and advocate for federal maternal health bills in U.S. Congress.
March 09, 2020 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, CD/BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE
The Lamaze International 2020 Childbirth Education Advocacy Summit, in Washington, DC, is happening mid-May, just a couple of months away. Plans are being finalized to offer an amazing array of Pre-Summit Workshops and Conference Keynote speakers along with an important day on the Hill meeting with government representatives. Early bird pricing is accessible through today, March 9, 2020 for the May 18-19 Summit. I spoke to Jennifer VanderLaan, PhD, MPH, CNM, the a Keynote speaker at the Childbirth Education Advocacy Summit. Dr. VanderLaan’s session is titled "60 Years of Lamaze: How the Impact of the Past Coupled with Current Research Informs the Future." Lamaze International is turning 60 this year, and Dr. VanderLaan's look back combined with impactful plans for the future will be amazing. Dr. VanderLaan’s bio and contact information can be found at the end of her informative interview. - Sharon Muza, Connecting the Dots Community Manager
March 05, 2020 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
The Lamaze International 2020 Childbirth Education Advocacy Summit, in Washington, DC, is happening mid-May, just a couple of months away. Plans are being finalized to offer an amazing array of Pre-Summit Workshops and Conference Keynote speakers along with an important day on the Hill meeting with government representatives. Early bird pricing is accessible through March 9, 2020 for the May 18-19 Summit. I reached out to the amazing Jennie Joseph, LM, CPM, one of the Summit's three Keynote speakers. Jennie’s exciting session is titled "Collective Impact of Childbirth Education." In today's interview, we hear from Jennie on the role of childbirth education in today's maternal-infant health landscape. Jennie Joseph’s bio and contact information can be found at the end of her insightful interview. - Sharon Muza, Connecting the Dots Community Manager
March 03, 2020 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
The Lamaze International 2020 Childbirth Education Advocacy Summit, in Washington, DC, is approximately ten weeks away! Plans are being finalized to offer an amazing array of Pre-Summit Workshops and Keynote speakers. Early bird pricing is accessible through March 9, 2020 for the May 18-19 Summit. I took a moment to check in with Debra Bingham, DrPH, RN, FAAN, one of the Summit's three Keynote speakers. Dr. Bingham's exciting session is titled "Advocacy in Action: Lamaze Education as Part of High Value Maternity Care." In today's interview, we learn Dr. Bingham's thoughts on the role of childbirth education in today's maternal-infant health landscape. Dr. Bingham's bio and contact information can be found at the end of her insightful interview.
January 21, 2020 | by: Molly Giammarco, MPP
Evidence continues to show that comprehensive childbirth education reduces the need for birth interventions and increases the likelihood of a non-complicated vaginal birth. (Gluck, Pinchas‐Cohen, Hiaev, Rubinstein, Bar, & Kovo 2018) Although costs for both vaginal and cesarean deliveries both continue to increase, the difference between an uncomplicated vaginal birth ($4,314) and a cesarean birth ($5,161) is significant. Because beneficiaries feel the direct impact of out-of-pocket costs, the approximate $1,000 difference in these birth procedures (other health matters aside) may be an incentive to learn more about pre-birth measures that increase the likelihood of a vaginal birth. With this point alone, Lamaze advocacy continues to make the case to lawmakers and payers that childbirth education is a small price to pay for improved childbirth outcomes.
December 03, 2019 | by: Molly Giammarco
The Lamaze advocacy team continuously tracks bills relevant to maternal and childbirth health and would like to highlight a few that Lamaze currently supports. Those who attend the Lamaze Childbirth Advocacy Summit in May 2020 will receive more information on the bills relevant to Lamaze—and much will happen with new and existing bills between now and May. This is just a summary for some of the prominent bills currently tracking in the U.S. Congress. This is not a comprehensive list of bills relating to maternal and/or child health outcomes; Lamaze is tracking many bills that seek to improve maternal and childbirth outcomes. Stay tuned.
November 22, 2019 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
It is hard to believe that the end of the year is almost upon us, with December just a week away. For folks all around the world, this time of year is often full of festive occasions, travels and time with family and friends, good food and many traditions. Not many of us have our sights fully set on 2020 yet, but do make sure that you have Lamaze International’s Childbirth Education Advocacy Summit on your radar.
October 27, 2017 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
Lamaze 2017 Advocacy Summit was a great success with over 100 Lamaze members visiting their politicians on Capitol Hill to advocate for maternal-infant health and childbirth education.
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