In a post earlier this week, I shared some tips on how to move your classes into virtual mode, which means running live classes in real time, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that we are all dealing with.  Today on Connecting the Dots, Jill Swanson, Lamaze International Home Office, shares the plentiful resources that are available for families and educators online from Lamaze International.  Not everyone is able to do virtual classes and will still need to provide resources to expectant families.  Other educators need supplemental material to created a "blended" learning environment.  Either way, Lamaze International has you covered with a plethora of resources to use. - Sharon Muza, Connecting the Dots Community Manager.

Blended Learning with Online Lamaze Classes

Combine your personal instruction with online learning. Parents gain an understanding of the Six Healthy Birth Practices, comfort measures, breastfeeding, and other Essential Content on their own time, and then come together in a virtual classroom to expand on the topics and practice! Participate in our Presenting Partner program and earn 20% of sales from referrals (see below for more details).

How can I use this?

This “flipped classroom” iteration can be combined with a video conferencing solution if your classes are fully virtual for the time being. Have participants complete lessons outside of “class time” and expand on the learning when you meet online. Lamaze has mapped the topics covered in our three most popular online courses onto the Essential Content to show you what is covered in the classes. (See the content map below for more details).

Giving Birth with Confidence Blog

Make sure you and your learners stay up to date on our Giving Birth with Confidence blog for parents. The blog covers everything from nutrition to baby-friendly date ideas, there’s no shortage of content for parents and LCCEs to read about! **Check out the last two blogs on What to Know About COVID-19, Pregnancy, Birth, and Breastfeeding and How the Coronavirus Can Affect Having a Doula During Birth**

How can I use this?

Share with your class! Look through the blog posts to find topics that you normally cover in class. “Assign” these readings to parents as part of the “flipped classroom” and expand on the topics when you virtually meet with one another.

Handouts

Lamaze has beautifully designed handouts and infographics that can serve as a visual aid to some of our core beliefs. Topics include epidurals, labor positions, VBAC, choosing a pregnancy care provider and much more.

How can I use this?

Share with parents and use as a visual aid while you cover the content.

Video Library

The Lamaze video library contains information the Six Healthy Birth Practices and other core messages. Explore historical Lamaze content, including Getting the Most Out of Your Hospital Tour and Cesarean Awareness.

How can I use this?

Share the videos with your learners to watch independently or with your classes.

Connecting the Dots blog for Childbirth Educators

Stay up to date on research reviews, advocacy updates, resources for families, Brilliant Activities for Birth Educators (BABE activities), and other trending topics in childbirth education.

How can I use this?

Expand your list of resources for families, stay up to date with current topics, and adapt BABE activities to a virtual setting.

Digital Resources for Childbirth Educators

*Lamaze does not endorse any of the following products; this list is to be used as a reference tool for childbirth educators*

• Zoom

Zoom is a video-conferencing and webinar service that allows you to share your screen with learners, video chat with a group, engage learners in polls and discussion questions, and more. Not tech savvy? They have lots of video tutorials to teach you how to use the platform. They offer a free basic plan and Pro plans starting at $15 a month (beware that their free plan comes with a 40 minute time limit for video conferences!).  Check out information on their plans and services here.

• GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting is another web-conferencing services that allows for screen-sharing and virtual interaction. Plans start around $14 a month. Check out their plans and FAQs.

• Google Hangouts Meet

Part of Google’s “G Suite” this integrates into your existing Google account without and installation required. Find more information here.

• Skype

Skype has plans to accommodate video conference calls, document sharing, SMS texting, and other integrations. Plans start around $5 a month.'

• WebEx

WebEx offers solutions for video conferencing, online meetings, screen share, and webinars.  More info here.  Many hospitals already use this corporate solution for their systems.

Lamaze Online Parent Classes

Lamaze International offers more than a dozen affordable online self-paced classes for families to utilize.  There are classes covering many topics including pregnancy, labor and birth, postpartum, lactation and earl parenting.  The classes include videos, quizzes, images, hotspot learning, and more to make activities fun and engaging. 

Lamaze Online Parent Classes

Bundled course packages are available for consumers who want to cover a lot of ground and save money.  Educators can share info on the bundles and let consumers choose which package works best for their needs.  Families can choose from the Bestsellers Bundle and the Bringing Home Baby Bundle.

Conclusion

Lamaze International recognizes that when face to face or virtual classes are not possible, families (and educators) can benefit from the many resources that Lamaze International already has in place to help families feel prepared and confident.  We invite you to check out these resources and share the ones that work best for the families you serve.

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