Lamaze International is hosting an exciting learning event – The Virtual Education Symposium, on October 4, 2023. This event provides an opportunity to hear from experts in childbirth education on how you can enhance your childbirth education program activities to increase learner retention, improve perinatal outcomes and reduce inequities facing birthing people of the Global Majority. Over the next weeks leading up to the event, Connecting the Dots will present short interviews with the speakers, so that you can learn more about them, their upcoming presentation and some of their favorite resources.. Today, meet Jennifer Vanderlaan, PhD, MPH, CNM, who will be presenting "From Evidence to Practice: Opportunities for Childbirth Education."

1. When did you first get interested in exploring the new research on how childbirth education can be a strategy to achieve state and national health objectives and reduce inequities?

I was a childbirth educator before I was a researcher. My background in childbirth education helped me recognize that many of our population level objectives are addressed by comprehensive childbirth education courses. But when I looked at the literature on childbirth education, it seemed research was mostly about what happened during labor and delivery. I knew childbirth education was about more than preventing a cesarean birth, and I wanted childbirth educators to be able to tell the full story of what childbirth education can achieve. 

2. What problem will perinatal professionals attending your session better be able to solve after their time with you?

In my session, perinatal professionals will learn to think about the interconnectedness of the structure, function, and content of their childbirth education courses. Using the Structure - Process - Function framework allows perinatal professionals to think about the specific changes they can make to address specific needs. The framework also provides a foundation for small tests of change as part of a greater quality improvement initiative.

3. Based on your knowledge and experience, what do you believe is the biggest challenge facing people who are growing their families in 2023?

There have been many changes to the maternity care system during the COVID-19 Pandemic and in response to the nursing shortage. I think the result is a more complex system that families must navigate to get the high quality care they need and want. We’re still losing rural maternity services, which leaves many families with limited access to maternity care.

4. How did you first come to be associated with Lamaze International and what has kept you engaged with the organization?

I became associated with Lamaze after I was already working as a childbirth educator.  When I learned about the high quality of Lamaze training and resources, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I was certified as a Lamaze Educator and began volunteering and attending conferences. 

5. What is a resource (blog, website, book, podcast, influencer, etcetera) that you recently enjoyed learning from?

The Pew Research Center released its 2022 Parenting Survey Data in January. It was interesting to read the results to learn what parents are concerned about today. I’m happy to report that 64% of the parents surveyed think they are doing a good job. 

Come hear Dr. Vanderlaan share some insights on childbirth education at the Virtual Education Symposium by registering now. Look for more interviews in the coming weeks.

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