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 Ann-Marie Irons, DNP, MSN, BSN, PhD and Melissa DeFoor, MSN, BSN, PhD, who will be presenting "TINY CUBS: The Creation of a Unique Baby Shower for Perinatal Education."

1. How did you first become interested in the idea of a community baby shower as a means to improving perinatal outcomes? 

This project was created by faculty from the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions at the University of North Alabama. We had a vision to improve perinatal care across the community through a fun, baby shower-like event.

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

By attending our session, perinatal professionals will gain valuable insights into effectively planning, organizing, and executing free community baby showers. This will enable them to create engaging educational events where birth workers and nursing students collaborate to enhance perinatal care within the community, fostering improved knowledge, awareness, and support for expectant parents.

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

The most pressing challenge for individuals growing their families in 2023 encompasses both enhancing access to perinatal care and addressing persistent health disparities. These families are navigating a complex landscape marked by disparities in healthcare access, socioeconomic factors, and cultural considerations, all of which require comprehensive strategies to ensure equitable, high-quality care and support throughout the perinatal journey.

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

Dr. Melissa DeFoor has been a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator and labor and delivery nurse for over ten years. Dr. DeFoor’s goal has been to continually promote healthy birth practices. Lamaze offers an invaluable resource that provides members with networking opportunities, updates on evidence-based approaches to healthy childbirth, and an opportunity to gain a global perspective on diverse birthing practices to promote optimal maternal and infant well-being.

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

Lamaze’s blog and several TikTok influencers.

Come hear Drs. Iron and DeFoor share some great ideas and concepts for reaching at risk families through creative education at the Virtual Education Symposium by registering now. Look for more interviews in the coming weeks.

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