Meet Naima Beckles, MA, LCCE, CD. Naima is an educator, doula, and founder of For Your Birth. She has been in the childbirth education profession for 10 years, and she is currently serving as the secretary/treasurer on the Lamaze International Board of Directors. Here, Naima shares why she pursued the Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE) certification, including her best advice for future LCCEs.

Connect with Naima on LinkedIn, follow For Your Birth on Instagram, and discover more about how you can become LCCE certified here.

Lamaze: Why did you pursue an LCCE certification?

Naima Beckles, MA, LCCE, CD (NB): When I was exploring becoming a childbirth educator, a mentor told me that I should train and get certified with Lamaze. I trusted that advice without thinking twice and just did it.

Lamaze: In preparing for the exam, what practices did you find most useful?

NB: I remember reading everything in the study guide. I paced myself by organizing reading into small chunks.

Lamaze: Tell us a personal anecdote about the value of your certification. Any positive changes in your professional life since becoming certified? Any memorable moments with families or fellow members of the childbirth educator community?

NB: I was pleasantly surprised by how recognized and valued my LCCE was when I responded to job listings and started to network. Every place that I interviewed commented on my having a really great credential.

Lamaze: Why does certification matter for childbirth educators and perinatal professionals?

NB: Being certified by a reputable organization adds value and credibility to you and our profession.

Lamaze: What is one piece of advice you would share with a childbirth educator who is considering certification?

NB: Earning the LCCE is rigorous for a reason. This training sets you up to teach with confidence on your own and/or land a job teaching with an outside organization. If you want that kind of flexibility, then invest in the  LCCE.

Ready for a new opportunity in your career? Apply by April 17 to test during the Spring LCCE Exam window. Access application information and learn how to prepare here.

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