FAQ PAGE

THINKING ABOUT BECOMING A CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR?

Let us answer your questions AND things you never thought to ask!

How much money can I make working as a childbirth educator?

Like anything in life, the amount of effort you put out is the amount of benefit you’ll get in return! But being a childbirth educator isn’t typically a full-time job.

What job opportunities are there after I complete my Lamaze certification?

This varies in each area, but there are generally three main ways to work as a childbirth educator:
1. Work on your own by running your own private classes
2. Work with a collective or agency who can help fill your classes
3. Teach for a hospital or clinic for an hourly rate.

How long is the Lamaze program?

The length of time it will take you to become a Lamaze Educator can range from a few months to a year or two, depending on how you decide to work through the program. There are a few things to consider such as your background knowledge and whether you are on the regular or alternative path to certification? Of course your own life situation and time commitments are the most likely factors affecting how long it will take you to complete all the steps!

How do I become a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator?

You need to satisfy the requirements based on your background knowledge and experience to be able to apply to write the Lamaze exam. Lamaze Certification is achieved by passing the Lamaze International Certification Exam, which is offered twice a year (April & October). Find more details on the Lamaze website.

What is the Lamaze Program required reading?

The Lamaze Learning Guide is the Core Curriculum used in the Lamaze Childbirth Educator Program. It must be purchased directly through the Lamaze International Website. Currently the Learning Guide is available as an online resource, however, once purchased it can be printed for personal use. Click here to purchase your Learning Guide

In addition to purchasing the Lamaze Learning Guide, we recommend reading the following books prior to attending the Lamaze Childbirth Educator Seminar:

The Official Lamaze Guide- Giving Birth with Confidence Lothian, Judith & DeVries, Charlotte (2010, second edition) New York, NY: Meadowbrook Press Pregnancy, Childbirth & the Newborn Simkin, Bolding, Keppler, Durham & Whalley (2010, fourth edition) New York ,NY: Meadowbrook Press
As well as a comprehensive, basic book on breastfeeding, some examples are listed below:

Gaskin, Ina May. (2009). Ina May’s guide to breastfeeding (279 pages). New York, NY: Bantam Books.
Huggins, Kathleen. (2010). The nursing mother’s companion (368 pages). Boston, MA: Harvard Common Press.
Keegan, Laura. (2008). Breastfeeding with comfort and joy – A Photographic guide for mom and those who help her. (139 pages). One World Press. For ordering information, see www.lifeforcefamilyhealth.com.
La Leche League.(2010).Womanly art of breastfeeding (576 pages). New York, NY: Ballantine Books.
Mohrbacher, N. & Kendall-Tacket, K. (2010). Breastfeeding made simple (352 pages). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
Spangler, Amy. (2010). Breastfeeding – A parent’s guide. Atlanta, GA: Amy Spangler.
Weiss, Robin. (2010). The better way to breastfeed. Beverly, MA: Fair Winds Press.

What's it like to work as a LCCE?

We get asked this question all the time, but it’s a tough question for us to answer!!

Working as a childbirth educator has many different paths, like any career. But here are some of the things you might want to consider as you’re deciding if this is the right path for you:
• Do you love to support women and families in their OWN choices and decisions?
• How much money do you want/need to make from being a childbirth educator?
• Can you handle working many evenings and weekends?
• Do you work well with others and can you see yourself working alongside a variety of other medical professionals?
• What is your motivation for wanting to become a childbirth educator?
• What are your long-term plans in the field?

Working as a childbirth educator can be a wonderful rewarding experience, but it is also a responsibility. Parents trust their childbirth educator to provide current evidence-based information upon which they will base their own decisions. It’s an important job.

If you are thinking this is the right path for you then we encourage you to come to our workshop! If you feel passionate about helping to educate women and their families then this could be your next dream job!

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations available 30 days or more before workshop start date minus a $50 handling fee. No refunds will be made within 30 days of the workshop, however registrants may apply the fee towards a future workshop held by the Canadian Institute of Childbirth Educators. Cancellations within one week of class must pay a $50 administration fee to rebook and apply fee towards another workshop.

Can I bring my nursing baby?

Breaks will occur in the AM and PM for 15 minutes and about an hour over the lunch hour. You may use these times to meet with your family, to nurse a baby, etc. Quiet babies in arms (usually under 3-4 months old) are welcome to be with you during the workshop, but we ask that you excuse yourself if baby is making noise (happy or otherwise). Childcare is not provided and older babies are not permitted in order to allow for an ideal learning environment for all participants.