Can I organize a workshop close to me?
- Are there 8-15 people in your area interested in becoming childbirth educators? (Remember, L&D nurses, doulas, midwives and experienced educators are also drawn to take a PfB workshop.)
- Are you willing to create a “buzz” and publicize the workshop in your community through print, online and social media sites?
- Do you have access to a free or low-cost space that would offer a nice location for up to 15 people that is available from 7:30 to 5:30 for three continuous days. (Living rooms, community centers, yoga studios, church meeting rooms and more are all options)
- Is there an easy way for a facilitator and out of town attendees to access your city (close to an airport if they fly) and opportunities for lodging?
- Can you or a chosen “course doula/worker bee” assist with meal and snack planning, shopping and preparation?
- If you are unable to do these tasks, can you identify someone in your community who might be able to step up?
If you can answer yes to these questions – then let’s talk about next steps. We are great at finding solutions to make workshops happen all around the world. Do you work for an organization that would like to offer a workshop to its’ employees or members? We can collaborate with your organization to sponsor a private (or semi-private) workshop just for your team – let’s connect now. Explore Bringing a PfB Workshop to You
What is included in the registration fee?
Is Lamaze membership included in the workshop fee?
As of 9/1/2019, Lamaze changed their policy and the free membership is included when you purchase the Learning Guide. Once you become Lamaze certified, your membership is included in your certification fees.
Can I attend one day only? What if I have to miss part of the workshop?
Are there scholarships? Payment plans? Fee reductions for LCCEs/PfB grads?
We wish we had access to funds to be able to provide reduced fees, scholarships etc. for everyone who asks. We try to keep the cost of our workshops as low as possible. For some workshops there is a course doula/worker bee position available which significantly reduces your registration fees. For current LCCEs, we offer a small discount ($100.) For PfB grads, there is a $200 discount. The course doula/worker bee position is a priority for PfB grads to hold. Contact info@passionforbirth.com for the discount codes.
Payment plans may be an option but are limited. When you register for the workshop, click on the button and it should list an option to pay $100 to hold your place. Then email info@passionforbirth.com to see if a payment plan is possible. An agreement will be sent to you. If you pay off the entire fee by the early registration deadline, you will pay that amount. If not, you will have to pay the regular registration rate.
Are workshops ever cancelled?
Can I bring my baby to the workshop?
What is a course doula/worker bee?
Are there contact hours for the workshop?
What are the steps needed to take the Lamaze certification exam?
Experienced childbirth educator: if you can document teaching at least 60 hours, the only requirement is to register for the exam after completing the workshop and the online work.
Midwife or midwifery student: After completing the workshop or the fast track midwifery workshop, you can register for the exam. While these are the MINIMUM requirements, PfB recommends you complete the following steps to be an effective, dynamic childbirth educator:
- observe a childbirth series facilitated by a great educator
- observe births
- read the recommended reading list including the Learning Guide
- create a course design
- facilitate a course with a mentor
By completing these extra steps, you are well on your way to being a dynamic, effective childbirth educator and will have increased your knowledge and wisdom to be able to pass the LCCE exam. These are not required steps from Lamaze International, only PfB recommendations. Lamaze exams are given twice a year at various locations around the world. Learn more about the exam dates and deadlines for registration.
If I create a course design, can I get feedback?
Are there recommended books to read?
1. Goer, Henci & Romano, Amy. (2012). Optimal care in childbirth. Seattle, WA: Classic Day.
2. Lothian, Judith & DeVries, Charlotte. (2017, third edition). Giving birth with confidence – The official Lamaze guide. New York, NY: Meadowbrook Press.
3. Simkin, Penny, Bolding, April, Keppler, Ann, Durham, Janelle, & Whalley, Janet. (2016). Pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn. New York, NY: Meadowbrook Press. There is also a companion website to this book: www.PCNGuide.com.*
4. One of the following breastfeeding books: a. La Leche League. (2010). Womanly art of breastfeeding. Schaumburg, IL: La Leche League. b. Mohrbacher, N. & Kendall-Tacket, K. (2010). Breastfeeding made simple. Oakland, CA: NewHarbinger Publications. c. Newman, J. & Pitman, T. (2014). Jack Newman’s Guide to breastfeeding. London, UK: Pinter &Martin. Note from PfB: Optimal Care in Childbirth is now outdated. Same with the breastfeeding books. The Breastfeeding booklet you will get from the workshop will be adequate. (also available on line as a PDF.) I would highly recommend the Birth Partner and the Labor Progress Handbook.