ALACE childbirth preparation classes: how an independent childbirth educator can help you prepare for and achieve a more satisfying birth experience. (Go Ask ALACE).

"I feel fortunate in having found support through this class in creating the birth I want,"

--a satisfied mother

Prepared by The Association of Labor Assistants & Childbirth Educators (ALACE)

What Are ALACE Independent Childbirth Classes?

ALACE Childbirth Educators help women fully experience the joy and power of giving birth by increasing parents' confidence in the normal process of birth. We teach relaxation and coping tools to work with the intensity of labor.

ALACE classes emphasize parent responsibility. We support parents in making informed choices about the birth setting, choice of caregivers, prevention of unnecessary cesareans and interventions, and holistic alternatives.

Classes are usually held separately from hospitals, in order to focus solely on the needs of the expectant family.

Woman-Centered Childbirth

ALACE childbirth educators respect birth as a woman-centered and woman-directed passage. Our goal is to help women reclaim trust in their ability to safely and dependably give birth.

Our programs have been developed and guided principally by women--women who are midwives, childbirth educators, mothers, and natural birth advocates.

Woman-centered childbirth recognizes the primary role of the mother, and allows labor to progress according to the mother's natural rhythms. ALACE teachers stress the importance of respecting the mother's instincts and choices about how to give birth, including positions for labor and birth, use of pain relief, comfort measures, and choice of caregivers and support.

You Will Learn ...

* How to determine which birth setting is best for you--home, hospital, or birth center

* How to choose which types of caregivers you would like to attend your birth (midwife, doctor, labor assistant/ birth doula)

* How to understand and work with the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period 

* How to choose foods and exercises for a healthy pregnancy

* How to write a personal birth plan to communicate with your caregiver about the birth you desire

* How to prepare for a vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC)

* How to use a range of relaxation and comfort techniques during labor

* How certain positions can help make labor more comfortable

* How to avoid unnecessary cesareans and other interventions

* How you can remain empowered even when interventions are required

* How to care for yourself and your baby after the birth

* How to contact resources in your community for support with breastfeeding, postpartum and newborn care

A Community of Support

ALACE classes provide a nurturing community in which parents can explore their values, fears, and hopes in the company of other expectant parents. The classes are geared to meet the specific needs of those attending.

The series begins by exploring the influences in history and society that will be woven throughout the series, while emphasizing the midwifery model of care. It moves onto the topics of parent responsibility and making informed choices. This is followed by classes which examine how the baby is born and how the mother and her birth team can work with the process for an easier labor and birth.

The series helps parents learn what they can do to have the birth they desire. Standard hospital and home routines are looked at including the "domino theory" of interventions. The series goes on to explore the topic of "When Giving Birth is Difficult," from the viewpoint of prevention. Parental choices are discussed should complications occur.

The final sessions focus on the psychological, emotional and physical concerns of the postpartum period and new parenthood. The series often concludes with a reunion class where parents from previous classes return to tell their own birth stories and help build a community.

Our childbirth educators offer class series over the course of several weeks, or in an intensive weekend workshop. Ask your local instructor about a refresher course if this is not your first pregnancy.

Common Questions

How are ALACE independent childbirth classes different from hospital classes?

Many parents find that independent classes stress parental choice instead of presenting hospital policy. Independent teachers are usually better able to give an objective view of the complex issues and choices to make during birth.

Whether you attend classes in a hospital or with an independent teacher, the important thing is that you understand that you have choices throughout labor and birth, and that you feel empowered to make the choices which are best for you and your family.

What is ALACE?

The Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to supporting woman-centered childbirth. We do this by providing training, certification, and support for Childbirth Educators and Labor Assistants/Doulas who offer prenatal education and physical and emotional support for pregnant women and their families.

What training do ALACE Childbirth Educators receive?

ALACE certification includes the completion of an extensive reading list and written work which our Director of Childbirth Educator Training reviews and evaluates. There is also a comprehensive final examination, and ALACE Childbirth Educators must demonstrate their teaching ability by submitting positive evaluations from students they have taught

How do I find an ALACE Childbirth Educator in my area?

You can contact ALACE at our toll-free referral line, (888) 22-ALACE, or access on-line referrals at www.alace.org.

For a referral to an ALACE-trained Childbirth Educator or Labor Assistant/Doula near you, or for information on our training programs, contact us at

ALACE

P.O. Box 390436

Cambridge, MA 02139 USA

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

www.alace.org