What is Lamaze and how does it work?
Does Lamaze mean "natural birth" (i.e., no medication)?
Who presents the Lamaze classes?
What are the credentials of the Lamaze instructors?
Who is in charge of the program?
How does a labor partner help during birth?
At what point in pregnancy should the Lamaze course be taken?
Does insurance cover the cost of childbirth classes?
What is the refund policy?
What is the policy for attending make-up classes?

Lamaze is recognized worldwide as the standard of excellence in childbirth education. Most hospitals and physicians in Austin and Round Rock overwhelmingly recommend that couples prepare for birth; Lamaze is the preferred course of education. It combines education with focused breathing, relaxation, and other supportive techniques (e.g., positioning, massage, effleurage) to help a laboring woman maintain control and lessen discomfort. Staying relaxed and in control allows the birth to proceed with greater comfort, fewer complications and more enjoyment of the wondrous event.

The classes prepare women for all types of births and with each form of medication (or none at all). All birth options are presented, so well-informed decisions can be made by the laboring woman, her birth partner and the medical professionals aiding the birth. The classes are balanced in their presentation; no dogmas are stressed.

A private professional service, "The Childbearing Years, Inc." has been presenting Lamaze childbirth education and parenting classes in Central Texas since 1982. Some 23,000 couples have taken our courses at area hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices.

We are the contract service provider for St. David's North Austin Medical Center and St. David's South Austin Medical Center—and have been for over 15 years.

Each instructor of The Childbearing Years is certified by Lamaze International, the authority in professional childbirth education. Instructors must have professional degrees and complete a demanding two-year program to become certified as experts.

The founder and president of The Childbearing Years, Inc. is Nola Cottom, RNC, M.S.N., CNS, LCCE, FACCE. Nola is a faculty member at The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, a past member of the Faculty of Lamaze International, and a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator in Austin since 1975.

The labor partner is extremely important during birth and actively participates, giving the laboring woman comfort and support. By taking these classes the partner is knowledgeable, able to help in decision-making and bonds closely with the mother and baby.

Ideally, the course should be started late in pregnancy (about two or three months before the due date), so the information and training are still fresh in mind when the time comes. We recommend that you enroll early in your pregnancy since many classes fill well in advance.

Class descriptions, tuition, and class date(s) are listed on the St. David's North Austin Medical Center's web page; just click on the hospital's name or photo at the top of this page.

Registration couldn't be easier! Just call The Childbearing Years at 512/263-5588; you can do everything over the phone—no paperwork!  And, you're welcome to use a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit or debit card—or you can pay by check/money order.

A letter of confirmation will be then be mailed to you which affirms the date(s), times, and location of your class or course; includes a map of the location of St. David's North Austin Medical Center; informs you what to bring to class, if anything; and contains guidance on how to find your classroom.

Some health care policies do cover the tuition of taking Lamaze and other classes for expectant parents. If you'll call the Customer Service number on the back of your health insurance card, ask if you have benefits for "Childbirth & Parenting Education." You may find that you can file for reimbursement of the tuition you paid "The Childbearing Years." Generally, the letter of confirmation we provide and a copy of your credit/debit card transaction slip (or check/money order) will suffice. However, if you're asked for something more detailed, just call David at our office (512/263-5588), and he'll prepare the documentation the health insurance company requests.

For Lamaze, Newborn Care, and Breastfeeding Classes, your tuition will be fully refunded if you notify us at least 24 hours prior to the start of class; for Infant/Child CPR Classes, we ask that you contact us at least 72 hours before class time.

Depending on availability, you are welcome to make up a class with another group. There is no extra charge.