COURSES OFFERED
LAMAZE PREPARED CHILDBIRTH COURSE
LAMAZE PREPARED CHILDBIRTH SEMINAR
— Much More Than: "JUST BREATHING & RELAXATION!" —
— And Certainly Not Just About: "NATURAL CHILDBIRTH" —
NEWBORN CARE CLASS
BREASTFEEDING CLASS
INFANT/CHILD CPR WITH AED CLASS
Frequently Asked Questions About Lamaze Childbirth Education
What is Lamaze and how does it work?
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.
Does Lamaze mean "natural birth" (i.e., no medication)?
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.
Who presents the Lamaze classes?
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.
What are the credentials of the Lamaze instructors?
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.
Who is in charge of the program?
The founder and president of The Childbearing Years is Nola Cottom, RNC, M.S.N., FACCE, LCCE. 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.
How does a labor partner help during birth?
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.
At what point in pregnancy should the Lamaze course/seminar be taken?
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.
How do I get more information, register, and pay?
Class descriptions, tuition, and class date(s) are listed on the web page for each location; just click on the hospital"s name 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, 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 that confirms the date(s), times, and location for each class; includes a map of where to go; tells you what to bring to class; and instructs you on how to find your classroom.
Does insurance cover the cost of childbirth classes?
Some health care policies do cover the tuition of taking Lamaze and other classes. If you check with Customer Service for your plan, you may find that you can file for reimbursement. If "Childbirth Education" benefits are included in your policy, the letter of confirmation we'll be providing should suffice to submit for approval to repay all or part of your tuition.
What is the refund policy?
For Lamaze, Newborn Care, and Breastfeeding Classes, your tuition will be fully refunded if you notify us 24 hours prior to the start of class; for Infant CPR Classes, we ask that you contact us 72 hours before class time.
What is the policy for attending make-up classes?
Depending on availability, you are welcome to make up a class with another group. There is no extra charge.
