Lamaze Philosophy Statements
Lamaze Philosophy Statements
Women’s bodies are designed to nourish and nurture their babies through pregnancy.
The months of pregnancy are necessary for babies to develop and grow, for women’s bodies to prepare for birth and breastfeeding, and for parents to prepare for parenthood.
Pregnancy provides an opportunity for parents to begin forming lifelong bonds with their babies.
A good support system and healthy lifestyle promote a healthy pregnancy, birth and baby.
The health-care system and care provider can increase or decrease a woman’s confidence in her pregnancy and ability to have a healthy baby.
Lamaze education helps women to be confident, trust their innate ability to give birth and make informed decisions about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenting.
Women have an innate ability to give birth.
Birth is transformative in the life of a family.
Women’s confidence and ability to give birth is either enhanced or diminished by the care provider and place of birth.
Women have the right to respectful care and continuous support.
Women have the right to give birth free from routine medical interventions.
Birth can safely take place in homes, birth centers and hospitals.
Evidence-based care helps improve birth outcomes.
Lamaze childbirth education empowers women to make informed choices in healthcare and take responsibility for their health, and to trust their ability to give birth.
Lamaze Philosophy of Parenting
Positive parenting is vital to the physical, emotional and spiritual health of children, parents, and our society as a whole.
A safe, healthy birth experience provides a strong foundation for parenting.
Parenting is joyful, important, challenging and deeply satisfying work that is worthy of everyone’s best efforts.
Parenting begins before birth. The intimate connection between children and their parents must be respected and protected throughout life.
Parents play unique, irreplaceable roles in the lives of their children.
Babies and children thrive in close, consistent interaction with their parents.
Parenting is a learned art; our most important teachers are our own parents, our family and our children.
Good parenting requires the support of family, friends and community.
Knowledge and support enhance parents’ confidence and ability to make informed decisions that meet both their own needs and the needs of their children.
