About Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor

Mission Statement

Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor empowers, educates, and supports families from pregnancy to preschool.

Vision Statement

We aim to be the premier organization for childbirth educator training, prenatal education for pregnant families, and postpartum support in southeast Michigan.

Philosophy

We believe that education and community support empower families to make informed choices in pregnancy and in parenthood. Our programs strive to impart a unique blend of knowledge, resources and support to benefit families from pregnancy to preschool.

Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor History

The Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor is a non-profit organization staffed by rigorously trained professionals who promote the well-being of the family and the concept of family-centered care from pregnancy to preschool.

Our organization was established in Ann Arbor in 1967 by a small group of nurses interested in providing childbirth preparation training to others. Over the past several decades, we have proudly fostered a solid reputation as a leader in childbirth education, while incorporating many other aspects of prenatal and postpartum support, as well. We continue to track trends in birthing and childcare, and respond with timely, informative programs that meet the needs of our community. Our offerings have grown to include such topics as Cesarean Delivery, Parent/Toddler & Preschooler Playgroups, Becoming Brothers and Sisters, Breastfeeding & Working, Infant Massage, Prenatal Fitness, Early Pregnancy Workshop, Infant Care, Infant CPR, New Mother’s Support Groups, Post Partum Depression Support Group, Miscarriage and Newborn Loss Support Group and Father’s Support Group.

We consider it our privilege to meet the needs of our community and welcome your suggestions for future class topics.

Click here>> to read our 2012 Annual Report

Lamaze International Approved Provider

In March of 2006, Lamaze Family Center Ann Arbor became a Lamaze International Approved Provider. This recognition from Lamaze International is an exciting step for our association as it indicates that we meet Lamaze International's high standards in childbirth education. We are proud to be a Lamaze International Approved Provider.

History of Lamaze International

In 1951, Dr. Fernand Lamaze introduced a method of childbirth in France by incorporating techniques he observed in Russia. This method consisting of childbirth education classes, relaxation, breathing techniques and the emotional support of the father and a trained nurse became known as "The Lamaze Method." Forty years of research and learning through women's experiences of normal, natural birth have provided evidence that gradually but dramatically changed Lamaze from being a method for giving birth to a philosophy that provides the foundation and direction for women as they prepare to give birth and become mothers. "Breathing" is no longer the hallmark of Lamaze. Today's Lamaze affirms the normalcy of birth, acknowledges women's inherent ability to birth their babies, and explore all the ways that women find strength and comfort during labor and birth.