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The Association of Labor Assistants and
Childbirth Educators (ALACE)

Last updated 7/8/95 by Donna Dolezal Zelzer, djz@efn.org


About ALACE

(1) ALACE Certified Childbirth Educators offer prenatal classes for families giving birth in any setting: home, hospital, or birth center. Our teachers help expectant parents develop confidence and trust in the birth process by stressing psychological preparation and informed decision- making in addition to labor coping skills.

(2) In addition to training childbirth assistants, ALACE offers the opportunity to earn national certification to childbirth assistants (doulas, labor assistants) who have trained with other organizations.

(3) The ALACE Childbirth Assistant Training was developed based on the midwifery model of care, and was previously offered by Informed Homebirth/ Informed Birth and Parenting. Over 2400 women have taken the training since it began in 1983, making it the most experienced training program in North America.

The program was developed by Catherine Stone to emphasize the skills necessary to assist women in achieving the birth the hope for in any setting, home, hospital, or birth center.

Earning certification involves:

For a complete brochure and a list of upcoming workshops, contact ALACE at ALACEHQ@aol.com

(4) Join ALACE and help educate the public about safe alternatives in birth. Costs are:

(5) ALACE members receive discounts with organizations such as ALACE Bookstore, NAPSAC, and Comfey Carrier, among others.

Suggested reading

(6) A Good Birth, A Safe Birth by Diana Korte and Roberta Scaer is an excellent exploration of the today's childbirth options, including place of birth, attendants, and painkillers. Especially recommended for first-time mothers and those learning about birth and pregnancy.$12.95

Special Women, by Paulina Perez and Cheryl Snedeker details the scope of practice birth assistants, including professional issues as well as how to help the birthing family. $9.95

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