Photo: Menucha Korik Photography
Become a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator
Would you like to make a difference by helping women and their partners through one of life’s most exciting, but challenging experiences? Fulfil your dream of becoming a childbirth educator with a nationally and internationally-recognised qualification!
For more than 65 years, Lamaze International has been the global leader in evidence-based childbirth education and remains the gold standard in professional childbirth educator certification. The Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE) credential is internationally recognised and respected, demonstrating your commitment to evidence-based practice, professional excellence, and empowering families through education.
NEW: Lamaze International now offers TWO pathways to certification. Choose between the traditional Certification Exam or the new Competency-Based Certification Pathway. Attend our August training and discover which pathway is right for you.
Two Pathways to Certification. One Gold-Standard Credential.
One of the most exciting developments in Lamaze certification is the introduction of the new Competency-Based Certification Pathway.
For the first time, aspiring Lamaze educators can choose between two pathways to achieve the prestigious LCCE credential:
Option 1: Certification Exam Pathway
The traditional certification pathway involves:
- Completing the Lamaze Learning Guide
- Attending a Lamaze-accredited seminar
- Successfully passing the Lamaze Certification Exam
This pathway is ideal for those who prefer a formal examination process and wish to demonstrate their knowledge through a rigorous, internationally recognised assessment.
To learn more about the certification exam pathway, click HERE.
Option 2: NEW Competency-Based Certification Pathway
The Competency-Based Pathway recognises that exceptional childbirth educators demonstrate their expertise through teaching, facilitation, curriculum development and real-world application of knowledge.
This pathway allows candidates to demonstrate competence through:
- Completion of the Lamaze Learning Guide
- Attendance at a Lamaze-accredited seminar
- Observation of a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator
- Development of a complete childbirth education curriculum
- Teaching demonstration and participant evaluations
- Supportive verbal assessment with Lamaze reviewers
Rather than focusing solely on examination performance, this pathway enables candidates to showcase the practical skills and professional competencies required to become an effective childbirth educator.
Why This Matters
Many highly skilled birth professionals – midwives, doulas, nurses, allied health professionals and experienced educators – excel in real-world teaching environments but may not perform at their best in high-stakes examinations.
The introduction of the Competency-Based Pathway means there has never been a better time to become Lamaze certified.
Whether your strengths lie in academic assessment, practical teaching, curriculum design or learner engagement, Lamaze now offers a pathway that recognises and values your unique abilities.
To learn more about the competency-based certification pathway, click HERE.
Why Train with Birthwell Birthright?
Birthwell Birthright is proud to offer Australia’s only Lamaze International-accredited childbirth educator training program.
When you join our Lamaze Childbirth Educator Training Program, you receive far more than five days of education. You gain access to a globally recognised, evidence-based professional development pathway, ongoing mentoring and support, and the knowledge, skills and confidence to become a certified childbirth educator.
You gain access to:
✓ Live online interactive training
✓ Ongoing mentoring and support
✓ Monthly study and discussion sessions
✓ Guidance on both certification pathways
✓ Curriculum development support
✓ Connection to a national and international network of Lamaze educators
✓ Personalised support from Tanya Cawthorne, former President of Lamaze International, co-founder of Lamaze Australia and Australia’s most experienced Lamaze trainer.
More than 200 students have completed our program, with graduates now teaching throughout Australia and internationally.
Your Journey Starts Here
If you are passionate about supporting families, promoting evidence-based maternity care, and becoming a confident and effective childbirth educator, we’d love to help you achieve your goals.
Join our next Lamaze Childbirth Educator Training Program and take the first step towards earning the internationally respected LCCE credential.
Live Online Training
When: 19-23 August 2026
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm AEST each day
Click HERE to register.
Places are limited and early registration is strongly encouraged.
Program Fees
Consider registering early to take advantage of our early bird discount!
Participants who register more than 60 days prior to the start of their chosen training course are eligible for a 10% regular early bird discount $2,250.
Participants who register less than 60 days prior to the start of a training program will pay the full cost of the program which is $2,500.
What does this fee cover?
Included in this fee are the 5 x days of live, online training, exclusive access to extensive online resources, AND monthly study sessions via Zoom all the way through to the next round of the Lamaze certification exam.
What’s not covered?
In addition, you will need to purchase the Lamaze Learning Guide via the Lamaze International website (US$250) and when you’re ready to sit the Lamaze Certification exam or register for the competency-based pathway, there is a fee of US$500 which includes 3 years of certification/membership with Lamaze International.
**Please refer to our training program brochure, which details the additional costs of study materials and exam/certification fees from Lamaze International.
Flexible payment plans are always available. Please contact us to discuss your personal situation. We are always happy to accommodate you.
Your Trainer
Tanya Cawthorne, FACCE, LCCE, MWomenChldH
Tanya is Australia’s only Lamaze educator trainer and one of Lamaze International’s most experienced childbirth educator trainers. She is also a Fellow of the Academy of Certified Childbirth Educators (FACCE), co-founder of Lamaze Australia, and a Past President of Lamaze International.
Since 2015, Tanya has directed the Birthwell Birthright Lamaze Childbirth Educator Training Program, mentoring more than 200 students from Australia and around the world. She holds a Master of Women’s and Children’s Health and is widely recognised for her expertise in evidence-based childbirth education, adult learning, trauma-informed practice, and maternity care advocacy.
Tanya is passionate about preparing the next generation of childbirth educators to provide high-quality, evidence-based education that empowers families to navigate pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood with confidence.
Professional Development
✔ Australia’s only CAPEA-endorsed childbirth educator training program
✔ 33 Lamaze Contact Hours approved by Lamaze International
✔ 33 Continuing Nursing Education Contact Hours
✔ Lamaze International is an approved provider through the California Board of Registered Nursing (Provider No. 15932)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a midwife?
No. Our program welcomes a diverse range of professionals and aspiring educators, including doulas, childbirth educators, nurses, physiotherapists, lactation consultants, allied health professionals, and individuals with a strong interest in childbirth education. What matters most is a commitment to evidence-based practice and supporting families during the transition to parenthood.
Can I become certified if I’m a doula?
Absolutely. Many of our graduates are doulas who wish to expand their knowledge, strengthen their credibility, and offer comprehensive childbirth education alongside their doula services. Lamaze certification is a highly respected international credential that complements doula practice beautifully.
How long does certification take?
The training seminar is delivered over five live online days. Following the seminar, most participants spend several months completing their certification requirements. The timeframe varies depending on your chosen certification pathway, your existing experience, and how much time you can dedicate to the process.
What’s the difference between the exam and competency-based pathway?
Lamaze International now offers two pathways to certification.
Exam Pathway: Candidates demonstrate their knowledge by successfully completing the Lamaze Certification Exam.
Competency-Based Pathway: Candidates demonstrate their knowledge and teaching competence through a portfolio-based assessment process that includes practical demonstrations and a verbal assessment.
Both pathways lead to the same internationally recognised credential: Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE).
Is the program online?
Yes. The seminar is delivered live online, allowing participants from anywhere in Australia and around the world to attend. Sessions are highly interactive and include discussion, activities, small-group work, and opportunities to connect with fellow students.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Flexible payment plans are available to help make the program more accessible. Please contact us to discuss options that suit your circumstances.
Can international students attend?
Yes. We regularly welcome students from New Zealand, North America, Europe, and other parts of the world. Because the program is delivered online, you can participate from anywhere. Please contact us before registering so we can discuss time zone considerations.
What if I don’t want to sit an exam?
That’s perfectly okay. Lamaze International’s new competency-based certification pathway provides an alternative route to certification for those who prefer to demonstrate their knowledge and teaching skills through practical assessment rather than a written examination.
Will I receive support after the seminar?
Yes. One of the unique strengths of our program is the ongoing support provided after the live seminar. Students are invited to attend regular study and mentoring sessions, receive guidance throughout the certification process, and become part of a supportive community of childbirth educators.
What some of our graduates have to say about our course:
Tanya has provided a wonderful and valuable course, full of fantastic resources and information and she gives support and guidance throughout. After attending the seminar, I found that my passion and determination was even more driven. I can’t recommend this course highly enough for those wanting to become a Childbirth Educator! ~ Gemma Wilson, LCCE, Doula, Founder of Birthability, NSW
“Lamaze has given me so many fantastic resources including evidence based practice and research to educate couples to understand how normal labour, birth and breastfeeding can be without anxiety and fear that is plaguing our society. The Six Healthy Birth Practices are a reminder of the basics of midwifery care and are the structure I’ve needed to create change. Thank you so much for allowing me to attend your Lamaze educator course at my hospital. Having been a childbirth educator for the past three years l was really impressed with the Lamaze curriculum, which has reignited my enthusiasm and passion for empowering women to strive for normal, healthy, natural childbirth again!” ~ Narelle Tsiros, Midwife & LCCE (Melbourne)
“Tanya is a beautifully kind and gracious Lamaze educator trainer. She is incredibly knowledgeable, passionate and exudes enthusiasm and love for teaching people the art of becoming a Childbirth Educator. I have learnt a world of knowledge from her, and her approach to teaching really makes the learning fun and enjoyable. She is always easy to contact for questions, and her ongoing support up until, and even after the exam has been wonderful. Thank you for making this an enjoyable and wonderful learning experience Tanya.” ~ Bec Lennon, LCCE, NSW.
“Tanya is a fantastic tutor who creates easy to access, interactive classes where she breaks down the information in a way that everyone can understand. She is inclusive in her teaching, easy to approach, always happy to talk about topics you may wish to discuss and always open to answering any questions you may have, even if you are not actively in session. I cannot recommend Tanya any higher, I learned so much from her and continue to do so. I feel very grateful to have Tanya as my guide through my education journey and know that anyone who gets to learn in her classes is very lucky to have her.” ~ Aiya Sellers, LCCE, Artemis Birthing Services, NZ
