committee update
In an effort to ensure members are up-to-date on how the organization is working towards our strategic initiatives, we will be providing ongoing updates from various Lamaze committees.
A Note from the Advocacy & Collaboration Committee
Dear Lamaze members,
The Advocacy & Collaboration Committee is a new committee seeking to expand resources and share opportunities to scale up Lamaze International, and evidence-based childbirth education, with community partners in local, regional, state, national and global collaboration.
This can be daunting, but we are focusing on learning the landscape of programs and policies that can amplify our stories. Earlier this month, we hosted a webinar on The First 1,000 Days which introduced policy and funding initiatives for prenatal through early childhood well-being, and provided ideas for Lamaze educators to participate in these initiatives.
Community partnerships can strengthen our work. From major media events like March for Moms, to local linkages, we hope you are finding a map of perinatal services in your region. For example, if you are in the United States, check out if your state has a perinatal quality collaborative and consider getting on their email list to learn about events bringing together your community and clinical partners to focus on maternal health.
Another local partnership could be linking to your WIC (women, infant, children) program or a local health department or community center to share your Lamaze classes, especially during World Breastfeeding Month.
We would love to hear where your collaborations, advocacy and partnerships are occurring in your region. Keep in touch!
Jill Wodnick, MA, LCCE
Chair, Advocacy & Collaboration Committee