Because the little things matter

ICEA Childbirth Educator


Become the voice that helps parents feel strong, informed, and ready.

Our Childbirth Educator Training is designed for anyone passionate about teaching, supporting families, and promoting informed, empowered birth experiences. Whether you’re starting a new career or expanding your work in healthcare, birthwork, or education, this training will give you the tools to thrive.

Youโ€™ll gain:

  • Confidence to lead engaging, evidence-based classes for expectant parents
  • A deep understanding of pregnancy, labor, and birth from a teaching perspective
  • Skills to create inclusive, interactive, and supportive learning environments

What is a Childbirth Education?

Childbirth education helps expectant families prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for pregnancy, labor, birth, and early parenting.

These classes provide evidence-based information on the childbirth process, comfort measures, medical options, and postpartum recovery, empowering families to make informed decisions and feel more confident in their birth experience.

What is a Childbirth Educator?

A Childbirth Educator is a trained professional who teaches parents-to-be about pregnancy, labor, birth, and early newborn care.

Educators help families understand their options, manage expectations, and build confidence.

They serve as a trusted guide, providing up-to-date, inclusive, and practical information in a supportive environment.

Why Do Families Need Childbirth Education?

Childbirth education equips families with essential knowledge and tools to navigate labor and birth with greater ease and less fear.

It promotes shared decision-making, reduces anxiety, and can improve birth outcomes.

Education helps partners and support people feel more prepared, strengthens communication with care providers, and fosters a more positive and empowering experience for everyone involved.

Why Should You Become a Childbirth Educator?

Becoming a Childbirth Educator is a powerful way to make a lasting impact on families during a transformative time.

If youโ€™re passionate about birth, teaching, and supporting others, this career offers a meaningful path.

With ICEA certification, youโ€™ll gain the skills, credibility, and confidence to lead classes, connect with your community, and promote healthier, more informed birth experiences.

Training Details

Location:

  • Varies; see below for current options.
  • Don’t see your preferred location? Bring us to you!
    • Our Sponsor/Host Guide will let you know what you will need to do to bring a class to your area.
    • If you are interested in bringing a course to your area, please reach out to us at debbie@babymatters.org after reviewing the Guide and Sample Contract.

Time Commitment:

  • Varies, Typically:
    • In-Person – 2 consecutive days. i.e. Fri & Sat 8-5
    • Virtual – Weekly for 7 weeks or BiWeekly for 3.5 weeks or 2.5 consecutive days.
    • See specific available courses for specific time commitment.

What to Expect:
In a Childbirth Educator workshop, you can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Childbirth Educator, along with practical skills and knowledge to support new families prepare for the remainder of pregnancy through postpartum. Here are some key elements you might encounter:

  1. Introduction to Childbirth Education
  2. Principles of adult learning and teaching strategies
  3. Anatomy, physiology, and stages of labor
  4. Birth options and medical interventions
  5. Comfort measures and support techniques
  6. Build inclusive and culturally sensitive classes
  7. Listening and Communication Skills
  8. Business aspects and responsibilities
  9. ICEA Certification information

Current Classes:

ICEA Certification

ICEA Professional Childbirth Educators are trained professionals who affirm the importance of the birth experience through comprehensive education and equipping of the family unit. This means that an ICEA instructor has the necessary education and skills to enable them to facilitate expectant parentsโ€™ mental and physical preparation for pregnancy, labor, birth, and parenthood. The program promotes the concept of the childbirth educator as an advocate of the natural process of childbirth and the right of the expectant parent to make informed decisions based on knowledge of alternatives.

Find out more about becoming aย Childbirth Educator on the ICEA website

Steps for Certification:

  1. Take a workshop
  2. Enroll in the certification program
  3. Review the study guide sent after enrollment
  4. Complete an evaluated teaching series
  5. Observe one childbirth class and three births
  6. Apply to take certification exam and complete
  7. Receive Confirmation of Certification

 

Contact us for more information or visit our registration site. If thereโ€™s no workshop scheduled in your area, let us knowโ€”we may be able to bring one to you!