What Distiguishes ALACE?

ALACE:

• is the only nationally recognized training program developed and managed by women and midwives.

• has its roots in the homebirth movement of the 1970s and advocates for the midwifery model of care, regardless of care provider (midwife or doctor), or place of birth (hospital, birth center, or home).

• trains and certifies childbirth educators and doulas who trust birth, respect it as a woman-centered passage, and are dedicated to supporting women’s birth choices.

• respects obstetric procedures as beneficial in some circumstances but potentially detrimental when applied routinely. We emphasize informed consent and prevention of unnecessary interventions.

• childbirth professionals help increase parents’ confidence in the natural process of birth. We teach relaxation and coping tools to work with pain and discomfort, rather than techniques for avoiding sensation.

• has long been recognized for its holistic approach to childbirth. Our instructors are respected for their incorporation of psychological aspects and mind-body integration in their classes.

• has a small number of experienced instructors who teach a consistent, standardized curriculum in the doula workshops.

• provides an introduction to physical assessments at our doula workshop. Read our philosophy on physical assessments. (link to doula physical assessments pdf)
• ALACE has a fully-staffed office providing accessible telephone and email support to our members and the public.

About ALACE
History of ALACE
What distinguishes ALACE
Dispelling Myths about ALACE
Position Statement
FAQs
Who’s Who in ALACE