Meet Melissa DeFoor, Ph.D., RN, CLD, LCCE, assistant professor at the University of North Alabama. Melissa has been in the childbirth education profession for 13 years, and she recently served as chair of the Lamaze International Conference Planning Committee. Here, Melissa shares why she pursued the Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE) certification, including how her expertise empowers her students and communities.

Connect with Melissa on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and discover more about how you can become LCCE certified here.

Lamaze: Why did you pursue an LCCE certification?

Melissa DeFoor, Ph.D., RN, CLD, LCCE (MD): I fell in love with maternal care in nursing school. Once I became a labor and delivery nurse, I wanted to submerge myself into the field and obtain additional certifications that would help me to grow as a new nurse while providing the best care to my patients. I have a true passion for maternal education, and being a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator has provided me with avenues to continually expand my efforts to improve education locally, nationally and internationally.

Lamaze: In preparing for the exam, what practices did you find most useful?

MD: I attended a Lamaze conference as part of my initial certification requirements. The conference was amazing and provided me with knowledge regarding Lamaze practices. Additionally, I would recommend utilizing anything Lamaze offers regarding exam preparation to study and prepare for the exam.

Lamaze: Tell us a personal anecdote about the value of your certification. Any positive changes in your professional life since becoming certified? Any memorable moments with families or fellow members of the childbirth educator community?

MD: I continually stay updated on current practices, innovative educational techniques and more through Lamaze conferences and webinars. My certification helps families feel comfortable knowing their instructor is someone who can offer natural means of labor support among other things. Clients often left my class feeling empowered about birth rather than fearing it. While I don’t teach at the hospital anymore, my current role as an assistant professor of maternity nursing helps me spread that passion to many student nurses each semester. I, along with a colleague, created Tiny Cubs — an organization that hosts a free community baby shower twice a year. During this event, nursing students educate the community about pregnancy, nutrition, birth and newborn care. Recently, we took this concept and hosted a shower in Cleveland in collaboration with Lamaze International and Creating Healthier Communities to encourage participation in the Black Birthing Initiative. Our students left the event feeling empowered to make a difference in not only our community but in other communities as well.

Lamaze: Why does certification matter for childbirth educators and perinatal professionals?

MD: A certification helps to establish that initial rapport with clients/patients. Additionally, you are exposed to a multitude of resources that will benefit you in your career as well as benefitting the clients and their families.

Lamaze: What is one piece of advice you would share with a childbirth educator who is considering certification?

MD: Do it! You will not regret it. Many invaluable experiences have presented themselves to me through this certification. Not only do I recommend obtaining your certification, but also volunteering with Lamaze in any way possible.

Ready for a new opportunity in your career journey? Apply by April 17 to test during the Spring LCCE Exam window. Access application information and learn how to prepare here.

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