Hi to Linda, who wrote:
>>The full name of ASPO is ASPO/Lamaze, shortened from the American =
Society for Psychoprophylaxis in Obstetrics.<<
and:
>>Those certified can use the title "ACCE" which means =
"ASPO-Certified Childbirth Educator." If you pay an extra fee, you can =
join the College of Childbirth Educators and use FACCE, or "Fellow, =
American College of Childbirth Education" after your name.<<

Well, mostly *yes* and a little *no*.....A little more specifically, the
American College of Childbirth Educators was established in 1990 to recognize
the excellence of ASPO/Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators.  An individual
who successfully completes the certification process becomes a member of the
College and can use the credential ACCE.  ACCEs must recertify every three
years.

The highest honor of distinction is for an ACCE to become a Fellow in the
American College of Childbirth Educators (a FACCE).  To become a FACCE, an
ACCE must be a member in good standing of ASPO/Lamaze, must document
significant contributions to childbirth education and family-centered
maternity care, and yes, also pay an application fee.  Those awarded this
honor (such as Linda!) are inducted as Fellows into the college ceremony held
at the Annual Conference.

>>(Fellow? for a mostly-female constituency working with birthing women?  =
I never did get that one.)<<

Don't worry, Linda, it doesn't involve a sex-change operation!! <grin> My
understanding is that the term Fellow conveys that one is honored as a member
of a scientific society or college, as in FACS (Fellow  in the American
College of Surgeons), FACOG,  etc.

For those wanting more information on ASPO, the website is:
(http://www.lamaze-childbirth.com)

Joyce Blangiardo RN, FACCE, IBCLC
Rockville Centre, NY