My latest journey is leading me towards becoming a certified childbirth educator and postpartum doula. I chose the International Childbirth Education Association for my childbirth educator program and for the postpartum doula program I chose DONA International. And I also chose to do certification programs vs. just becoming on my own by calling myself those names because I feel it’s important to get the certified education that encompasses more than just my own experience but also that is internationally recognized and respected.

In the course of the next few months I will be taking over 40 hours worth of workshops and classes, plus reading over 15 birthing and pregnancy books, studying my study guides, becoming CPR certified, observing births/labors, providing postpartum doula services to new mothers, conducting an evaluated childbirth education class, writing several papers, creating a large database of local resources, working with others in the birth community, and processing my certifications through ICEA and also DONA. Phew! And yay! Both exciting and challenging to say the least, but I can’t wait!

Once done (sometime in the Fall 2012), we’ll begin childbirth education classes at Granola Babies that prepares parents-to-be and experienced parents for birth but also provides them with information that empowers them if the birth does not go as planned (a piece I feel is lacking in many birthing classes…and sadly I see the result of broken hearts who were not prepared for anything but an ideal birth).  And through my postpartum doula training, I’ll  continue helping new parents in caring and bonding with their new baby, but with new tools to in my box of resources. And also will be hosting classes on Children and Sleep that will help parents dealing with sleep issues and/or preparing for what it’ll be like with a newborn and sleep. Let the journey begin…

{ 0 comments }