Becoming a Childbirth Educator-One Woman's Journey

We all have our reasons for wanting to become childbirth educators and/or doulas.  Most of us have gradually discovered a passion for all things related to pregnancy and birth.  Sometimes some of us are fortunate enough to know which path to take and how to reach our goals-and other times it can be a bit overwhelming.  Which organization should I certify with? How long will it take? Will I make any money? Will I be a good teacher and where can I find pregnant couples who would be willing to learn from me? Will I have the time? Can I find a someone to mentor me? In the end it becomes clear that one need only trust and be open to what unfolds...

This is one woman's story about her path to becoming a childbirth educator.  The letter was written in response to an inquiry about the certification process.  I am sure you will find that your story resonates on some level with Dolly's and if not-she does give some excellent advice.  

Thank you Dolly for all that you do to inspire and educate pregnant couples and your words of wisdom for those of us who are either on the certification track or who are giving it some thought.

My name is Dolly Wagner and I am on the Board of Directors for ICEA. I was delighted to read your email inquiry about becoming a Childbirth Educator. Here is my story and suggestions. My BS degree was in Physical Education so I had a good background in the sciences. I became fascinated with pregnancy and birth process with the birth of our first child. Our childbirth instructor encouraged me to consider becoming an educator. Once I decided not to return to teaching in the public school system, I started observing classes, reading and working with some OB nurses. Under the guidance of my original instructor, I was teaching one night/week within six months. What a great way to combine two of my passions - teaching and childbirth! These classes were held at the Technical College and not affiliated with any hospital, HMO, or group of doctors. There was no certification requirement to be an instructor.

Money was tight because I was a stay-at-home mother. I became an ICEA member, and used their Journal and resources to keep information up-to-date. After teaching for a couple of years, I felt compelled to get my certification. I didn't want people thinking all it took to do my job was send in two boxtops and 50 cents, and presto you could teach others. So I started with the Basic Teacher Training Workshop and had many of teaching techniques I used validated and learned many more useful ideas. The Workshop really primed me for the certification process. It does take work and commitment. I am proud to say that this Fall, I will have been teaching Childbirth Classes in the Madison, WI area for 31 years. Presently I teach 2 - 4 classes per week.

I can not say that I have gotten rich doing this but it has brought me a great deal of personal satisfaction. Here is what I have seen as advantages:

• allowed me to stay at home with my children
• the salary is a lot more than if I worked at Target or McDonalds
• stimulated me intellectually and kept me in touch with adults
• people are coming to class anticipating an exciting life change
• I get to teach life skills - good nutrition, exercise, relaxation, breathing and stress reduction
• it is challenging to keep lessons fun, practical, and up-to-date
• I have quite a few foreign grad students in class so I need to be culturally sensitive
• my lessons include discussions on feeding, newborn care and parenting concerns
• empower these expectant families to find answers to their questions - informed choice based on knowledge of alternatives
• my husband was very involved with raising the children - feeding supper, baths, homework, balancing sports and other activities (he was awesome!) 
• I did a lot of volunteer work and found another part-time job when the kids went to school
• served on a number of birth-related committees

Disadvantages:

• worked nights and weekends to teach classes
• no benefits or insurance that you might have with a full-time job

Consider checking around for teaching opportunities. To actually start your own business after certification will prove to be costly. You would have to find a space to hold the class and buy teaching aids like the pelvis, birth doll, charts and DVDs for birth and parenting that are very expensive. If there is already a program or you have access to resources, that might be a place to start.

• If there is a midwife in your area, get in touch with her. Does she offer classes to her expectant parents? Maybe you could work a deal with her - you might promise to teach so many couples in exchange for some financial backing. I'm sure she has books that you might use. You will need to observe some births - would she allow you to attend?
• Check with the hospitals in your area. Many of the bigger hospitals are in the process of becoming a Magnet Hospital - which requires their staff and educators to be certified. They may have some funds to allocate to those people for certification. Try not to align with a hospital that only wants its educators to teach about birth "their way".
• Where else are classes taught in your location - HMO, a group of doctors, Parents' organization, YMCA, a business that focus on families and children? Are they looking for another educator? Remember educators do move, are sometimes overburdened, and at some point retire. Do some homework.
• Is their another childbirth educator in your area that will mentor you? If you let me know where you live, I will ask ICEA to check their records for a member that might live in your area.
• Is there a need for private in-home classes or check to see if there is a need for private classes for couples in the hospital dealing with pre-term labor?

Economically times are tough, but people are still having babies. They deserve to know about the birth process and be informed about the choices they have. Good educators are always in demand. This field needs new blood and enthusiasm, please consider sharing your passion. We at ICEA are here to support you. Taking a Childbirth Educator Workshop would jump-start the process.