Been making some big decisions at home that I am confident will make the future better for my kids and relationship. Having the coolest things happen to me. I got to share my breastmilk with a sweet little baby and he was hungry and gobbling it right up. Granted it was in a bottle and his mama was feeding it to him but it was such a good feeling to know I was helping this little guy out. School is going well but I can tell with everything that has been going on it has been affecting me most with my distance learning program.
My birth doula workshop has been the bomb diggity! I love it! I feel like I am learning so much and even gaining relationships. I love my carpool buddy she is so much fun and I feel like we are on the same page, it is a good feeling. We're just getting in to the labor positions, how to help women redirect their minds and pain relieving movements. And what I think is really cool is a lot of the things we are going over I was doing when I was helping with my cousin during her beautiful birth and so it confirms for me how I am made for this. We also have been talking about collective care and creating more options for our communities, whether it be race, sexuality or you name it.
It made me think of my family and how strong, compassionate and beautiful they ALL are and how they could make a huge contribution to our African-American community. There are so many options and ways we can help and still be able to provide for our families.
Birth Doula- A labor coach that helps mothers and couples through the laboring process through direction, encouragement, breathing techniques, laboring positions, exploring resources for mothers needs and etc.
Training:
Big Belly Services http://bigbellyservices.com/
Bastyr http://www.bastyr.edu/simkin-center/birth-doula-training
Certifications:
DONA http://www.dona.org/develop/index.php
PALS (WA State) http://www.palsdoulas.org/become-a-doula/certification-requirements/
ICTC http://ictcmidwives.org/
Postpartum Doula- After a women has had a baby(s) PD would be at your house helping you adjust, giving direction with breastfeeding, cloth diapering, having listening ear and etc.
Training:
Bastyr http://www.bastyr.edu/simkin-center/postpartum-doula-training
Certifications:
NAPS http://napsdoulas.com/
Lactation Consultant- A provider that can come to your home and clinically be able to help you with breastfeeding and if problems arise be able to diagnosis the issue and help you find resources to correct the challenge if need be.
Training:
Bastyr http://www.bastyr.edu/simkin-center/lactation-educator-training
+ 14 Health Science Subjects http://iblce.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/health-sciences-education-guide.pdf
+Pathway 1,2 or 3 http://iblce.org/certify/pathways/
Certifications:
IBCLC http://iblce.org/certify/preparing-for-ibclc-certification/
Lay Midwives- Goddess :) A care provider that serves women with low risk pregnancies. Watching the development of baby and mommy, gives direction and encouragement, supplies women with resources and information. And is there for you at the final hour when the birth of a new mommy and baby happens.
Training:
Apprenticeship (PEP Process) http://narm.org/entry-level-applicants/
Bastyr University Department of Midwifery
Distance Learning Programs, such as:
License:
Now I don't know about every avenue but these are some of the ways that I know of and would love more ideas.
