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Becoming a Childbirth Educator FAQ
Becoming a childbirth educator is a very wonderful career. Have never once regretted my involvement with birthing women, and knowing that I can help make a difference. What is difficult is sorting through the information and making decisions about several of the finer aspects of childbirth education. I hope to help you in your sifting process, as well as give you some resources. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Robin Elise Weiss, BA, ICCE-CPE, CD(DONA), CLC, LCCE, FACCE
pregnancy.guide@about.com
Topics covered in this FAQ:
Who can become a childbirth educator?
How do you become a childbirth educator?
Do you want to be a certified childbirth educator?
What organizations are available to help you become a certified childbirth educator?
How do you find clients?
Resources for the Childbirth Educator
Other than specific requirements by organizations, almost anyone can become a childbirth educator (CBE). You do not need to be a nurse, a midwife, or a doula. You really need a more than basic level of knowledge of childbirth, most organizations offer the opportunity to get this education. Places of employment may have differing requirements, if you are intending to become affiliated with a group or a hospital/birth center.
Some people choose to teach without a certification. In that case, I suppose that you would acquire the knowledge that you need through self-study or apprenticeship and the find clients. If you choose a certification through a specific method, they have a series of requirements that you must meet in order to become a certified childbirth educator.
Certification is not necessary anywhere, according to my knowledge. Without a certification you may have problems that a certified educator may not have. Here are a list of the benefits of certification:
Education
Support
Referrals
Continuing Education
Community Recognition
Newsletters (most organizations)
Here is a basic listing of the certifications and of the organizations philosophy. Soon we will add personal comments about each certification. Please contact each organization for further information.
We are not suggesting one method over another.
American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth (Bradley®)
This method was "founded" by Dr. Robert Bradley in the late 40s, with the belief that husbands should help with childbearing. Dr. Bradley was a large part of the reason that fathers are in the birthing rooms today. Bradley® has their statement of goals on the Internet.
1(800) 4-A-BIRTH
Box 5224
Sherman Oaks, CA 91413-5224
What the teachers have to say...
Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE, formerly IHB/P)
ALACE was originally Informed Homebirth & Parenting, started by midwife, Rahima Baldwin. They also have their statement of goals, but you will need to write them.
P.O. Box 382724
Cambridge, MA 02238
617-441-2500
What the teachers have to say...
Lamaze International
The Lamaze Method is a well-recognized name in childbirth education. They have strong beliefs in advocacy for families. Visit their fact sheet for more information.
1200 19th Street, NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20036
FAX: (202) 223-4579
What the teachers have to say...
International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA)
ICEA's long standing belief is reflected in their motto: "Freedom of choice based on knowledge of alternatives." They also offer an experienced teacher program for certification. Information about their goals and objects are online.
ICEA
PO Box 20048
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55420 USA
612/854-8660
info@icea.org
What the teachers have to say...
How to find Clients
Books for Childbirth Educators
Finding Clients
Online References for CBEs
Childbirth Education: The Blog
Birth Activist
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