CBI or Birth Arts??

fourgirlsforme · 03-08-2007, 04:24 PM

I have narrowed my search down to these two organizations that I would like to certify with. My first consideration was the online learning. I am still BF my 15 month old and couldn't leave her for 3 days! CBI seems "bigger" and more recognized, but Birth Arts totally "jives" with my philosophies. Does that make sense? So, have you or are you learning through either of these programs? Any advice or recommendations? Thanks, Jessica

demetria · 03-08-2007, 04:35 PM

Jessica,
Choosing a training is a hard choice. Just listen to your inside voice and choose the training that you feel will work best with your core. Ultimately we serve women from our core.
I think that putting your family first is an excellent choice, good for you

Demetria
-disclaimer-
I work for BAI, just to let you know.
PM me if you have direct questions.

AussieDoula · 03-08-2007, 04:58 PM

I'm a CBI Doula, but I wholeheartedly agree that you should choose the organisation that best reflects your own philosophies. Definitely pay attention to your gut feelings and the place you are most drawn to - in the end you will no doubt have a smoother transition into your true Doula self and your path because of it.

AMotz · 03-10-2007, 08:46 AM

I am certifying throught CBI as well. Like you, I am still breastfeeding and thought that the required workshops from a lot of other organizations would be too hard on my daughter right now. I figured I could always attend them in the future, but I could at least attend births now without the training workshops.

I really am happy with CBI. Their info is very good and they have focused a lot on the communication aspect of being a doula which has been very helpful for ME personally, since I have this overwhelming need to over-inform. HAH!

Anyway, I think you should choose the organization that your will get the most education from. If your philosophy is more on par with BirthArts, then use them. If you would rather get your certification done without the workshops, do CBI, you can always attend workshops later, and at your leisure.

One more thing, there is not a shortage of information from any of the org's.

Lyndsey · 03-12-2007, 01:54 PM

I'm also certifying through CBI. When doing my research on organizations I wanted to find one that meshed with my needs as a breastfeeding mom but also did not cut corners on their learning materials. So far with CBI I am very pleased. Their course is very comprehensive, I'm learning quite a bit. They also accepted payments over several months which was great since money is tight here.

Good luck in your decision!

Intuitivedoula · 03-12-2007, 04:09 PM

When we developed our Doula Certification course I made sure that we included a payment plan option, along with the ability to complete the coursework by distance learning in ones own community.

Our philosophy includes believing that if we are to teach women how to support one another, we have to make the path as accessible as possible. I understand that finances can often be difficult for young families.

By offering Distance training and payments plans, we hope to train those who might otherwise not be successful in completing their goal of becoming trained/certified.

I think there are some great programs going on - all offering different viewpoints/skills. There is a lot of information to draw from about the different courses.

For me, being able to pass down knowledge is one of the rewards of a long career.

JMoore86 · 03-14-2007, 02:09 AM

Hi,

I'm new here and I am training with CBI. The information is wonderful and I feel that it is very thorough. They give you exercises to complete to help you understand what you are learning, as well. That being said, I plan to complete the Birth Arts program as well after I finish CBI if for nothing else just to get a different perspective.

Good luck with your decision!

Jenny

BirthLove · 03-14-2007, 04:11 PM

Hey there.. I am new here and also training with CBI.. I tend to gravitate towards programs that accomodate my life style (full time college student with full time job) I love that they rely on you to stay up to date and don't make you pay a membership fee and all that stuff.. I definitly think that you should go what is right for you!

fourgirlsforme · 03-16-2007, 08:11 PM

Hmmm, thanks ladies! I am still thinking, but getting closer!

Cassie · 03-17-2007, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourgirlsforme

Hmmm, thanks ladies! I am still thinking, but getting closer!

Good luck on your choice!!

I'm also training with CBI. There were a lot of things that made me choose CBI but the main ones were:

1. No workshops required. I have an 8 month onld nursling and can't leave for days at a time.
2. No required fees for certification. If you've trained, I don't see why you have to keep paying to say that you've trained with them.
3. Philosophy. There isn't a set one that says this is the box you need to fit in. It allows you to really embrace your own philosophies, and become a doula from those.

And, since I've started, I've loved the training. Very comprehensive. Lots of resources. Easy to pace yourself. I didn't read much about Birth Arts, but I do love CBI.

lovebirthdoula · 03-17-2007, 06:22 PM

Another CBI student here. I chose this organization because I have 4 children and I was unable to go to a training in another city 2-3 hours away and I really love that it's at my own pace and that I am able to take my time with it at home whenever I have some free time

Tirzah