Becoming a CBE

[MamaAshley]

How do I become a childbirth educator? What is a good program to go through? I trained with dona for birth doula cert but now I think i'd like to add CBE to my list of things to do, hehe. Any advice?

[nocomparta]

http://www.cappa.net/cbe.asp

I'm certified with CAPPA, they have a great program, and really encourage you to develop your own "technique" rather than force-feed you someone else's.

[newbirth]

I think ICEA has one of the most reasonable programs around. Depends on what you are looking for from an organization. I like one that will let me pick and choose what sort of topics, activities and materials I will use in class.

http://www.icea.org/

[Gentlebirthmama]

I've been certified through the Bradley Method for over 13 years and I'm very grateful I chose this particular 'method' as the basis for my childbirth teaching. The classes are awesome, very consumer oriented, and a majority of my couples have gone on to have amazing births. There is plenty of negativity surrounding Bradley but overall the positive far outweighs the negative.

Anyway, if I were to re-certify today I would probably go with Birthworks or ALACE. I like both of their philosophies and they seem a little more teacher friendly as far as the organization.

Amy

[MothertheMother]

The only reason I chose Lamaze over CAPPA is the name recognition. They do set standard as to what you have to cover in Lamaze classes but if you don't promote your classes as "Lamaze" you can teach whatever you want. I have been very happy with my choice so far. I think what organization you choose really depends on what type of classes you want to teach...hospital vs private etc...I would also look into Birthing From Within

[Stacie]

I am pursuing Lamaze through Passion for Birth. Their philosophy really resonated with me:

Quote:

Labor begins on its own Freedom of movement throughout labor Continuous labor support No routine interventions Non-supine (e.g., upright or side-lying) positions for birth No separation of mother and baby after birth with unlimited opportunity for breastfeeding

Often people think Lamaze and assume it's just breathing, when really, their philosphy has changed to promoting "normal birth."

I also know ICEA and LCCE (Lamaze) are the two most well-known. Many DONA Doulas get Lamaze training, and that also helped determine my path. I was going to go through CAPPA, but on the advice of my doula trainer, whom I trust and respect, I decided to go with Lamaze via PfB.

[tlcdoula]

I think the most important thing to do is figure out what you want to do with the training? Do you want to work in a hospital? Work for yourself? Once you have that figured out then you can figure out what direction you might need to certify in. For example, most of the hospitals in my area will only accept Lamaze or ICEA certification. I did get one hospital to accept my CAPPA certification, but believe that they only accepted it because I also have a masters degree in education behind it.

In fact right now I am working towards certification through ICEA so that I can work for another hospital in my area. This hospital is more mother friendly than the one I currently work at and although I see positive changes in the one I am currently at I would still like to work for the other hospital as well.

I think each organization has their benefits and downfalls, and so you need to explore what you want to do with the certification and also what group fits with your needs.

[Stacie]

Quote:

For example, most of the hospitals in my area will only accept Lamaze or ICEA certification.

Ditto. I do not plan to teach for a hospital, but at least I know I would have more options by certifying with Lamaze.

[motherwise]

I'm doing birthworks