CBE Question

Kalamazoo Doula · 11-06-2005, 04:08 AM

Hey, here a is question for ya ladies. Do any of you, or do you know of anybody who teaches CBE without being certified? I really want to start teaching private CBE classes, because in my area, the only choices expectant families have are, which hopital based classes to take, and there is only one Bradley instructor (and her classes are not cheap!). Between my doula work, my crazy family (husband who works full time and school full time), the pregnancy/baby expo that I'm organizing, and my midwifery studies, I don't have time or money (especially money) to get certified.

I really appreciate everyone's feed back

delilahdr · 11-06-2005, 08:55 AM

My CBE certification just came through... I have been working on the certification the whole time, but it took a long time to finish- I had to take several months off from it when my toddler had brain surgery, there were no cert seminars near me and I had to save up to travel to go do it, etc.

But now that I have received my certification (last month) I have already taught the series something like 13 times? So it really isn't that you can't teach without being certified... you just have to have couples TO teach. I think doing the things you would do to become certified (reading the textbook and the books and auditing someone else's CBE series, etc.) is a great idea though...

Good luck!

susan1 · 11-06-2005, 09:47 AM

I would also like to start teaching private CBE class...however don't have the money to get certified either. Even though I am beginning to think that being certified is not all it's crack up to be.

What organization are you girls going though to get cerified or are cerified with?

Susan

tlcdoula · 11-06-2005, 09:55 AM

I am certified as a CBE through CAPPA.

I think if you are honest and open with the families that you are working with then there is nothing wrong with it. I was technically teaching condensed childbirth education to every single doula client I had when I first started. I was working with teens who weren't taking childbirth education classes and basically what I was doing was teaching them, and I wasn't certified. I just think the big key is being honest with those who are attending your classes. You don't have to say "well I am not certified" (unless they ask), but instead when you introduce yourself you tell them your assets.

Good luck this it

delilahdr · 11-06-2005, 09:20 PM

And I have to say, I think doing what is required to become certified is a great thing- observing other educators, reading books, working with moms in labor, writing essays, etc. in terms of becoming a better and better teacher... but I have only been asked whether or not I am certified a couple of times. Mainly people want to know that you have the information they want, and you need to be able to present it concisely and effectively, and that can be done whether or not you are certified. If you have a heart for teaching, I say, go for it!

DL · 11-06-2005, 11:29 PM

This is very

, but there's something I'm wondering about.....

What does the *m mean behind your post titles? Just curious!

***************

Sorry ladies.... "back to your regularly scheduled program"!

tlcdoula · 11-06-2005, 11:48 PM

I am not for sure, but I think it stands for "more" because she edits the posts. At least that is what I assumed. I hope I am right LOL

kelley piasecki · 11-07-2005, 09:12 AM

Erin.....I was just hired two weeks ago as a CBE at our local hospital, and I am not certified. At our hospital, it's not required to be certified. I plan to become CBE certified in the future, though!

delilahdr · 11-07-2005, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doula_Lori

This is very

, but there's something I'm wondering about.....

What does the *m mean behind your post titles? Just curious!

***************

Sorry ladies.... "back to your regularly scheduled program"!

Eeek, yes, it means "more"... comes with habit because of my usually posting on a board where you can either type only a message in the subject line but nothing in the body of the message (so people on dialup do not need to click on the message- waste of time, because the subject line is all there is) or type something in the subject line and in the body of the message.

It is totally unnecessary here since when you click on the thread, it shows the whole thread- subject lines and message bodies... but it's habit! LOL I will try to stop!

DL · 11-07-2005, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delilahdr

It is totally unnecessary here since when you click on the thread, it shows the whole thread- subject lines and message bodies... but it's habit! LOL I will try to stop!

Delilah,

Oh...it definitely doesn't hurt anything; you don't need to stop!

I was just curious, as I hadn't seen others do that before. Of course, sometime later, someone else might also ask you...but if that's ok with you, then it's no biggie!! Thanx for making me just a wee bit smarter today!!

Kalamazoo Doula · 11-07-2005, 12:32 PM

Susan,
I'm thinking of going through ICEA. I was going to go through them because there MAY be a possiblility that I teach at a local hopital. But the more and more I think about it, and look at what I'm going to be doing in my future (midwifery) I really don't feel comfortable teaching at a hospital. Especially since you have to have your curriclum cleared by the hospital. I really don't want to be ecused of teaching like a doula! (I think this was a issue for Michelle?) Since I'm thinking of teaching more privatley, and I have a dream of opening a birth center (in the far future). I have a more near future dream of opening a pregnancy related 'shop', where expectant parents can come and recieve CBE classes, doula services, by childbirth and parenting related products, such as b/f pillows, massage lotions, videos and slings. Also a place where there will be a massage therapist who is only doing prenatal and infant massage. Some one I know in a different state has opended one of these 'shops' this summer and it is doing soooo well! I'm was so inspired by her! I just need someone else to do the venture with me!
So, back to the point, since I really don't need the big name of ICEA, because I'll be doing free standing classes, I was thinking of going through Birth Concepts. http://birthsource.com

I'd love to hear more feed back

Bree · 11-07-2005, 01:00 PM

ERIN, We have alot of the same goals!!!!!!
I am getting my CBE cert through ICEA. I have been in the program since this passed February and I have also sat in on CBE classes every Tuesday night. I feel that the classes is where you get most of your info. The teacher has been great and I've learned alot through her. I have to take a break & go back to work now, but that way I will be able to save money for the conference next year & also for the test. Anyways, I am going to teach a class at my local Crisis Pregnancy Center beginning in January & I will not be certified at that time. I say, go for it! Be truthful with the Families you'll be working with and tell them what you are doing. Maybe offer your classes at a reduced rate until you are certified. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

susan1 · 11-07-2005, 01:21 PM

Have anyone of you heard of getting certified as a childbirth instructor by Red Cross? I have tried getting some info but cannot find any in my area. The only reason I was asking is because I found a doula on the web that says she a Certified Red Cross Childbirth Instructor. I wonder what kind of material Red Cross teaches?

Erin,
I too would not mind teaching at a hospital however I like to teach my own material.

Susan

tlcdoula · 11-07-2005, 02:23 PM

I have never heard of that. One thing I would caution you on is when you find information on personal websites sometimes people make things up. For example, once I was questioned on my "credentials" because a midwife didn't believe that I had all of them that I do (I guess she doesn't realize the importance of lifelong learning like I do

Anyhow, when I explained it she told me that she met a woman who had many, many certifications (way more than me) and when she questioned the woman on them she found out the woman gave them to herself. Yes, you read that right. The woman wanted to be certified so she certified herself!!!! Scary hey?!

Forgot to say that the parents that were hiring her never had a clue either - they were impressed with her credentials and because of it she got lots of jobs, but every credential she had was bogus.