Comments for Midwife Mentor

Comment on Study Aids – Digital Flash Cards One by Maryn

Maryn — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 09:52:16 +0000

What a coincidence! I have problem memorizing difinitions and new words too, and I’m also looking for a flashcard site with spaced repetition study method. My friend recommended superflashcard.com, he told me they support multi-platform application and intergrate spaced repetition function. Now I’m trying it and few more sites, superflashcard is the best so far. Would you like to try it too?

Comment on AIDS, Birth and Women by Jennifer

Jennifer — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 09:44:59 +0000

Yes, we did talk about universal precautions which would even be more important in East Africa than many parts of the United States. We also spent some time discussing the recommendations for HIV prevention with breastfeeding which is something that almost never comes up among doulas in the USA.

Comment on AIDS, Birth and Women by renageibel

renageibel — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:11:33 +0000

Did it the topic of universal standard procautions arise during training? I wear protective clothing (scrubs actually) and washable shoes. I also put on gloves during second stage or when things really start getting messy. Some delivery settings may have the gloves there for you to use, but doulas should carry some in their bag just in case.

Comment on Epidural by renageibel

renageibel — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:00:37 +0000

Actually, a woman can meet in advance with anesthesiologist, but can go into labour and she decides when or if she even wants an epidural. I have had ladies that met in advanced and went their whole labours without having an epidural, others who do labour for a while and get an epidural at 5-6cm, and yes there are those that will opt for an epidural in early labour. However, the anesthesiologists do not like to administer this prior to active labour.
And…you can receive an epidural even if you have not had a preliminary meeting. It means you may have to wait a bit longer before a dr can attend to you.
I would also challenge the “almost every international resident uses one at birth”.

Comment on The power of discernment by Jennifer Vanderlaan

Jennifer Vanderlaan — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 23:15:22 +0000

I’m embarrassed to admit that I didn’t keep good records when I started so I don’t really know the exact number of births I attended. And I stopped counting before I stopped attending births because I stopped doing it as a “business.” In hindsight, that was a bad move and I would never recommend any other doula do that. My best guess is between 65 and 100.

There are many paths to midwifery, and while I don’t think any one path regularly produces superior midwives, I do think there will be a right path for you. But you are the only person who can find that path.

Think about your goals as a midwife. What do you want to do? What populations do you want to help? Where do you want to work? And yes, how much time and money can you invest in training?

I can tell you that I never thought I would be studying to be a CNM – I never expected to be a midwife and I certainly never wanted to be a nurse. But this is my path because of the work I have chosen to do.

I plan to work in areas with little or no access to health care – so I need to have as full understanding as possible of all health conditions and illnesses.

I plan to start midwifery schools in developing countries – so I need qualifications that every government will recognize.

I plan to do research and advocate for policy that saves the lives of mothers and babies – so I need to develop research skills beyond reading journals.

Because of this, I have chosen to study midwifery as an advanced practice nurse. This allows me to prepare to become a Family Nurse Practitioner while I am training to be a CNM. Because I know I want to work in research and policy I am also working towards an MPH. This is a dual program, so I can do both at the same time.

But that fact is, what I am doing is extreme – it is expensive in terms of time and money. My family loses time with me. I don’t have much life outside studying. My only exercise is walking to classes. I have days when I eat nothing more than oatmeal and coffee. I have days when I’m afraid I’m headed down the wrong path. I have days when I doubt I can make it through to graduation. The whole time I know, I may have to start all over for a PhD to be effective at making the changes I want to see in the world.

In short, don’t decide which program is for you based on which makes you a better midwife – CPM or CNM you really need to have the same knowledge base and both will prepare you with that. Make the decision based on which type of program will better prepare you for the work you plan to do.

Hope that talks you out of the wrong path, whichever that may be.

Comment on The power of discernment by catalinakel

catalinakel — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:36:56 +0000

Good points. Amazingly, your writing is causing me to reconsider becoming a direct entry midwife and really looking at becoming a CNM. Which is so hard to admit. And reckon with; after all, I am fifty one and would be pretty much starting from scratch. I really don’t want to take the time to do it, and I don’t have the money. Could you talk me out of it? I want to be wise and knowledgeable and discerning. How many births did you attend as a doula?

Comment on Technology can be my friend by Jennifer Vanderlaan

Jennifer Vanderlaan — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 19:00:41 +0000

Well, live and learn. My settings seem wrong, because the entire post did not come through. I’ll keep working on this because it may be a way to keep on top of the blog, even when I’m over my head with studying.

Comment on Snow Day Number Two by Jennifer Vanderlaan

Jennifer Vanderlaan — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 18:18:13 +0000

We seem to think very similarly. I can’t wait to hear about what you are learning. Could you share what books you purchased?

Comment on Snow Day Number Two by catalinakel

catalinakel — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 05:43:03 +0000

Crazy. I recently found your blog and also decided just today to begin a notebook. I am brand new, and have purchases 12 books to go through this year on my journey toward midwife-hood. I want to record what I am learning in the books so I have the info handy, but I also like the idea of small notebooks. Thanks for sharing.

Comment on Planning your year by catalinakel

catalinakel — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 01:11:38 +0000

This is a great post. I have just in the last few months decided to pursue midwifery. I am working on a five year plan, as my children are young teens and will be heading off to college in five years. Then I will be completely free to serve with women. Between now and then there is much to learn. I have just given myself a four day labor and post partum doula training class for my birthday gift. It is being held locally and is in April. That will be the beginning of my formal learning. Bless you for this blog. I shall visit often.