Comments for Midwife Mentor

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.

Comment on What is a Midwife? Part Three by rox

rox — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:18:47 +0000

my family always had women who were/ are midwives what I find so different in the here and now is the issue of trust . In regards to accreditation now . lack of community. I have fear for my children and grandchildren now in regards to midwifery being certified in away and yet I do also know many beautiful women who are certified including my dear friend who is a teacher now was a leading role in getting midwifery here leaglized etc. yet the main and actual scary thing I see now is the lack of calling . Those who are now entering the midwifery program who are not called to be a midwife what so ever .
Some of these women frankly should not be allowed near a new born never mind be put in charge of attending birth postnatal care etc.
I see where midwives never would have made it had they not had the support of the community because that was/is who they are called to be as well. The level of trust that comes if a woman were not a great person regarding spirit , skill etc. well the community never would call on her in the first place .
Now just as in eduication or any other field people are choosing midwifery unfortunetly as career sinstaed of it first being a calling . My girlfriend was a lay midwife for over 20 yrs before she was led to become certified .
I just belive midwifery is not like some other areas of employment . I feel the aspect of a spiritual calling , an instinctive aspect to this is a must ☺

I know in some countries like MX this will always remain because the medical commnity just cannot get ahold of tradition and the issue of class , poor just cannot afford to have their children born in medical facilities. so the community midwife is still very much a real aspect of the community and culture .
That is my definition but then again I’m a bit of a radical Granny who beleives a qualified birth professional is a Mother ☺
I’m enjoying these posts very much .