Training Recap Part 1: Choosing A Program

I just completed my birth doula training with Childbirth International. I wanted to give a quick recap of my experience for those who may be considering the same.

First of all, it took me a while to decide which training program to pursue. I researched quite a bit before deciding on CBI. Here's the short version of my selection process.

The main certifying organizations for doulas in the United States are DONA and CAPPA. They are both very well known and popular. However, they both require you to train through weekend conferences. For me, I tend to get a little overwhelmed in a jam-packed conference type environment. My brain can only hold so much information in a short span and I need time to process. Also, it is interesting to note that their prices are different based on the trainer. I also didn't want the added expense of having to travel to another city for training nor did I want to wait for the next conference to come to Nashville.

I needed a program that offered a distance learning option with no hard deadlines. I am very capable of setting and meeting my own deadlines as I completed my Bachelor's degree and medical transcription training through online programs. I like working at my own pace. I also wanted training that was consistent across the board. I felt that the variation in trainers and costs could ultimately lead to a variation in learning. Meaning, you may or may not get the same information depending upon the trainer. (Side Notes: 1. I'm confident that the DONA and CAPPA trainers are quite knowledgeable. I'm just trying to share my thought process and this was a hangup. 2. CAPPA now offers a distance learning program.)

I learned about a few other programs, Birth Arts International, Birthing From Withing and Childbirth International. The BAI and BFW programs seemed to have a more holistic/spiritual approach, which is definitely inline with my beliefs about birth and I strongly considered them. In fact, the BAI program also has a scholarship program. However, the consensus among reviews was that the CBI course was one of the most comprehensive programs out there, which was a major deciding factor for me. Not only did I want to become a doula, I want to be a good doula. Also, CBI does not require you to pay a recertification fee every year, which was an added plus.

To get this information, I did tons of Google searches. I also browsed through the archives of many forums. The most helpful of which was over at AllDoulas.com. I also gave it a lot of thought and prayer before finally deciding that I wanted to certify through Childbirth International.

In review, here are the doula training organizations that I looked into.

DONA International

CAPPA

ALACE

Birth Arts International

Birthing From Within

Childbirth International (CBI) - My choice for Birth Doula Training!

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Staci Bishop, Certified Doula, At Your Service

It's official! I'm a doula. A certified doula.

I've done all the steps, read all of the materials, taken all the tests, finished the book reviews, completed the surveys, performed the hands-on training, and labored over the written communication assignment. Beyond these assignments, I've also done further research on my own and aim to continue to pursue knowledge regarding all topics surrounding pregnancy and birth.

Through this process, I've grown and learned a great deal. I aim to write about my full experience but for now I just wanted to make the announcement that I received my final grade, the highest mark possible, on my written assignment. This was the last piece of the puzzle. My certificate has been requested and will arrive soon. Yay!!!

I'm so excited to finally put these precious little letters behind my name.

Staci Bishop, CD (CBI)

**CD stands for Certified Doula and CBI is for the program I completed, Childbirth International.

Reading Roundup 6/26 (vernix, marijuana, borax, vaccine history, VBAC facts)

Here's a look at a few interesting things I've read this week.

A Young Mother's Birth Story Told With Photos - This mother is 18 years old and shares the journey of her natural, homebirth through pictures. It's beautiful! If she can do it, anyone can. Very inspiring!

Wait! Don't Wash That Newborn - Routine baths are given rather quickly in hospital settings despite the fact that research has shown vernix to have anti-bacterial and temperature regulating qualities.

Newborns Testing Positive for Marijuana Because of Their Baby Soaps?!?! - Two well-known baby washes by Johnson & Johnson and Aveeno contain THC. No joke. And there is a scientific study to prove it.

22 Favorite Birth Quotes and Affirmations - My fave from this list is... "‎If I don’t know my options, I don’t have any.” ~ Diana Korte

VBAC Quick Facts - Helpful post and informative website for VBAC info.

Boron: Major Cause and Cure for Arthritis - I'll admit. I've never been a fan of Borax. In fact, I have intentionally left it out of my homemade laundry detergent recipe. But, after reading this (because my hubby has arthritis of the knees), I may be changing my tune.

Vaccines (Part II): Hygiene, Sanitation, Immunization, and Pestilential Diseases - This article shares the history of many diseases but I find the visual aid to be the most helpful. Basically, it shows that the diseases were already on the sharp decline (mainly due to better hygiene and sanitation) before the vaccines were ever introduced.