So, I'm about to try to go back to school....

[Mistress_Autumn]

To become a doula.

It'll take me a couple of years to get all the requirements met, but when I'm done I'll be employable anywhere in the USA. (An independent Autumn? Will wonders never cease???)

I'm great with laboring moms... but I don't want to do the whole needle thing... so I can't become a Dr. or a nurse. CNM's also have to know how to do needle stuff, so that's out too... BUT!

I can become a Doula without that particular part.

Now, I know some of you would say "But it's just needles. And it's not like they'd be going into -your- veins..." *nods* I know. But I think the whole Dr/nurse/midwife-patient relationship would tank if they saw me pass out and go into flashback convulsions from having to handle a needle. (baaaaad childhood) So that's just not going to happen.

I have found my calling! Woohoo! My mom was a midwife when I was growing up, and I've seen my share of labor and deliveries. I -love- helping babies enter the world... I just don't like being the vehicle by which they get here. *giggles*

So wish me luck! And call me next time you're having a baby... I promise I'll be helpful.::boingyw::

[Thistle]

To become a doula.

It'll take me a couple of years to get all the requirements met, but when I'm done I'll be employable anywhere in the USA. (An independent Autumn? Will wonders never cease???)



Anywhere but Missouri where midwifery is illegal. Well, maybe you could do post-pardum....

http://www.friendsofmomidwives.org/

anyhoo, scholarships are a good bet unless you want to pay for the whole thing yourself - or through loans, which are a beeotch to pay back. Fastweb and FastAid are good starts, but not the only search engines out there. Don't forget guidance counselors- they may know of grants and scholarships out there that the search engines don't. And be persistent! Good Luck!

[Mistress_Autumn]

Anywhere but Missouri where midwifery is illegal. Well, maybe you could do post-partum.... Ahhh... but, see? It not midwifery. *grins* A doula is like a "labor coach"... she just has a ton more knowledge.

[KissMeKate]

Anywhere but Missouri where midwifery is illegal. Well, maybe you could do post-pardum....

Why would a state make midwifery illegal? I would think that passing a law to require more study or certification would make more sense. How old is that law?

Good luck, Autumn! Finding your calling is a fabulous thing!!! ::clappin:

[Cruisewench]

Why would a state make midwifery illegal?
Missouri's not the only one, even in PA it's "legal by judicial interpretation" some states have these laws on the books because of malpractice stuff.


Anyway, Autumn, good for you, the world needs more experienced, caring labor support people, wether that's as a doula or in whatever role works for you!

[Dragonamant]

Why would a state make midwifery illegal? I would think that passing a law to require more study or certification would make more sense. How old is that law?

Usually, these laws were passed through the lobbying efforts of doctors, although because there is no licensing or certifications, there were some issues with competency that help the doctors make their point.

The words "thoughtful" or "considered" rarely apply to the actions of legislative or political bodies.

"You would think" is too often the head-scratching phrase that comes to mind when reading our laws. Sadly, kneejerk groupthink ::tinfoil: -- which is truely groupdumb -- prevails. :unamused:

...

[Lady Hefron]

Good luck Autumn

[*Gremco]

Wow! Good luck. I used to want to be a midwife, but I can't get the past the whole sticking needles in people either. You have such an awesome calling.