10 Things I'll do Before I Become a Midwife

10. Read books about birth and midwifery (There are so many books on my Christmas wish list!)

9. Attend a midwifery conference (I went to my first one this year!)

8. Visit midwives and birth centers (I visited 2 birth centers this year!)

7. Take a doula course (hopefully next year)

6. Find a job related to birth (hopefully next year)

5. Write articles about midwifery (New Years Resolution: write more blog articles!)

4. Research midwifery schools

3. Have babies of my own!

2. Have more babies!

1. I can’t wait to have children, and get firsthand experience about birth, midwifery, and everything related to babies. (hopefully next year!)

11 Responses to “10 Things I'll do Before I Become a Midwife”

  1. Cristina Says:
    Hi, I'm interested in becoming a midwife, too. I haven't had any children yet but I read voraciously about it. Can you recommend some books? How do I figure out if midwifery is my calling? I'd love to hear from you, write if you can. Thanks, Cristina
  2. Bethany Says:
    Hi Cristina! My suggestions are to keep reading anything you can find about midwifery, and try to find midwives and birth centers in your area. Get to know those people and see if you can get involved - that will give you an idea if you are really interested in it! Here are some of my favorite books: Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin Heart & Hands by Elizabeth Davis
  3. Cristina Says:
    Bethany, that's so funny! I own and have read all of the books you recommended - I'll have to let you know about the others I've read. Have you noticed how there are no midwifery books in the parenting or women's section of stores like Border's or Barnes and Noble? The topic is hard to find in regular bookstores. I am thinking of calling a few midwives in my area and asking about shadowing them - I was a medical interpreter and lactation counselor for over 5 years and maybe I could offer some sort of service barter for watching/shadowing experience. The question is how to word my letter. Any ideas?
  4. Bethany Says:
    Goodness, I've been so terrible about writing back - I'm sorry! I must be lucky enough to have a local Barnes and Noble that supports midwifery - I was able to buy both Ina May books there! But, I always look through other book stores to try and see if they have books that are new to me, and it is very hard to find them. I do enjoy reading all of the book descriptions and consumer comments on Amazon.com, though! I think it's a great idea to try and find a midwife in your area to work with. How wonderful that you have that experience - especially being a lactation counselor. I would write or call those midwives, and explain that you are an aspiring midwife. You can explain the experience you have had with birth and breastfeeding support, and ask for the opportunity to learn from them and possibly volunteer your services in return. Is there a birth center in your area? If so, they may be excited to have a lactation counselor to provide classes and support to the parents. Let me know how it goes, and if you need some more ideas. Have fun!
  5. leanne Says:
    im interested in becoming a midwife, i have a child of my own. i want to know if i get a degree in midwifery can i work in the usa or australia.
  6. Ana Says:
    I would like to become a midwife but i am not sure what sort of school to go to to achieve my goal. How many years of schooling must i do to acheive this?
  7. Liv Says:
    Hey! I'm actually starting midwifery in College this month, four year degree! Il keep ye updated!
  8. Bethany Says:
    Hi, Liv Congratulations on beginning your midwifery program. What school are you attending? I would love to hear more about your experiences!
  9. adriana Luvia11@.com Says:
    What kin of scooling/training is needed to become a midwife?
  10. Ashley Says:
    I am also interested in becoming a midwife. I have one child of my own and would love to be involved as a midwife. Any suggestions on way I could get involved?
  11. Rachael Says:
    I am the mommy of 3 children two of our children were delovered by a male OB. Our 3 child was delivered by my midwife. It was such a wounderful experience. I admire my midwife. I believe becoming a midwife is my calling. If I choose my own daughters choice in prenatel care when the time comes I would hope she would choose to have a midwife.

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