Expectant Parents

Find an Educator or Doula

Find a Childbirth Class

Types of Educators

Selecting a Professional

 
ICEA Certified Educators and Doulas are committed to family centered maternity care and freedom of choice based on knowledge of alternatives. Contact your local educator or doula.

Certification Process

Pathways to Certification

Become a Member

Training Workshops

Scholarships and Grants

 
ICEA is a long established childbirth education organization providing a comprehensive training program. Become certified and begin the journey to a rewarding career.

Certified Educators

Recertification Process

Available Contact Hours

Renew Membership

Members Directory

 
ICEA is committed to offering continuing education and networking opportunities to our certified educators and doulas. Together we can promote family centered maternity care.

Becoming a Childbirth Educator-One Woman's Journey

We all have our reasons for wanting to become childbirth educators and/or doulas.  Most of us have gradually discovered a passion for all things related to pregnancy and birth.  Sometimes some of us are fortunate enough to know which path to take and how to reach our goals-and other times it can be a bit overwhelming.  Which organization should I certify with? How long will it take? Will I make any money? Will I be a good teacher and where can I find pregnant couples who would be willing to learn from me? Will I have the time? Can I find a someone to mentor me? In the end it becomes clear that one need only trust and be open to what unfolds...

This is one woman's story about her path to becoming a childbirth educator.  The letter was written in response to an inquiry about the certification process.  I am sure you will find that your story resonates on some level with Dolly's and if not-she does give some excellent advice.  

Thank you Dolly for all that you do to inspire and educate pregnant couples and your words of wisdom for those of us who are either on the certification track or who are giving it some thought.

 

A Story of Two VBACs

Why a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean should be a Vital Option

My second birth as a student doula was with a woman who was attempting to have a vaginal birth after Cesarean.  She had spent a great deal of time preparing.  Bradley Method classes, a doula, and an obstetrician that was willing to “let her try” to give birth vaginally. 40 weeks came and went-and her doctor started talking about an induction.  Wanting to keep things as low-risk as possible my client tried all sorts of natural induction methods, however at around 41 weeks she found herself in triage awaiting induction.  They had talked of pitocin but her cervix was not favorable.  I remember it so clearly-induction points, clary sage oil, me at her feet, sister at her right hand and partner at her left.  We were going to force her cervix by sheer will into submission. 

Blogs You Should be Following

There are so many amazing blogs out there that pertain to topics we love-pregnancy, birth, doulas, informed choice, breastfeeding, childbirth educators, parenting-its nearly impossible to keep track.  I have decided that every so often I will post a list of blogs you should be following.  I look forward to your comments and suggestions-chances are I will miss out on a great blog or two so if you know of a blogger worthy of our attention-please let us know.  Here are some of my favorites...

Happy Blogging!

Our Bodies-Our Blog - www.ourbodiesourblog.org/blog

Science & Sensibility - www.scienceandsensibility.org

Citizens for Midwifery - cfmidwifery.blogspot.com

Peaceful Parenting - www.drmomma.org

Birth Activist - www.birthactivist.com

 

Childbirth Connections-Transforming Maternity Care Project...

Childbirth Connection’s Transforming Maternity Care project collaborated with industry leaders and stakeholders to set a vision for a “high quality-high value maternity care system.”  In order to implement this vision workgroups were created to establish a Blueprint for Action.  An Action Community has been created to bring together individuals, birth advocates, care-providers, and consumer groups

Birth Choices Expo

Birth Choices Expo’s aim is to make information about pregnancy, birth & parenting more accessible so that you can make the right choices for you & your baby and experience the joy of a positive more normal birth experience and a great start to parenting, just as you always dreamed. The last Birth Choices Expo at Annandale Community Centre in October 2009 was a great success, triggering a move to a larger venue to accommodate exhibitors and visitors for March 5, to mark International Women’s Day.

Good childbirth education has been proven to help women have more success with natural birth. Your natural birth begins long, long before you feel the first hints of labour. Birth Choices Expo at Leichhardt Town Hall on March 5th 2010 is the one stop place to start to gather this information. 6pm – 9pm FREE ENTRY!

Rising caesarean rates are proving to be a concern internationally; the World Health Organisation places the average acceptable rate at 14%, Australia is fast outpacing the USA, with caesarean Section rate of 40%. Pregnancy can be overwhelming physically and mentally with lots of decisions and choices to be made; Birth Choices Expo is a unique opportunity for women & families to meet a range of highly experienced birth professionals and obtain information on how to have a great birth, all in one evening in a supportive and fun community event.