Reducing Fear in Expecting Families During COVID-19
Childbirth educators are in a unique position to help families reduce and manage fear because we are experts in the three E’s: Education, Empowerment, and Encouragement.
Year: 2020
Two Beautiful Children’s Books To Use In Your Classroom
Both of the these books are a good resource in any childbirth educator’s library. The books could also be sent home with parents who are wanting to encourage an understanding to older siblings.
Congratulations to the Second Round of 2020 Scholarship Winners
Thank you to everyone who applied for an ICEA scholarship during the most recent application period. We received so many incredible applications and are encouraged by your dedication to improving birth outcomes for all families.
A Note From the ICEA President | ICEA People
We have had to face many challenges this past year, but your ingenuity and creativity have been nothing short of inspirational. Thank you for the work you do!
Teaching Safe Sleep
When it comes to safe sleep, it’s not enough to teach expectant parents the important concepts. Today’s parents must be able to address all the aspects of safe sleep with their own parents–and aunts and grandparents and any other older adult who may be caring for the baby.
Kansas Mom Saves Her Baby Using Count the Kicks
Count the Kicks, an evidence-based public health campaign, educates and empowers expectant parents to track their baby’s movements in the third trimester of pregnancy. Research shows a change in a baby’s movements could be the earliest, and sometimes only indication that something may be wrong with a pregnancy.
Making an Informed Decision on Vitamin K Prophylaxis
In 1961, the American Academy of Pediatrics began recommending all newborns receive a vitamin K injection as part of routine newborn care. The recommendation was made after review of research which confirmed the administration of vitamin K as an effective preventative treatment for Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB).
Charitable Human Milk Donations to the Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa
Healthy, lactating women with surplus human milk have choices for it. They produce plenty of milk to feed their own infant(s) and have extra. They can donate it to a non-profit milk bank like the Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa, donate or sell it peer-to-peer, donate or sell it to a for profit company, do a combination of these or discard it.
Two Important Lactation Care Questions Answered
Every corner of the world can face an emergency: wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, snowstorms, and the resulting disruptions to infrastructure — like unsafe drinking water — can impact our daily routines. Having a plan for how to care for your nursling during challenging times can help reduce everyone’s stress and keep your family healthy.
A Note From the ICEA President | On the Bright Side
There is much room for improvement in the birth world, but please take time to appreciate the advances that have occurred. Progress may seem frustratingly slow, but we are moving forward. Education is essential for continued progress – and education is what ICEA is all about.
2020 Scholarship Round 2 Application Period Open
Our certification programs provide you with the information and skills you need to make a difference in the lives of pregnant women and their families. Those who are in financial need are encouraged to turn your passion into a career by applying for a scholarship.
COVID-19 Education: Prevention and Symptom Recognition
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the care provided in childbirth centers across our nation. The question: “What are the chances of me getting infected with COVID-19 while I’m pregnant?” is a question that is brought up weekly in my virtual childbirth classes.
Eight Strategies for Breastfeeding During a Natural Disaster
Every corner of the world can face an emergency: wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, snowstorms, and the resulting disruptions to infrastructure — like unsafe drinking water — can impact our daily routines. Having a plan for how to care for your nursling during challenging times can help reduce everyone’s stress and keep your family healthy.
Chen Guangzhan is China’s First ICEA Approved Trainer (IAT)
It is with great honor and privilege that I have been able to play a small part in mentoring my friend and colleague, Chen, to have met all of the requirements to become the first ICEA Approved Trainer in China.
A Note From the ICEA President | Making Life Better
What are your gifts? Would you like to be a part of making a difference on a national and international level? Our Board of Directors would love to hear from you. Email us with suggestions. Volunteer your time and energy.
Register Now For Our 2020 Certified Professional Meeting & 60th Birthday Celebration
Decorate your virtual background and bake your favorite flavor of cake because ICEA is turning 60! Registration is now open for this free event on 22 September.
You’re Invited To Our Birthday Party and Conference
Join us for our virtual Certified Professional Meeting and 60th Birthday Celebration on 22 September and our 2020 Virtual Conference! ICEA will release a bundle of conference presentations every Tuesday in October starting on 6 October. Busy in October? The conference bundles will be available for viewing until the 31 December.
Breastfeeding and the Environment
Each year the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy (WABA) chooses a theme for World Breastfeeding Week celebrations around the world which is celebrated every year August 1-7. For 2020 the theme is “Support Breastfeeding for a Healthier Planet.”
Life as an Exclusive Expresser
After becoming pregnant the first time, one thing I knew right from the start was that I would breastfeed my child. I knew it might require a little bit to master breastfeeding after birth, but I felt confident that my baby and I could achieve it. Little did I know that my baby’s severe tongue-tie and lip-tie would make it a lot less simple than I imagined—and forever change my preconceived notions of there being only one “right” way to provide human milk.
A Note From the ICEA President | Life Lessons
In response to a recent member survey, ICEA will be offering a series of webinars on the most requested topics including, teaching tips, maternal mental health, comfort measures, and diversity/inclusivity. You will hear from some who are experts in their field and from some of ICEA’s most experienced educators and doulas.
Congratulations to the First Round of 2020 Scholarship Winners
Thank you to everyone who applied for an ICEA scholarship during the most recent application period. We received so many incredible applications and are encouraged by your dedication to improving birth outcomes for all families.
Advocating For Equity
As the Executive Director of ICEA, along with the Board of Directors, I hope to be an agent of change. I not only want to get the conversation started among the ICEA community, but also put plans in place that execute the mission of the organization and stand behind our statement on racial disparities.
ICEA Board Nominations Deadline Has Been Extended
We want the voices on our Board of Directors to represent all of our certified professionals. ICEA leadership needs your voice and unique perspective. Your expertise will benefit ICEA certified professionals, and your support will help them improve birth outcomes for all.
Webinar | Detecting Bias in Research
Between the time a researcher starts conducting research and the time you share that research with your clients, there are numerous places where bias impacts the process. This one hour webinar will give you some tools to help you to recognize and detect the sometimes surprising source of those biases.