Anyone a CBE only?

[jennlindsey]

Hi all,

Curious if any of you are CBEs only, and not also doulas, as a lot of people tend to do both. I doula-ed briefly years ago, pre-kiddo, and found it wasn't a good fit for me (being on call and unable to drive was a very uneasy combo -- plus now I have a one year old nursling).

I've noticed that a lot of the certifying orgs require you to attend a certain # of births a year as well. Do you find that you need or want to attend births as well as teach, or is teaching satisfying enough both personally and financially?

Any input would be greatly appreciated! TIA!

[nimblemama]

I am training to be a CBE through ALACE. This has been my desire for several years, but ALACE is going to have a doula training in my area this year, so I have been going back and forth. I like the idea of being a doula, but don't think it would fit in my life right now. I have 2 toddlers and still going through my CBE studies. There are also 20+ advertised doulas in my area and a few local hospitals have doulas as well. Plus, the bad thing is natural birth and having a doula is not even very popular around here.

So, as my dh says- Excel in one thing. I plan to finish my CBE training and then find books on doula-ing. I visit alldoulas.com a lot and on there, sometimes it is considered a conflict of interest to be both a doula and childbirth educator for their clients. I think the two professions can aid each other and if you are one, then you can basically be the other, too. For example, I learn a lot about birth/positions/comfort measures in my CBE study that I could also use a doula.

Personally, I think that CBE training is so much more involved than doula training. Most doulas attend a workshop, read a few books, attend a few births, observe a class series,pass an exam, then they are certified. Some of them get it done rather quickly. For my ALACE CBE, I have 6 modules of reading and activites to turn in, then take an exam. After that I need to teach 6 women and receive evaluations, complete another module/learning activity, observe a class, submit a tape of my teaching, review a birth video, and come up with a detailed outline for my class series. Oh, and finish the 15-18 required books. With two little ones, that is going to take a loooong time for me.

Anyway, that is my long 2 cents!

[jennlindsey]

Thanks! I've noticed that in the places I've lived (large urban areas) there tends to be a LOT of doula saturation, with less CBEs. When I lived in Washington DC there was a lot of competition for the same birthing moms -- not an attractive thought!

Wow, so far ALACE is sounding like the most in-depth training! So many new organizations since I last researched!

[SublimeBirthGirl]

I'm a CBE only right now (I also used to doula) and very happy with it. I can teach hospital birthers how to increase their chances of a positive experience but found being there was not for me, for many reasons. I love teaching though.

[hippiemom]

I think it is important to have some hands-on in the birth arena, it enhances your teaching and keeps you current, but you did that in the past and have had a child yourself, that counts too.. I was a very busy doula last summer and fall and winter, have cut way down since... the schedule was crazy and the on call is limiting. This year my goal is to do 3-4 births, that's it. IT is enough for my teaching and not too much for my life. A nice middle of the road so to speak Good luck to you!

[applejuice]

I have been a CBE, not a doula as it would have taken more time from my family. The training for my CBE course was rigourous, however, and intense!

I do think hands on experience is essential. I know that life experience is important! What shocks me is the fact that there are CBEs out there who have never had a child and are not mothers. They are simply salesmen for the hospital protocol.

It saddens me that in a time when husbands/SOs and doulas are allowed in the labor and delivery rooms, the caesarean section rate has escalated so rapidly at an astronomical rate. So sad. Such a commentary on our culture.

[MamaRabbit]

I'm finding that I actually enjoy CBE more than doula work, unless I just really click with a certain couple. I don't mind supporting someone who's been through my classes since I have way less education to do. But it's so hard with little ones and I'm just going to be doing CBE probably.

[Rockies5]

CBE only with doula training

I like both but CBE suits me better at this time (lots of little kids, homeschooling, wanting more babies and no family in the part of the country, so I don't have the freedom to book births).

It probably suits my personality better too. I'm kind of rabid about intervention free births being healthier & better, I don't apologize for it but it makes me a less marketable doula, certainly. I know I'm on the bad list of more then one OB they're on mine too.

I think it's important to be current and know what's trendy in birth in your area, so even if you aren't attending you NEED to be involved with birthing moms and more importantly doulas and midwives in your town.

[MamaRabbit]

Originally Posted by Rockies5

I think it's important to be current and know what's trendy in birth in your area, so even if you aren't attending you NEED to be involved with birthing moms and more importantly doulas and midwives in your town.

ITA. I actually call the 2 other doulas in town to keep up with the latest... stories about certain hospitals, OB, C/S rates, etc. Really helps me know what to emphasize in class.

[chandasz]

I am a CBE only. Could doula if I wanted to but I really have no interest!

I love teaching but don't want to be at other people's births!

[ellebelle]

I am a CBE only. In my fantasy world where I would have 24 hour on-call homeschooling childcare and completely self-directed children and I would never suffer a 3-day hangover from losing a night's sleep, I would love to be a doula.

In real life, between fatigue issues and homeschooling my 3 kids, I just don't have time or energy to be a doula. If a student invites me to her birth and I can make it without too great an impact on the family schedule, I am honored to go. However, most of those calls come on weekdays or when I have one of my rare colds, LOL!

I try to change the world one class at a time.
Ellen
Wife to G., homeschooling mom to 13yos, 10yos, 6yod.
Bradley® Certified Childbirth Educator

[kimiij]

[QUOTE=applejuice;8104707]I do think hands on experience is essential. I know that life experience is important! What shocks me is the fact that there are CBEs out there who have never had a child and are not mothers. They are simply salesmen for the hospital protocol.
QUOTE]

I'm one of those people you mentioned who has never had a child and am not a mother but I do not consider myself a "salesman for hospital protocol." Please don't generalize....Good luck!