Feeling too young to teach CBE classes....

[marisa]

I am 27. I got married when I was 20, had my first kid at 21, which was a wonderful homebirth. After that I went through the ALACE CBE program. I've had two more homebirths, and am pregnant with another that will probably be a waterbirth. I've read tons of books about childbirth, above and beyond what was required in my program. I feel very knowledgeable and comfortable with the subject. I am passionate about it.
For some reason, I just feel too young to get serious about teaching the classes on a regular basis, like people won't take me seriously because I'm only 27 - many of the first time pregnant moms I meet are older than I am. I feel like they are looking for that motherly type mentor, and I'm not there yet. What are your thoughts?

[ScootchsMom]

I don't think you are too young! Before I opened your post I thought you were going to say you were 20/21, no kids, etc. But, if you have that much experience with your own births and have CBE training, I don't see it having an impact. But that is just me, and I personally like a contemporary (I'm 29), rather than an elder. If you highlight your experience and knowledge, Than you will get the clients that are meant for you. Those that pass you by based on your age alone are not worth teaching.

Just my 2 cents

Liz

[DoomaYula]

I don't think you're too young. You have lots of experience professionally and personally. s

[Veritaserum]

I'm 27 and have been teaching for almost 5 years. I had my first baby at 20. I now have four kids and while I sometimes feel odd about teaching moms older than I am, I do have a lot more training, knowledge, and experience than they do when it comes to birth. I'll be old eventually. So will you.

[marisa]

Thanks for taking the time to respond ladies!
I feel much better now.

My own childbirth educator for the first birth was a Bradley instructor in her early 30's. She had one child, who was birthed in the hospital with an OB - and was teaching a series for homebirthing couples. Her classes were dry. Whenever I start doubting my credibility, I just think of her!

[tlcdoula]

LOL - I am 38 yrs old with seven kids and honestly sometimes I feel "too young" for some of the stuff that I do. For example, I was speaking to someone as the "expert" (had to do with massage therapy) and afterwards I told my dh that I felt like I was a little kid again - playing dress up. I know the material well, knew what I was doing, but because I have only been out of school since September and fully licensed since December I just didn't feel like my role fit me. I hope all of that made sense - hard to explain in a message.

Honestly age is a number and although I know I am not too young - far from it - there are still days and times that I feel young and then there are days I feel very old. Even though I am 38 yrs old I often have students that are older than me in my classes or as doula clients. I should also say that many times people think I am in my late 20's / early 30's and are shocked to find out I am much older, have seven kids, and that my oldest daughter is starting her second year of college.

Age is just a number. I wouldn't let that number make you feel like you are too young.

[SublimeBirthGirl]

I started teaching at 28 and most of my students have been approximately my age, with a handful that have been a good bit older or younger. In this case, age doesn't make much difference.

[azjen43]

I would agree with the previous posters that your age is fine, especially with your experience and passion for birth. I would also add, and this comes from experience...(Maybe age, too, ) that equally important as knowlege and experience is confidence and the ability to teach in an engaging and meaningful way to your students. Having a sense of humor helps, too. I have been a childbirth educator for three years, but have also been Junior high biology teacher for many years... After teaching sex ed to 13 and 14 year olds, you pretty much have to have a sense of humor! I really have fun, and I know my students do too.

[angelpie545]

I think your age is fine too!! In my opinion, experience is the best teacher, and age is just a number. It acutally makes me feel good to know that there are young women out there who are passionate about educating other women about their choices in childbirth. I too am one who would love to teach birthing classe as well, but I have struggled with the same things-feeling that no one would take me seriously b/c I was so young when I had my kids. I was 18 with my first and 21 with my second, both birthed naturally in a hot tub, and AP'd and breastfed. I'm 25 now, but I look younger, and I still get those "looks" from older moms.

[StormySar]

I've been teaching since I was 21. I had my first at 20 and since the pregnancy with her I had developed a passion for pregnancy and birth... So after I had her, I became certified through two organizations to teach CBE and have been teaching ever since, have developed a variety of classes and have never had anyone have/seem to have an issue with my age or credibility.

I've had very, very few couples that were younger than me (still don't) but it doesn't seem to be an issue.

I also published my first book at 21 and have been writing and publishing ever since... I just got a jump start young and i'm proud of myself. You should be too. Your age is fine! If you have the knowledge, go for it!

[dimibella]

I agree with pp! It's so awesome to see so many young mamas as CBE, I am 24 and have thought about becoming a CBE too, so this gives me lots of encouragement!

[linaee]

Starting tomorrow

Well, I have been feeling the same way, and I am a few years away from the big 4-0! So, you are not alone on this. I feel like I am finally doing what I am supposed to be doing, but I still have self-doubt.

I begin my 1st six-week series tomorrow, so I know how you feel.

[MamaRabbit]

I started teaching CBE at 27. All of the clients in my first class were older. But they didn't seem to notice! IMO, age doesn't matter when you are knowledgable and act professionally.

[AzariaJordan]

It's all a trade-off, eh? No one person can have it all...the 'whole picture' of you as a CBE will resonate with some people, maybe not with others. And that may or not have naything to do with age! I'm willing to bet your age would be an attribute to some, a detriment to others. Sigh. What can you do about it, anyway?
Ditto what everyone else has said re your passion and experience

[Maggi315]

you are not too young!!!! some moms will not see you as a mother-type mentor, they will see you as a peer-mentor. It has nothing to do with age. I work with several very young midwives, one started at 18, now 21, she is great, the women love her! She looks young too.

Don't let it discourage you, please.

[Om Girl]

Originally Posted by StormySar

I also published my first book at 21 and have been writing and publishing ever since... I just got a jump start young and i'm proud of myself. You should be too. Your age is fine! If you have the knowledge, go for it!

StormySar-What is the title/content of your book?

Just wanted to add to the OP that I am also 27 and teach CBE classes. I also received certification through ALACE and teach mainly couples in hospital. I often am the youngest in the room, but I teach from fact, experience and comedic stories and I've had really good responses. I have one DD and while I don't use personal stories much I do use stories of friends, clients and families births!