How did you acquire an apprenticeship?

[CobaltPartyMommy]

Hello midwives,
I have been searching desperately for information on how to get training to be a lay midwife in the state of michigan. My goal is to take on an apprenticeship but I honestly don't know how to go about finding a senior midwife to apprentice under. How did you accomplish this and do most midwives require that you finish a formal program before starting an apprenticeship? Any info would be very very appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[JunipersMom]

If you do a search of the birth professional thread you'll find lots of information on apprenticeships.
There is no easy answer to your question. Most midwives will want an apprentice who has some sort of experience ~ because homebirth is a very intimate experience for the families and noone wants a 'looky-loo' standing in the corner through their birth. Plus, so so many apprentices will start and then decide for one reason or another that midwifery is not for them. As a midwife ~ its really hard to share so much information and time with someone to not have them complete and become a midwife. So I think its a great idea to at least get some reading, study groups time, doula work, CBE instructor certification, schooling, conference time, volunteering for midwives etc... under your belt for you and your possible preceptor. To truly dive into midwifery and have a plan in your head of what will work for you. Then call and meet all the midwives in your area and ask them what they look for in an apprentice - because everyone will expect something a little different. If you find one you really 'click' with - stay in contact and update her with your progress on your own and maybe your apprenticeship will just fall into place.
Best of luck! The world needs more midwives!

[Carolinamidwife]

I was insanely lucky, my two main apprenticeships fell into my lap. I started attending a local study group and met both of my preceptors there. Through that study group and a local midwives professional group I made contacts that led me to be able to attend births with several different midwives.

I would recommend seeing if there is a study group or a meet up and start there. Are you at the Michigan School of Traditional Midwifery? Maybe they could help you out.