Want to be a midwife but don't know where to start.

[minkajane]

Hi all! I want to be a DEM, but I really don't know where to start. What I was thinking of doing was working as a doula while doing the Ancient Arts home study course. The only thing that really worries me is how to find a preceptor. In this area, I only know of CNMs. I don't know if a CNM would take a DEM student as an apprentice. I've heard that AAIM helps their students find preceptors sometimes. Has anyone else been in this situation? TIA!

[Artisan]

You might consider getting the book "Paths to Becoming a Midwife" -- published by Midwifery Today. It has a lot of great info.

[Lizzo]

I am on my way to becoming a midwife.Here's what I am doing, I hope it helps some. I first contacted some schools and read a little about state laws and whatnot but I kind of think reading Paths to Becoming a Midwife firstwould have helped more. You can get it pretty cheap used on Amazon.
Then, check out the schools section in the back. E-mail the ones you find most appealing or that have distance programs. I have chose to become a doula first and am doing that right now, some schools even require becoming a doula first at least attending a workshop. A lots of schools require that you take an Anatomy and Phisiology course, which some offer.
I'm doing the distance learning program at the International School of Midwifery: http://www.globalmidwives.org/
You may also wanna get involved with natural and home birth groups in your area. And READ READ READ!! There's a list of books in this section of MDC that are really helpfull and give you a good idea of what's up.
Much love and luck! If you ever wanna talk more about this, PM me!!!

[pixiexto]

I am in this same stage :) I want to be a DEM, but as a long term goal (my wee ones are 3 & 9 months of age). I'll have to check out that book.

I'm becoming active in local birth initiatives & doing loads & loads of reading.

A friend of mine had a baby recently, and her midwife only began practicing midwifery in her late 40's - - AFTER her kids were completely grown. I find this very inspiring :)

[loveslabor]

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