Becoming a Midwife

[Amethyst Rose]

Does anybody here know what is required to become a midwife? I have found that there are university degrees, and college diplomas in midwifery, but I was wondering if there are apprentice programs, or something not as expensive as universities and colleges, (because I am currently paying off 4 years of university, as it is).
Any information geared towards Canada, and Vancouver, B.C. in particular, would be wonderful....
As well as anything else anyone has to say on becoming a midwife....
I'm really interested in this, but I'm pretty much clueless....

[ruthie]

Over here in the UK, midwives have to first train as a nurse and then specialise in midwifery. After that they either (I believe) work in a hospital or in general practise.

[richardcranium]

What exactly does a mid wife do?

[ruthie]

They take care of pregnant women, help in the birth process, and offer medical advice to mothers of very young children.

Some seem to specialise in offering very useless information such as "It's perfectly normal". This information was fed to me on a number of occassions during my pregnancy due to morning sickness. This was suffered all day, everyday, for the full nine months. And let me tell you, it didn't feel perfectly normal at the time.

[Yvonne Belisle]

Ruthie I can sympathize I get like that when I carry boys. I have 4 kids and three are boys. Midwives tend to make a more relaxed environment for a mother to be they are friend and nurse rolled in one. They really are great. Amethyst Rose good luck on your journey to becoming one.

[Emerald Sky]

Amethyst Rose,

I think it's wonderful that you're interested in becoming a mid-wife! I'm sorry I can't help you with information, but if the studying is too long, maybe you could look into becoming a doula instead. If you don't know what a doula does - she's someone who assists the woman while in labor. She doesn't have much to do with the medical side of it, but rather, the "birthing partner" side of it. They generally charge around $500 per birth (in this area). I had a doula with my most recent birth, and it helped tremendously. With the help of my doula, another woman's doula and a nurse at the birthing center, the birth of my second daughter was a tremendously spiritual experience. I cannot say enough good things about doulas. I think every woman should have the priveledge of birthing with the assistance of one! Good luck in your search!

[bluecat]

I found this on Ask Jeeves ( http://www.ask.com/index.asp?origin=7011 )

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/books/paths.asp

I hope it helps!

Blue :cool:

[Celtic_Angel]

Too bad you don't live here in California Amethyst Rose!!! I'd be willing to be your first patient. Though you may not be a midwife yet, I'd be willing to have you learn on the job with me. I sure wish I had a midwife. My dad is the closest I've got for the next few months. :p Good luck friend!!!

[reanna]

There was an article in our local paper today on Doulas actually.
I will run and get the contact info.
Okay...
It ran in the May 9th Leader, in the life section of the paper.
Douglas College in New West runs a course on Doula training.
Or you can check this website for more information about doulas.
www.dona.com

HTH


:) :) :)

[Lavender]

Hi Amethyst Rose...

I know there is an organization here in Vancouver. You can try the women's clinic at VGH. They probably can give you the contacts. I had a midwife when I had my son over 11 years ago. She was recomended by my dr. That was something I was interested in after the birth of my son. The midwife was very encouraging & let me "follow" her around to learn. That was before they had legislations & such. Things are different now. I never did go through with it but it was a great learning experience. I was a labour couch to my sister for both her pregnacies as well as my best friend for both hers and a few other friends. It is such a wonderful experience to be there for them. They always tell me it made such a difference for them knowing that I was there to give support & be the sane one. :) I felt I was the lucky one to be there for such a miracle.

[BearDancing]

Here in Manitoba Canada, midwifery has just been legalized....not that it was illegal before, it is that now it is covered by provincial government.

I had a midwife for my second daughter, I had her at home with my husband, and 12 yr old daughter. It was incredible. The before and after care is second to none. I was given herbal rememdies for all ailments. My midwife was a native lady, same age as me 42, she started out by delivering her own 4 children. That I could not concieve....delivering my own. She is a wonderful kind, gentle, knowledgable, patient lady.

All the power to you Amnethyst Rose, love and prayers to you that will guide you in the right direction towards one of the most important professions.

FairieSpirit