Introduction

After Grace was born, I started to toss around the idea of being a childbirth educator. I tucked it away in the back of my mind and carried on. Then, in the summer, I had a conversation with a woman I went to college with. We compared birth stories and I was able to answer some of her questions based on my own experience. The idea came back. It felt great being able to share what little knowledge I had with her.
From that point, I began to research my options. I called the hospital where both kids were born and spoke with the woman in charge of parent education. She provided guidance and realistic expectations. She recommended that I pursue a certification from Lamaze International.
So, here I am, one month into my study. I will be attending a seminar in Brooklyn in a few weeks and then continue to prepare for the exam in April. I'm a little out of practice with the whole studying thing. I have perpetually tired eyes and a sore wrist from note taking, but I know it's all going to be worth it. I will say that I feel like a "better" student this time around. I know what study methods are effective and how I learn. I'm still struggling with finding the time to get the work done with two little kids.
All that being said, I am enjoying my trip towards becoming a childbirth educator. I know that it won't be easy. Aside from the amount of work ahead of me, I've found myself in a constant state of reliving my own birth experiences and wondering what I could have done differently. It's exciting to be doing something new and it's stirring up things I thought had finally settled. I'm going to go where ever this road takes me and enjoy the trip.