This one is mine. 🙂
Ever since I became a doula, way back in 2005 when I took my training, I’ve wanted to go on to study midwifery. I always thought that would be something to do later, you know, when the kids were grown and all that. Recently I’ve gotten the bug to be back in the birthing business, with my doula service and birth arts. I’ve been making connections here, and I’ve been here long enough that I feel more familiar with the area and how to get around without getting completely lost! So I started working on my Facebook business page again, working on some business cards, networking, etc. Then I get presented with the opportunity to apprentice with a local midwife! How awesome is that.
At first I thought, eh, no way. But the more I think about it and talk about it seems like the perfect timing. So I have begun the process of preparing to enroll in a training course, I like AAMI. Researching license requirements and fees. And I started a YouCaring page for those who may wish to help me along this journey!
I’ve also discovered that Alaska has one of the highest (if not the highest) percentage rates of out-of-hospital births, at nearly 6%! We have so many options to choose from here, it is a breath of fresh air to see so many birthing options for women!! Even our small town here has a birth center. Larger cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks have several to choose from. Our local hospital even boasts a “birth center” environment. So there is always a need for more midwives. Job security I guess you could say!
So there it is, my dream.
Alaska on my mind... 