I enrolled in AAMI Advanced Midwifery Studies in late Sept 2010. While I’m at it, I want to say that I am more than pleased with this course. I am just thrilled. It inspires me more and more with how much I have to learn and how much I am learning. I also appreciate their FaceBook pages where students and midwives have discussions about various questions that come up. Their conference phone calls are also unbelievable–Gail Hart, Gloria Lemay, Joy Jones, Kristi Zittle, etc. So many fabulous ways to learn!
Midwifery Past: 2011
Before stating my midwifery study goals for 2012, I’d like to review what I’ve accomplished in 2011.
- Submitted Phase 3 (Phases 1-3 are introductory phases before starting the actual curriculum; they require a lot of work)
Once Phase 3 work was accepted, I started with Phase 4, the main curriculum. It has 6 sections. I made a submission each quarter of the year.
- First submission: all of section 1 (mostly terminology definitions, workbook, roots/prefixes/suffixes, etc.) I also submitted 2 Section Two assignments (watching videos, listening to past conference lectures).
This submission made the Honor Roll! I’m amazed.
- Second submission: Section 2–4 assignments: an article abstract, a textbook overview, assignments from Goer’s Obstetric Myths vs. Research Realites, 2 book reviews, and a book critique.
- Then, this final quarter, I submitted Section 3A–two assignments from a list of choices; my childbirth educator/doula training and the Placenta Intensive Study Module. (I was hoping to submit 3B also, but the Placenta ISM was a doozy!!!!)
Other things I accomplished in 2011: set up my Section 5 files (50+ midwifery topics), started collecting AEU points (haven’t turned them in yet), listened to several conference calls, attended 4 births as a doula, and attended informal breastfeeding classes with a brilliant IBCLC counselor.
Midwifery future: 2012
Today I sat down and mapped submission goals for each quarter of this year. Not sure I will meet them all and they may be revamped, but here’s the plan for now:
- Quarter 1: submit assignment 4A (read Holistic Midwifery 1, questions/answers, notes) and 20 assignments from Section 6. (So far, I’m almost on page 500 of Hol Mid 1 and almost at 100 of 175 questions. And I’m hoping to go through Section 6 and see what I can work on. And several Section 6 assignments are done.)
- Quarter 2: submit 3B.2 (Midwifery Skills book and assignments) and 20 assignments from Section 6.
- Quarter 3: submit 4B and second annual report
- Quarter 4: submit 5 Section 5 files.
I’m also evaluating how I sense myself evolving as a student, and I feel like I’m still in the absorbtion stage rather than in the output/teaching stage. I’m also still learning what resources I have for learning. Once I hit Sections 5 and 6, then I want to move into more of the educating-others mode. Right now, I’m amazed at how much I have to learn!
So that’s my midwifery studies past and future!
Now that I can look back with a clear mind (with any brain at all!), I really should have tried to have you at my last birth somehow. You’re amazing!
Actually, I think you’re the amazing one doing all the work. I can just do the laundry, wash the dishes, and clean the floors
Congrats! What great progress!
Anne, I am SO excited for you! I am so glad you are finding so many opportunities to attend births in the Ukraine. Miss seeing you!
Blessings, Michelle
Just amazing, Anne! I’ve got a few littles myself, and I’m impressed with all you’ve done while tending your own. Congrats!
Not that you’re needing any additional study right now
, but I would love to see all midwives and doulas take a simple course or two in body balancing techniques that can align the mother’s body and allow the baby to move into an optimal position for birth—making for short, easy, uncomplicated labors with a low level of pain.
I had two very difficult births with my girls, and then almost a c-section w/ my third due to him being transverse. After much prayer, I found an amazing local chiro who specializes in pre-natal work and baby positioning. Two visits to her aligned my pelvis, released ligaments, relaxed muscles, and I had the most amazingly fast, uncomplicated, MUCH less painful birth for my 8lb 13 oz boy.
My chiro teaches classes all over the world to anyone who wants to learn—midwives, doulas, moms, anyone. And she has some wonderful DVDs and a book that would highly recommend. Any questions, feel free to e-mail me.
Her website is dynamicbodybalancingdotcom