Contacting a Birth Center

[kalley]

I have decided to start working towards my future as a CNM. I have registered for my pre-nursing classes which begin next week. I am excited and nervous at the same time. This has been a dream of mine since I was in high school (I am now 29).

While searching for what types of opportunities were out there for CNMs in my area I came across a local non-profit birthing center that is looking for a full-time midwife. I took this as my sign that it was time to start my classes.

Now I know that I am at least 7 yrs away from getting my degree, but would it be too soon to contact this center and see if they have any opportunities available, even if it is to volunteer a couple of times a month? If you think it is a good idea, how do you think I should approach them? If not, why is it a bad idea? Thanks for the insight.

[doulalove]

I think you should definitely contact them. The only way to get experience is to put yourself out there!

When I first decided that I wanted to be a midwife, I called all of the home birth midwives in my area, and one CNM-run birth center, and met with all of them. From doing that and showing that I'm serious and committed, I got to attend several home births, become a Birth Assistant at the birth center, and was invited to volunteer at a midwife-run clinic, shadowing them and practicing basic clinical skills!

Calling cannot hurt, but be assured that you will be met with some skepticism. Midwives get calls from people all the time saying they want to be midwives, but don't know what it takes, or they agree to take on an apprentice, only for her to flake out after the midwife has spent a lot of time and energy teaching her. It takes time, but you can do it. I'd highly recommend attending any midwife meet-ups you have in your area, if any, even if they're not CNM's. You will get connected to CNM's through this route as well.

I would call and say that you're interested in learning more about what it takes to be a CNM, and would love the opportunity to meet with one of the CNM's to talk more and ask questions. From my experience, midwives are happy to do this, and then while you're meeting with her, I'd ask if there is any way you could become involved in the birth center, or if she has any other ideas of how you might get more involved in the birth community there. Good luck!!