asuzara

Belated thanks for your insights, Karotte. It's really helpful to hear how other folks have made their decisions - there's many different rights and no clear wrongs in this case, just timing. I'd also like to ask - since you took about 2 years between birthing and starting work, did you find that presented a challenge for any reason in how they read your application? (I know they shouldn't discriminate based on parenting and such but wondered if that came up). Thanks!

Hello community, I've been seriously looking into the UCSF/CNM program and unsure of whether I should apply this summer (and cram in several pre-reqs, and begin doula training) or be patient and apply next summer, by which time I will have had more background and experience with the birth community. Especially for those who have applied or are looking at UCSF's program (I did go to the info session but there wasn't much in depth info for specific tracks) I'd love to hear more: - how much birth experience did you have beforehand? It sounds like there are seasoned birth workers, doulas, birth educators etc and while I don't want to psych myself out of applying, I do want to be realistic of how much birth experience is expected coming in. I have spent the past 7 years working in education, sustainable foods and ecology w/the underserved so while my philosophy is aligned, it really is a new career path. I would gather more experience in the 9 months prior to the program start if accepted, but perhaps more is expected before even applying. - have any MEPN folks started families while in the program? I would be 31 starting the program and I know this is in the back of my mind, wondering how to fully embrace a new career path, take on debt, and still have a desire to have children before I'm 40. MEPN are notoriously intense. I know people make it work, but hearing tips from others would be fantastic. Thanks!