Simkin Center 2024: Childbirth Educator Training, July 27-August 13 (Online-Live Remote Class)

Course Date and Time

Live-Remote, Saturdays and Tuesdays (see schedule below)

• Saturday, July 27, 9:00AM - 3:00PM
• Tuesday, July 30, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
• Saturday, August 3, 9:00AM - 3:00PM
• Tuesday, August 6, 6:00pm - 9:00PM
• Tuesday, August 13, 6:00pm - 9:00PM

 

Course Details

This workshop format is perfect for those wanting to complete the Childbirth Educator Training in a shorter time frame than our typical 9-week course. This course uses two online learning platforms, Canvas and InJoy e-class. There are approximately 14 online modules, including several that must be completed as pre-coursework, 2 all-day Saturday and 3 Tuesday evenings live-remote classes, and coursework in between virtual classes.

This training is International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) and Lamaze International approved. Completion of this training meets the criteria for the following requirements towards ICEA Certification: (1) Attend a teacher-led workshop, (2) Review of study guide & readings, (3) Complete an evaluated teaching series, and (4) Observe one childbirth class and three births. Information on how to certify with ICEA here. Completion of this training meets the criteria for step 2 of Lamaze certification. Information on how to certify with Lamaze here. This course also meets the prequisite for the Bastyr Master of Science in Midwifery program.

 

To review the Simkin Center refund and cancellation policy visit https://bastyr.edu/simkin-center-allied-birth-vocations (scroll down to Registration Policies). Please note our policy indicates a processing fee will be charged for cancellations, transfers, make-ups, and/or refunds. Requests must be made at least 30 days prior to the start of the workshop.  

The Curriculum
Students learn the basics of how to teach childbirth and newborn care. Instructors model a variety of teaching techniques including lecture, use of audio visual aids, role playing, active learning methods and small group activities. Students apply their learning through practice teaching sessions, which offers each student a chance to give a short presentation to peers and receive an experienced childbirth educator's feedback.

 

Topics include:

·         Reproductive anatomy and physiology

·         Elements of prenatal care

·         Experience of pregnancy and labor

·         Nutrition and exercise

·         Massage, relaxation, and breathing techniques

·         Normal birth physiology and hormones

·         Stages of labor

·         Comfort measures for labor

·         Pain medications (separated out from comfort measures)

·         Birth-planning and informed choice

·         Medical procedures

·         Cesarean birth

·         The postpartum period, lactation, and newborn care

·         Adult learning theory

·         Teaching methods and skills

·         Curriculum development

 

Since most expectant parents give birth in a hospital, the class focuses primarily on how to teach hospital birth preparation, although out-of-hospital birth is also addressed.

 

Required Text 
“Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn” by Penny Simkin et.al. (2018, 5^th edition)

 

Recommended Texts

“Maternity and Women's Health Care” by Deitra Lowdermilk and Shannon Perry

 

“The Breastfeeding Answer Book” by Nancy Mohrbacher and Julie Stock

 

“The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers” by Jack Newman and Teresa Pittman

 

“Birthing Justice: Black Women, Pregnancy and Childbirth” Edited by Julia Chinyere Oparah and Alicia Bonaparte

 

Course Notes
Certificates of completion are issued only to students present for all sessions and who complete all required work before the end of the workshop.

 

Recommended Preparation
This training is appropriate for a wide variety of students, from lay people who wish to become childbirth educators, to birth professionals who wish to enhance their role as an educator in their practice.

 

For students without prior experience in the field, it may be helpful to attend a Labor Support Course/Birth Doula Training and/or observe a childbirth education series as preparation for the class. It is also helpful if you have attended at least one labor and birth, either as a birthing person or a support person.

 

Instructors

Joni Parthemer, MEd, ICCE, IAT, CGE, is an International Certified Childbirth Educator and Approved Trainer. Joni is lead instructor for the Simkin Center Childbirth Educator Training. She serves as the Education Director and Master Trainer for the Bringing Baby Home Program at The Gottman Institute and is an educational consultant to a number of organizations. She developed, published, and implemented a variety of training materials for educators interested in providing support and growth programs for families.

 

Lisa Morrell Tankersley, ICCE, CGE, TS, is a certified Childbirth Educator, and Certified Gottman Educator and Training Specialist. She has been in the childbirth and parenting profession for over 30 years. Lisa began her journey in parenting and relationship education courses through her degree in Early Childhood Education and as the Lead Educator in child development centers. She gained her certification through the Gottman Institute and has taught Bringing Baby Home workshops for Swedish Medical Center since 2006. As a postpartum doula, Lisa has served as a lactation specialist for countless families making the transition to parenthood.

 

Contact Us
(425) 602-3378
simkincenter@bastyr.edu
Simkin Center | Bastyr University