Bekah on her long-term AAMI relationship

I believe so much in AAMI. I've enrolled twice. During the term of my first enrollment, some family matters cropped up causing me to put my education on pause. While deciding whether to re-enroll or to try a shorter, cheaper program, I felt that there was really no comparison. AAMI gives each student so much in the curriculum, but also in the personal support of Carla and her staff. She truly believes in her mission of creating more midwifes! The staff is attentive and responsive. I've usually received replies within a few hours of emailing my questions, sometimes even when a staff member is supposed to be on "vacation."

Since I've been enrolled a while, I've seen the curriculum through several revisions. I believe the true value of the curriculum is that not only does it provide a rock solid base in academic midwifery education, but it's complete focus is preparing each student for actual midwifery practice. Questions and projects are designed to serve you as a professional, not just a student. Once the course is completed, you will have created all the materials you need to educate clients and support their continued good health from initial contact through postpartum. You will have also learned how to evaluate controversial topics and seek the very best evidence you can find. The value of this course far exceeds the price.

Bekah <><

AAMI # 1885 NC7

Doula, Midwifery student in WI

http://newbirthcs.com/

http://valleybirthnetwork.com/

From AMS Enrollee Vicki Davis

I am currently in the orientation phase of AAMI. I have been looking at AAMI for 13 years now and finally was able to enroll a few months ago. I can say that I am NOT disappointed. So far it is proving to be challenging and thought-provoking. Just doing the orientation has already stretched me in ways that I needed. I find that when I feel stumped, push through the tough spot and finish a project, I feel an extreme sense of accomplishment. It is good! I have been a stay-at-home mom for 23 years and this is the first real "stretch" I have had since high school. I love being a SAHM, but sometimes, it leaves you feeling a little....oh.....dull. So far, the assignments I have done for orientation have made me realize that I can do this! No only is this going to make me a great midwife, I believe it will make me a better and more confidant woman. Those are added perks! I am very thankful for this opportunity.

Vicki Davis, CLD, AAMI Student #1967

New Life Birth Services

newlifebirth.org

Intentional Student

Become an intentional student. Determine to learn something from every conversation and every encounter with a midwife, doula, childbirth educator or parent. Well, for one week, let's make that every person you meet. Make a determination that you will never walk away from a conversation without learning something and make a mental note before you take the second step away.

You will have to learn to listen. Ask questions. Even if you are talking with someone with equivalent experience, their experience is bound to differ in some respects.

Listen twice as much as you speak.....you have two ears and only one mouth.

From AMS enrollee Brenda Parrish

After having served as a direct entry midwife for 14 years, I realized there were gaps in my education and I wanted to enroll in a midwifery school. There were none within driving distance to my home, so I sought a distance learning program. I was a good friend to another enrollee and she always spoke very highly of AAMI. I asked a lot of questions about the way the curriculum was laid out, the types of assignments, how much she felt she was learning, etc. I only heard good things. One of my goals was to prepare for the NARM, but even more important, I just wanted to become a better midwife, able to meet the needs of the women who sought me out for their pregnancies and births. Having been a homeschool mom for all of my children's educational years, I know that accreditation did not necessarily equate to a more superior education, but teaching someone HOW to learn was a lifelong valuable skill. I knew AAMI had an excellent reputation for producing graduates who were very knowledgeable, but also trusted in the process of birth. So, I looked into it more seriously. I withdrew from nursing school and my previous goal of becoming a nurse-midwife and enrolled immediately in AAMI. Not only was it a bargain for all that I am receiving, but I feel I am getting such a quality education.

Brenda Parrish

DEM, CD (DONA), CLC, CCCE

AAMI #1876

Trust Birth

http://www.trustbirth.com
http://www.trustbirthconference.com

My Other Blog

birthtruth.blogspot.com

More About Ancient Art Midwifery Institute

http://www.ancientartmidwifery.com

carla@ancientartmidwifery.com

What Is Authentic Midwifery?

My definition of authentic midwife is one who truly practices "with woman" midwifery...one who trusts birth, one who knows her job is to serve women, not save them. W

2 Thoughts On Success

#1 • We have what we think we deserve. Self esteem is a major factor in time management and accomplishment of goals. I have a million things on my personal things I want to do list and I am sure that one of the reasons is that I always think I should be spending my time doing something for someone other than myself.

#2 • We think in picture. We simply cannot do what we cannot imagine....image, picture. We have to SEE ourselves as something before we can BE that something. So, we have to change our pictures!

Kathy Reid on her AAMI enrollment

I am so honored to be a part of AAMI. I spent over a year researching midwifery schools around the country. I examined every web page and read almost every forum thread online that had anything to do with midwifery schools. So many of them seemed so strict and rigid. I'm 39 and I've done college. I didn't want that coldness and disconnection between my passion in learning and an education that was structured for people that are great at test taking and learn in a linear style. So, when I came across AAMI my eyes popped out of my head. It was perfect for me. I learn in an environment where I can really dive deep into the things that are presenting themselves to me today, not two semesters from now. The curriculum is arranged so that you can follow it in a linear style if that suits you best, or even better, study the parts that are speaking to you right now. So, if you have the chance to apprentice with a local midwife, you can be doing research and learning about the things that are also presenting themselves to you right now. You are always moving ahead in your studies and your curriculum, as you see fit. And yet, the curriculum is there to guide you and to make sure that nothing is left unnoticed. It is the most comprehensive program I have found.

It is so perfect for me as I unschool (education through life-learning) my 12 year old son. So, he and I are both unschooling now. We study what we feel moved to study. The materials are very well organized and always offer much more in the form of learning than what is on the page in front of your eyes. The staff are unbelievable and very supportive. The things you don't see in the fine print that you will receive with your enrollment, are access to conference calls with Carla and other staff members, participation in many different yahoo groups, connection with other AAMI students, and direct access to learning all about how to TRUST BIRTH. Carla produced the Trust Birth Conference last March and it was incredible.

I consider this course to be 3D. Most studies involve a question and a correct answer that you memorize. Carla's course is designed to give you an experience with multiple dimensions on every topic. You study from a place of relatedness and wholeness, not from a place of isolated factoids. This makes for such a rich experience and one that you will remember to the depths of your soul. This is where you need to keep all of your learning, so that when you really need it, it is there for you to call upon.

I think one of the most amazing parts of AAMI is learning from Carla. She trusts birth to her deepest core. And to get to that place, you have to really know your stuff. Her course is designed to teach you everything you need to know about birth and also how to be a life learner for the rest of your life. This is good not only for you, but for every mama and baby that will be touched by you in the future.

I'm available by email or phone if you want to talk more.

Love, Kathy Reid
801-878-7196 Home

sacredbirthing@gmail.com