Today we are excited to introduce one of our first childbirth educators that trained with us- Melissa Meyer. We liked Melissa so much, that we made her an instructor trainer! Well, actually our instructor trainers apply and complete rigorous requirements, but we were so excited to have her apply! Not only does she help couples in Corvallis, OR prepare for their own amazing birth experience, she can help you learn how to teach birth and pay it forward through this amazing work.
Thanks for being awesome, Melissa. And if you are in the Corvallis, OR area you should take a birth class with Melissa!
What first got you interested in the realm of birth?
My interest in birth started long before I ever considered having children. I watched “Business of being Born” when it first came out and I knew then that I would have an unmedicated birth. During my first pregnancy I was amazed and disappointed at the lack of natural birth support I received from those around me me. After our baby was born I knew I would teach natural birth classes in Corvallis, Oregon!
What are your particular passions concerning birth?
I want women to be educated and empowered to make their own choices for their pregnancy and birth. I want them to have access to supportive care providers that are knowledgeable and up to date on evidence based practices.
There are lots of different birth educator training programs out there. Why did you choose Birth Boot Camp?
After my first birth I knew I wanted to educate couples. I searched for years for the perfect program and none of the ones I found were right for me. When Birth Boot Camp was launched in March of 2012 I knew it was the one! Birth Boot Camp follows the MFCI (Mother Friendly Childbirth Initiative), supports their instructors, stays up to date on evidence based practices and has prepared curriculum that sets its instructors and students up for success!
Tell us a little about your Birth Boot Camp training experience. Where did you train? What did you like about it?
I have taken the instructor training twice and both times were a wonderful experience. The first time I learned how easy it was to teach birth classes because the instructor handbook was so easy to follow, the classes are set up to build on each other and the information we give our students is simple yet comprehensive.
How is teaching your own classes going for you? What do you enjoy most about it?
I love teaching my Birth Boot Camp couples! I love watching them grow and learn from Class 1 to Class 10 to the reunion. They are empowered and ready to make their own choices in pregnancy and birth.
In what ways did the Birth Boot Camp teacher training help prepare you for teaching actual classes?
Birth Boot Camp training sets it’s instructors up for success! The 3 day training is the last step in the process -all the prerequisite work is done so the focus is all on learning how to teach the class. This way when you leave training you can jump right into teaching couples.
Tell us a little about your students. How do you believe childbirth education is having a positive impact on them?
I love my students. They are the reason I teach Birth Boot Camp. My students walk away from the 10 weeks of class excited about their upcoming birth and their fears are gone because of their education. They have made their own choices all through their pregnancy and are prepared for making their own choices during labor, birth and postpartum. I am so proud of them all no matter their choices and outcomes because they do what is best for them and their families!
To close, tell us how you see natural childbirth education having a positive impact? Why does this work matter to you?
Childbirth education helps couples to advocate for themselves, make their own educated decisions about their care, have safer births and have more positive birthing experiences no matter the outcome. Women deserve better birthing experiences and we are helping them achieve that through Birth Boot Camp Natural Childbirth Education.
Where can we find you?
I teach childbirth classes in Corvallis, Oregon. I also train new childbirth educators Portland, San Jose, CA, and surrounding areas. You can find my website at www.NaturalOregonBirth.com or find me on Facebook. You can apply to become a childbirth educator here.
