Training

Lori with midwifery assistant Jenny and newborn baby Catherine

I believe in the Midwifery philosophy of "Each One, Teach One" and that we need well trained and compassionate midwives! When midwifery care is widely available, it will become a viable option for every pregnant woman. My dream is that one day midwifery care will be the Gold Standard for all American childbearing women and that when my own daughter reach childbearing age, midwifery care will be the norm!

Part of my mission is to encourage, train and equip student midwives. Over the years I have helped train several students and I offer many opportunities for novice and experienced students.

Midwifery Classes

The one-day Introduction to Midwifery class covers the Midwifery Model of Care, the reality of a midwife's life and the steps to become a midwife. This class is held twice a year and is free. There is a $5.00 materials fee and everyone is asked to bring a dish to share for lunch.

Six Month Beginning Midwifery Course

The six month Beginning Midwifery course is perfect for the beginning midwifery student or those that aren't quite ready to begin a formal school program and apprenticeship. Doulas and childbirth educators would benefit as well, deepening their understanding of pregnancy, labor and birth. Students need both Heart and Hands and the Birthsong Midwifery Workbook as we study reproduction, charting, infection control, prenatal care, birth, postpartum and newborns. A combination of lecture, question and answer as well as hand's-on skills make this class fun and informative.

Midwifery Apprenticeship Program

Apprenticing at the Oaks House allows prospective midwives to develop a deep sense of ease in working with people from all walks of life. Because of the volume of our practice, it is a great place to obtain a full range of clinical experience.

A midwifery apprenticeship is a serious commitment and one not to be entered into lightly. Apprenticeship is a rewarding but demanding choice that requires determination, commitment, a positive attitude and physical stamina to succeed. For those who meet the challenges of apprenticeship, the rewards are substantial. The primary concern is for our clients and we expect apprentices to have the client's best interest in mind as well. The secondary goal is to help apprentices learn in a safe and caring environment and to become a self-sufficient, practicing midwife. Our apprentices learn by hands-on experience and are encouraged to develop clinical skills through direct contact with the clients from the very beginning of their apprenticeships.

Since apprenticeship typically lasts 2 to 2 ½ years and requires us to work very closely, there are a few things that we look for when considering a student. Apprentices who do well in our program are extremely self-motivated and have a heart for serving women and a willingness to work hard. We prefer students whose style, philosophy of midwifery practice, faith, and personal beliefs complement our mission and goals. For a complete list of qualities and requirements, contact us.

Lori Luyten is a clinical preceptor for the National College of Midwifery, Naticnal Midwifery Institute and Aviva Institute of Midwifery and is able guide the apprentices through the academic curriculum provided by the colleges. She also can sign off on all of the apprentices' skills and numbers that make them eligible to obtain their degrees. Her goal is to provide excellent training to improve the quality and quantity of midwives.

For detailed information on our Apprenticeship Program, consider taking the Introduction to Midwifery class.

Another aspect of our Birth Ministry is providing Christian student midwives the opportunity to complete short-term clinical intensives. Those that have completed their apprenticeship in other parts of the country can get their clinical skills completed and checked-off.