Childbirth Education Specialists

History | About Debbie Lavin | What workshop participants have to say

Charlie loves Doula Debbie

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OUR HISTORY

Childbirth Education Specialists was founded in 1994. The founder, Debbie Lavin, envisioned an organization that provided more adequate education and support for childbearing families. "Based on my own childbirth experiences, I found childbirth education lacking. There was so much I still didn't know even after attending two childbirth preparation classes and giving birth to two babies. I started my company to provide those things I saw were missing and seemingly not readily available to childbearing families."

Debbie divided her time between her family, nursing school and volunteering as a home visitor for Newborn Connections. As a home visitor, she provided postpartum support to new parents.

"One day a labor and delivery nurse who knew I was a Doula called me and asked if I could come into the hospital to help a mom who was all alone in labor. After helping this mom, I related the birth story to our volunteer group. This ignited a wave of enthusiasm among the women of Newborn Connections. They all wanted to be called in to the hospital too. I was encouraged about how excited the volunteers got when hearing I had attended a birth. However, I was also concerned about the fact that while providing labor support is extremely gratifying, doing so without prior training and support doesn't prepare a Doula for a variety of circumstances and emotions. I expressed my concerns to the founder of Newborn Connections. She replied by asking me to provide these women with the proper training. This meant I needed to create a Doula Training. I was also being approached frequently by aspiring Childbirth Educators in need of training and practical, hands-on experience. Childbirth Education Specialists had to manifest a broader vision...education and support for birth professionals as well."

Like laboring, birthing, and parenting, Childbirth Education Specialists has grown from a seedling of an idea to a full manifestation. Debbie started out teaching Childbirth Education in expectant families' living rooms and now teaches 300 families per year. The first Doula Certification Workshops took place in her living room. Currently Debbie trains Doulas all over the United States and in Mexico and collaborates with Mercy Women's Center, Kaiser Permanente in Sacramento and the Birth Center in Sacramento to educate health professionals. Debbie has also obtained accreditation from the California Board of Registered Nursing, ICEA, and DONA.

Debbie Lavin, ICCE, CD (DONA)

I have served the birth community since 1989 and am a nationally certified Childbirth Educator (ICEA), Doula Trainer and Doula (DONA). In an effort to increase public awareness about Doulas and other birth options, I helped to start numerous birth-related organizations. I was a presenter at the 2000 DONA National Convention and publish numerous articles and research papers on perinatal issues. For the last 13 years I have had the pleasure to teach Kaiser members how to prepare for childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting.

It is my belief that whenever a pregnant woman is in the presence of a birth professional, she should feel more encouraged and self determined. Anyone fortunate enough to give support to a birthing woman has the unique opportunity to consciously model for her a strong and positive belief in herself. What an amazing profession! I am the mother of 3 daughters and a son, a graduate of UC Davis with a degree in Communication and Did I mention that I LOVE my job?

One of my favorite poems:
See the poem below written by Audrey Hepburn, in response to a request to share her "beauty tips." It was read at her funeral years later.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers
through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that
you never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be
restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and
redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you
will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older, you will discover that you
have two hands; one for helping yourself,
and the other for helping others.

Childbirth Education Specialists 2007

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