Labor Repose

Labor Repose
LaborPayne during her 6th homebirth (9th baby) at age 44

Monday, November 21, 2011

Winter Update

Much has happened since my last post.  I have left my job as a nursing instructor.  I am enrolled in a nurse-midwife program, and working on my IBLCE credential (lactation consultant).  I have attended the MANA (Midwives Alliance of North America) conference in Niagra Falls and gave my two presentations.  I have attended the local March of Dimes conference on Prematurity.  I'm just back from the Holy Land for a meeting about a nine day pilgrimage in Mexico in January.  Some committments are ending, while new ones begin.  Plans are underway for the clinic/birth center it has become my destiny to create.
What has become clear is that I must press on, despite any obstacles.  The work is greater than myself and I am only a conduit of God's will and desire.  This work has nothing to do with my own resources of lack of them.   While in Niagra Falls at MANA, I was priviledged to spend a lot of time with the midwives of color, these were amazing women from all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.   Spending time with these midwives and birth workers reminded me that I am not alone in what I am attempting to do, nor am I the first to attempt it.

I hope to resume teaching in January.  Here are a few projects I am working on for next year:
  • finding an adjunct teaching position
  • writing a workshop that I will start presenting next May nationally
  • writing a book that I hope to publish next year
  • sit for the lactation consultant exam in July
  • submit an article for a peer-reviewed journal
  • take the nurse educator certification exam next Spring or Summer
  • begin preceptor courses  for nurse-midwife program
  • begin apprenticeship with a local homebirth CPM
  • work with a design student on architectural sketches for clinic
  • vie for a seat on the state nursing board
  • feasibility study for clinic
  • host community visioning sessions
  • create 501c3 for clinic
  • complete training and fundraising for pilgrimage
  • complete 9 day pilgrimage in Mexico
  • investigate MPH program (just dreaming here)
  • increase business training to include ACLS and LPN-IV course
  • write for some grants
  • find some partnerships to complete the Mama Love Project
All well-wishes much appreciated.