Birth Center Intern & Birth AssistantAt — South Coast Midwifery & Women's Health

Our internship programs are an example of the South Coast Midwifery and Women’s Health Care philosophy of “women helping women”.  SCM has two internship programs, both gain administrative and birth assisting experience. One program is designed specifically for doulas looking to gain more experience or complete their certification, in addition to the administrative and birth assisting experience, we also refer you to our clients to use as a doula for their birth with SCM.

SCM provides a unique opportunity to experience birth in a variety of settings. Interns are given many opportunities to develop perinatal knowledge throughout their internship with South Coast Midwifery.  For example; volunteering during clinic hours with extensive office related responsibilities, attending classes, and being a part of the birth team by aiding the midwife and her assistant at births. Doula interns will also attend births as the client’s doula. These and more are all ways that interns interact with SCM clients and gain valuable experience.

The goal of each internship program is to develop dynamic and long-term relationships with the local community, which is why only the most passionately dedicated applicants will be considered for the programs. The first step to be becoming an intern and deciding which program is for you is to review the program descriptions, agreements, and submit the application to SCM!

Tasks:

The Internship Program is an example of the South Coast Midwifery and Women’s HealthCare (SCM) philosophy of “women helping women”. SCM provides a unique opportunity to experience midwifery in a variety of settings. The clinic and birth center are thriving many days throughout the week, whether it be seeing clients for prenatal and postpartum appointments, labor and deliveries, workshops, or classes! With the goal of supporting families in their personal choices, SCM utilizes a very modern model of care that combines natural and medical childbirth techniques. The knowledgeable staff at SCM will share first-hand experience to gently guide you through your interest in midwifery and women’s health.The intern is given many opportunities to gain a basic level of perinatal knowledge in the office and by attending births. For example; volunteering during clinic hours with
extensive office related responsibilities, attending classes, and being a part of the birth team by aiding the midwife and her assistant at births. These and more are all ways that interns interact with SCM staff and clients and gain valuable observational experiences.
In addition, we will open our extensive referral list to you for reference.
The internship program is for the benefit of the intern, SCM will provide training and
supervision for numerous tasks that will be transferable to various career paths. Only the most passionately dedicated applicants will be considered for the program.

Training:

Orientation includes overall review of office procedures and policies, tour of facility and office overview. Shadowing of staff and continual training on office procedures. Continual training on set up and clean up for Home and Birth Center Births (i.e. set up materials, laundry, cleaning and disinfecting, etc.) Always with staff member supervising them. Daily check-ins with office staff and supervisor. Mid-internship meetings with supervisor and packet to review for more learning opportunities. Supervisor available to meet when needed.

Learning Outcomes:

Utilize communication skills, Understand the flow of a healthcare clinic, See Live Unmedicated birth