Do you have questions about how the BIRTHING FROM WITHIN^® Mentor Certification Program works? Then you are in the right place! If you do not find the information you need, please contact us.

How much does it cost to enroll, and what do I get?
There are two steps to becoming a Certified Mentor: the Level One HomeStudy and the Advanced HomeStudy. You can either pay the entire HomeStudy fee for both levels at a substantial discount when you enroll ($1350), or pay as you go.

The initial fee to enroll in our Mentor Program is $325. This covers all your costs for completing your Level One HomeStudy. Here is what you get:

• A HomeStudy Packet, which includes your Insight Journal, reading list, and all other forms needed to document your teaching and birth-related practice.
• Your own personal Advisor (an experienced Certified Mentor, personally selected and trained by Pam England).
• A free listing on our online Class listings, so parents and other professionals (even Oprah!) can contact you about your classes.
• The “secret” password to access our private Mentor Discussion Board, which is open to Mentors around the world.
• Monthly conference calls with Certified Mentors, for ongoing fellowship and learning.
• Quarterly Mentor newsletters with the latest BFW news, hot tips from Pam England, and lots of juicy tidbits for enhancing your BFW business and classes.
• Special gatherings just for our Mentors, including international conferences, rejuvenating retreats, and regional "Mentor Mashes" for learning, practice, and peer support.
• Annual dues for the first year are included ($100). When you enroll at the full-program fee of $1350, two years of annual dues are included.
  

What other costs are involved with the Program?
After completing the Level One HomeStudy, you must attend an Advanced Mentor Retreat. This workshop is a 5-7 day residential retreat for Mentors only; the tuition is $800-900, plus room and board (about $400-500) and travel. This fee covers your complete Advanced HomeStudy packet, Advisor support, and continuation of all the benefits listed above. Mentors also pay $100 a year in annual dues. Your first year's dues are covered in the initial program enrollment fee. Complete fee schedule.

Mentors are also responsible for related expenses, including business costs, books, class materials, etc. 

Is there a time limit for enrolling?
Yes! You need to enroll within three months of your Introductory Workshop and begin practicing what you learned as soon as possible! If you couldn't make up your mind, and more than three months have elapsed, take advantage of your 50% discount and take an Introductory Workshop again!

Can I do a home study/long distance certification without taking an Introductory Workshop?
Not yet. The HomeStudy Packet is a continuation of the training begun in the Introductory Workshop. Without attending the workshop, you will not have enough information to complete the HomeStudy effectively.

Who will my Advisor be? How often can I consult her?
Your Advisor will be a Certified Mentor who was hand-picked and extensively trained because she demonstrated a thorough understanding of BIRTHING FROM WITHIN, is interested in personal growth and development, and embodies the warmth and desire to guide new Mentors.

After the assignment is made, your Advisor will send you a letter of introduction. You will have two scheduled consultations with your Advisor. The first consultation should take place 6-8 weeks after you enroll in the Program. The second consultation will be scheduled after your Advisor has reviewed your completed HomeStudy packet. Consultations may be by phone, email, or in person. We also expect a regular brief check-in between Advisor and Mentor, usually by monthly email. Remember, you can get free peer consultation at any time on the Mentor Discussion Board, and also during our monthly conference calls.

How long does the certification process usually take?
We encourage and expect Mentors to complete both levels of the Certification Program between two and three years. This means you must attend an Advanced Workshop within two years of your Introductory Workshop, so you can complete your Advanced HomeStudy in time. Most Mentors take betweem 12-18 months to complete each of the two levels of HomeStudy. This will vary depending on workshop scheduling and life happenings.

What if I need more time?
If more than three years has elapsed, you will need to repeat an Introductory Workshop or possibly attend another BIRTHING FROM WITHIN workshop or retreat. These are offered regularly and in varying locations. Talk it over with your Advisor or the Director of the Mentor Certification Program.

I’m not certified yet, and/or I’ve never taught childbirth classes before, when can I start teaching classes?
The only way to really learn how to mentor childbirth classes is by doing it! As part of your HomeStudy (and before you can register for the Advanced Training) you MUST teach, or co-teach, at least one childbirth class which incorporates the principles, practices, and processes you learned at your Introductory Workshop. You don’t have to be certified to teach a childbirth class! Don’t undersell your experience and don't undercharge for your classes. If you feel unworthy to charge for your services, do it anyway and put the money toward your Advanced workshop.

Have more questions? Check our other pages (see menu on the left).

Still have questions? Contact us.