is a person who has studied herbal medicines and plants to know how to identify them and how they work. They have knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, wellness, illness and imbalance. They usually have gone through some type of rigorous training, testing and apprentiship. There are different methods of how to use herbs from Native American- and all tribes and groups may practice differently- Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Western Herbalism. Herbalists should be able to show you some type of certification of many hours of this educational process, and in some states a license is required. Look for a person who has a well rounded background, is willing to take time with you. Reading one book does not make a person a specialist or a salesperson in an herb store is usually that. Look for qualifications from the American Herbalists Guild, The American Botanical Society and other colleges of Natural Health. If a person you talk to is legitimate, they are more than willing to share their knowledge and educational process and certifications.

A Lactation Consultant is and allied Health care provider who may or may not have a medical type credential (LPN, RN, MD etc) that specializes in helping mothers and babies breastfeed . They are trained in anatomy, physiology, of both mother and baby the birth and breastfeeding process. Lactation Consultants have hours of education and study, and are certified or credentialed by varying bodies. The gold standard for Lactation consultants is the designation of IBCLC. (International Board Certified Lactation consultant) they must meet rigorous training sessions, classroom education, continuing education and an International Exam given only one time during the year, and must recertify every five years. (For more info see IBCLC.ORG or ILCA.org). I sat and passed my exams and recertified several times, however I retired my IBCLC in 2006, but I still keep up with continuing education seminars. This is my passion, but help can come from an experienced friend or La Leche League Leader and groups. (See La Leche League. Org) Childbirth Educator and Doula: I currently teach Childbirth Education at the Help Crisis Pregnancy center in Monroe, NC. My childbirth education comes thru Apple tree Family Ministries and the Wise woman Way of Birth and Doula training through DONA. A childbirth educator knows and teaches normal pregnancy and childbirth and knows and teaches how to deal with abnormal births or different types of births as well. They help you learn a myriad of coping techniques, for pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum and breastfeeding. There are many different childbirth Certifications out there. A doula is a professional Labor and birth assistant. The doula is there to assist mom mainly and help her cope and remind her that her body can function and to assist her with any needs she has. Doulas have been shown to reduce the number of cesarean births, lessen the need for pain medications, and other interventions. I also tell dads that I have to remember the relaxation techniques while all he has to do is participate to his level of comfort and hold his wife’s hand , tell her how beautiful she is and how much he loves her and how proud he is to have her bringing his child into the world. For single mothers this can be a great help when they sometimes feel alone at birth. They don’t have to. (See dona.org, Cappa. Org. for info.)