Titus 2 Birthing Frequently Asked Questions

I am frequently asked how the Titus 2 Birthing Programs differ from other doula and childbirth education certification programs. I hope this page will answer a number of those questions and assist you in deciding whether this program or another is best for you.

I have divided this into four different sections:

If you have questions not answered in this FAQ page, feel free to email them to me at titus2@quixnet.net and I will provide the best answer I can. Who knows, your question may spark something that needs to be added to the FAQ page.

The Titus 2 Emphasis

What does Titus 2 mean?
The Titus 2 principle is a mentoring process. It gets it's name from Titus 2:1-8 where the older women are told to teach the younger women how to be godly keepers of their home, lovers of their husbands and children, and to exhibit a lifestyle of moral chastity, wisdom and purity. The older women must first be living a godly life in order to teach the younger women by example and word. The older women must also be careful in their teaching; insuring that it is correct and morally sound.
The Titus 2 Birthing principle is therefore one where an older, more experienced and trained woman mentors or disciples a younger woman in how to safely give birth, manage her growing family, parent effectively, and be a good "help-meet" for her husband. She teaches most effectively by modeling, teaching from the Bible and current medical information, and by being responsive to the needs of her client in a "What Would Jesus Do" attitude.
What difference does the Titus 2 principle make in terms of how clients are served?
First and foremost, it changes our motivation in service. Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.KJV Tit 2:9 Servants,be obedient unto your master, and be pleasing and give satisfaction in all things.AB As servants of God's our first service and obedience is to Him and we do that in part by submitting our desires for a client's birth to Him and to the client.
Secondly, because our first obedience is to God, and we acknowledge Him as the Giver of Life; we bring to the birth experience an appreciation of the miracle of birth, a reverence for life, an acknowledgement that God is in control, and a faith that He will bring all things together for our ultimate good. This doesn't mean that everything goes smoothly or that we are never puzzled by how something that seems to be so bad can work for our good! It does mean that we pray about the matter, trust Him to keep His promises, and acknowledge that we are not in control and He is.
Thirdly, it means that we seek wisdom beyond just what is human; i.e. biblical wisdom and medical wisdom. We look to the Bible to confirm that birth is basically safe, that nutritional wisdom in Old Testament Law still has something to say to New Testament Christians, that prayer and faith still have the power to change the outcome, that God's mercy often doesn't give us what we deserve, that sin and past lifestyles can be overcome, and that God doesn't give us bad gifts or more than we can handle. All of these things can enable us and our clients to have a safe and joyous birth through faith in His Word.
How else does the Titus 2 principle change our work?
Networking with local churches, ministries, crisis pregnancy centers, and other faith-based programs can help the Titus 2 birth professional find a unique niche in the community. Some churches are assisting some of our members by providing classroom space, equipment, and even assisting with the cost of training in an effort to minister to young families in their body. This support and networking can assist you in finding clients who are seeking a biblical approach to the birth process.
Working as a Certified Christian birth professional also enables you to use your faith openly in working with clients. Advertising Christian childbirth classes and/or Christian labor support allows your clients to know what and Who you stand for. This usually means an openness to a variety of activities not normally seen in childbirth classes or labor support: devotions, singing of hymns and praise music, sharing of prayer and praise reports followed by group prayer, and assistance with needs through church and ministry support. While each professional may not use all of these activities, she may choose to incorporate any of these or other expressions of her Christian faith in her service.

The Titus 2 Doula Difference

How does the Titus 2 Doula program differ from other certification programs?
First, by a determined Christian approach to the doula's role in birth. Secondly, by including resources with an explicit Christian emphasis. Third, by encouraging networking with churches and faith-based programs to provide a Christian alternative in birth services. Fourth, by providng support to the doula that includes prayer, biblical counsel, and a training program that brings all of these differences into focus.
How does Christian labor support differ in emphasis from a more secular option?
Christian labor support brings some additional benefits to labor support these include:
  • a woman-to-woman mentoring approach
  • encouragement of the dad as priest and head of his home and to facilitate his active participation
  • encouragment to include family prayer and worship in the pregnancy experience
  • accurate information from both the medical model and from biblical wisdom
  • banishment of fear from the birth process by study of pregnancy and childbirth in the Bible
  • providing a model and information regarding various Christian parenting models
  • inclusion of faith, prayer, scripture, biblical meditation, and Christian music as comfort measures
  • celebration of the spiritual aspects of birth
  • an appreciation and use of the biblical principle of laying on of hands
  • an acceptance of the servant nature of this job
  • a Christian witness and emphasis to those in need
  • additional resources from faith-based sources to meet the needs of clients
  • an encouragement of the discipling process and community of faith outreach
All of these things help the doula and the client participate in the birth process from a spiritual, physical, sexual, mental and emotional perspective.
What are some differences in the training component?
The following topics are included in the Titus 2 Birthing: Christian Labor Support As Ministry workshop, but not generally covered in other kinds of labor support certification training:
  • What is Christian Labor Support
  • Why Christian Labor Support
  • A Titus 2 Ministry Outlook
    • Having a Servant's Heart
    • Exercising Your Faith
  • Encouraging the Father as Priest and Head of His Home
  • Spiritual Discernment and Dealing with Past Abuse
  • A Biblical Perspective on Pain in Childbirth
  • The Purpose of Christian Childbirth Education
  • Networking with Churches and Ministries
    • Family-Based Ministries
    • Jail and Hospital Chaplaincy Programs
  • Presenting Your Faith in a Few Easy Steps
Additionally, each workshop session is started with a devotional and prayer time. Trainings are often held in churches and ministry offices with the support and sponsorship of the local church. Significant time and thought is also spent on inexpensive teaching tools and techniques for those who want to teach, don't have a lot of extra capital, and want to keep class cost down so they can offer scholarships and discounts as needed.
 
What are some differences in the reading component?
The following books are a part of the reading component and are not normally found in the required reading of other programs. We make no apology for their explicit Christian tone.
The Holy Bible
Helen Wessel -- The Joy of Natural Childbirth: 5th Ed. of Nat. CB & The Christian Family
Helen Wessel -- Under the Apple Tree
Grantly Dick-Read -- Childbirth Without Fear
William & Martha Sears -- The Birth Book
William & Martha Sears -- The Pregnancy Book
Harriet Schiff -- The Bereaved Parent
Debra Evans -- Without Moral Limits
Debra Evans -- The Christian Woman's Guide to Personal Health Care
Debra Evans -- The Christian Woman's Guide to Childbirth
 
Are there any other differences that make the Titus 2 Birthing Program different or unique?
Much of the Titus 2 Birth program is decidedly geared to natural childbirth. In some ways Titus 2 Birthing goes a step beyond some of the other programs. One difference is a focus on ways that the medical model has trapped women into a system that infers that God's method of childbirth and infant nutrition is somehow inferior to the one that man can devise. This is not to say that there are not legitimate needs for medical intervention or artificial human milk. It does mean that we acknowledge that God created women to give birth and feed their babies in a certain way and that under normal circumstances, His Way is still best. God's most creative work, human beings, were the only part of His creation that He said was "Very Good" and the only part created in His image.
We encourage the use of midwives, non-interventive doctors, traditional birth settings, and environments which support women who want to birth normally and naturally. We encourage women to work with their caregivers, spouse, and support system to create the best possible birth environment for herself and her baby. We encourage family-centered birthing. We encourage attachment parenting, both before and after birth.
We do provide support to women who choose to birth in hospitals with full medical technology, including surgical births, and those who choose to feed their babies artificial breast milk (formula). We provide information on a variety of medical procedures, options and allow the client to make an informed choice. We provide support in these circumstances because we believe that all women who want support should get it. We also believe that the individual has the right to consent or decline any health option and the right to receive all of the information available in making a decision. We do not make decisions for our clients. We trust, however, that in most cases, the least interventive and most natural option is often the best.
We encourage working with churches and para-church ministries because we believe that one aspect of church ministry should be to encourage and support families as they grow. This should include a spiritual and biblical emphasis on the responsibilities of parenting, sexuality, and family communication. We also believe that the pro-life perspective should be included when discussing choices in reproductive technology, birth control, vaccination, and pre-natal testing.
 
What is the Titus 2 position on herbs and nutrition?
We encourage our birth professionals to learn all they can about nutrition and herbs, based on Gen. 1:29, and to learn to use that knowledge effectively, appropriately, and safely. (A list of recommended resources is available.) It does not mean that we certify our birth professionals to use herbal medicines or to prescribe herbs to treat their clients or certify them as nutritionists. It does mean that we encourage them to get additional training and to know what constitutes healthy nutrition and which herbs are safe in pregnancy, which are not and which should be used with caution. It also means that we encourage our birth professionals to provide the client with true informed consent regarding any health option.
 
What is the Titus 2 position on clinical skills?
We acknowledge that many applicants who come to us have a variety of experiences and training. Many of our workshop attendees are midwives, student midwives, nurses, childbirth educators, and other birth professionals. We know that many of them have training beyond that of the traditional doula providing emotional and physical support. Titus 2 does not certify these professionals as qualified to perform clinical skills. It does however allow the birth professional to use skills obtained through other training, with proper and complete skills verification and where the skill is required.
This does not mean that we encourage the doula to do vaginal exams in the hospital, for example, where there are numerous persons (nurses, doctors, midwives, etc.) to provide this skill. However, with the full knowledge of the primary caregiver, and with a client laboring at home, she might provide limited clinical skills provided that she has the following: documented skills training and compentence for the task (a copy of her competency documentation must be in her Titus 2 permanent file, signed by a licensed professional authorized to guarantee compentency), approval from the primary caregiver, full informed consent from the client, and a documented need for the skills provided. Full and complete documentation of the above must be included with birth notes from every birth where clinical skills were used. The client, birth professional, and primary caregiver must be clear that Titus 2 Birthing does not certify the competency of the doula to provide clinical skills.
We remind the birth professional that most clinical skills are still interventions and should be used sparingly, if at all, by labor support. Clinical skills performed by non-trained individuals is neither wise nor responsible behavior. Any intervention and/or clinical skill should only be used in the event of a legitimate need for safe care of mom and baby, and with full informed consent of the client and full knowledge and approval of the primary caregiver.
Additionally, we require that all Titus 2 applicants and certified professionals maintain CPR certification and know emergency birth procedures. We encourage birth professionals to use all the skills they have in an emergency where the life of mom and baby are at risk, in addition to calling EMS or 911.
 
Explain the Titus 2 policy on sanctity of life issues.
Titus 2 maintains that God, and God alone, determines when a life begins and ends. Children are a gift from Him, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. (Ps. 127: 3) We do not support the use of medical technology to abort a child at any stage from conception through birth. We support the full use of medical technology to save the life of mother and baby when they are in danger. We encourage parents to explore the risks of benefits of all pre-natal testing and be aware that a significant number of those tests include risks to the life of the baby, are offered so that parents have the option to abort imperfect babies, and encourage a moral climate that supports eugenics.
We also encourage full informed consent regardingbirth control options so that parents are aware of which methods can and do cause the death of a fertilized ovum. We encourage parents who choose to plan their family size to consider non-abortive options such as Natural Family Planning and barrier methods. We also encourage parents to consider the connection between the birth control use rate and the divorce rate and seek God as to what He would have them to do in regards to this matter.

The Titus 2 Childbirth Education Difference

How does the Titus 2 Childbirth Educator program differ from secular certification programs?
First, by a determined biblical approach to the pregnancy and birth experience positioned alongside the medical information. Secondly, by including resources with an explicit Christian emphasis. Third, by encouraging networking with churches and faith-based programs to provide a Christian alternative in birth services. Fourth, by providng support to the educator that includes prayer, biblical counsel, and a training program that brings all of these differences into focus.
How is the program learning structured?
The Titus 2 Birthing childbirth educator program includes nine module question sheets which cover at least three different topics per sheet. Applicants begin the process by completing the registration form, sending their fees in. They receive a Participant's Workbook, Presenter's Manual and a reference manual along with the module question sheets. Each module sheet is turned in, checked and returned with any comments or corrections. Somewhere past the mid-point in the module process, the applicant attends a 4-day intensive training with other applicants for some in-depth training and mentoring. Upon completion of the last module, applicants who have successfully completed all of the other requirements can teach one class provisionally. When the provisional series is complete, all of the evaluations and paperwork is returned for a final review, and full certification is granted.
What material is covered in the childbirth education workbook?
The following list includes all topics listed by the class number in the series. This outline is from the 2004 revised workbooks.
  • Class 1: Pregnant Anatomy/Physiology, Pregnancy Old Wives Tales, Nutrition, Harmful Substances Overview, Taking Time for Important Things, The Partner's Role, Exercise and Relaxation Pt. 1, Suggested Reading List
  • Class 2: Informed Consent, Pregnant Patient Rights & Responsibilities, Prenatal Care, Pregnancy Discomforts, Breathing in Labor, Exercise & Relaxation Pt. 2, More Toxic Substances
  • Class 3: Gestational Cycle and the Bible, Gestational Landmarks, Pain in Childbirth and the Bible, Maternal/Fetal Screens, Birth Concerns, Transports, Cesarean Sections
  • Class 4: Childbirth definitions, Getting Ready for Labor and Delivery, Stages of Labor, Birth Analogies, Emergency Birth
  • Class 5: Labor and Birthing Positions, Comfort Measures, Partner Helps - Suuport in Labor and Birth, Pain Medication at the Hospital
  • Class 6: The Many Birth Options Available, Newborn Options to Consider (Feeding, Circumcision, Vaccinating), Post-partum Care, Post-partum Depression, Birth Plans
  • The Newborn Class (2 session series): Postpartum Care, Post-partum Blues and Depression, Feeding Your Baby, Newborn Testing, Newborn Care, SIDS Prevention, Frugal Baby Tips, Safety First, First Year Milestones, Family Planning Options, Parenting Styles, Life Changes, Sibling Issues
  • Breastfeeding Class: Getting Started Right, Common Breastfeeding Concerns, Attachment Parenting and Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding and Family Planning Options, Breast Pumps and Other Supplies, Co-Sleeping, Breastfeeding and Immunity
    The Titus 2 Birthing workbooks are put together for the educator so they come ready for handout at the first class.
     
    What are some differences in the reading component?
    The following books are a part of the recommended reading component and are not normally found in the required reading of other programs. We make no apology for explicit Christian tone or for those materials that encourage natural options in health care.
    The Holy Bible
    Helen Wessel -- The Joy of Natural Childbirth: 5th Ed. of Nat. CB & The Christian Family
    Kathleen Hickling -- What to Expect from God When You're Expecting
    Zola Levitt -- The Seven Feasts of Israel
    William Sears -- Becoming a Father
    William & Martha Sears -- The Birth Book
    William & Martha Sears -- The Pregnancy Book
    William Sears -- The SIDS Book
    William & Maartha Sears -- Parenting the Fussy Baby and the High Needs Child
    William Sears -- Becoming a Father
    William Sears -- Parenting and Child Care
    William Sears -- The Ministry of Parenting Your Baby
    William Sears -- Nighttime Parenting
    Klaus, Kennel & Kennel -- Bonding: Building the Foundatins of Secure Attachment and Independence
    Dobson & Smalley -- Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper
    Smalley and Trent -- The Language of Love
    Wheat & Perkins -- Secret Choices: Personal Decisions That Affect Your Marriage
    Ed and Faye Wheat -- Intended for Pleasure
    Harriet Schiff -- The Bereaved Parent
    H. Norman Wright -- Recovering from the Losses of Life
    Bruce Flamm -- Birth After Cesarean
    Robert Mendohlson -- MalePractice: How Doctors Manipulate Women
    Robert Mendohlson -- How to Raise a Healthy Child In Spite of Your Doctor
    Neil Miller -- Vaccines: Are They Really Safe and Effective
    Ken Freeman -- Free Me to Live
    David Reardon -- Aborted Women: Silent No More
    Florence Littauer -- Hope for Hurting Women
    Debra Evans -- Without Moral Limits
    Debra Evans -- The Christian Woman's Guide to Personal Health Care
    Debra Evans -- The Christian Woman's Guide to Childbirth
    Debra Evans -- The Christian Woman's Guide to Sexuality
    Kippley -- The Art of Natural Family Planning
    George Grant -- Grand Illusions: The Legacy of Planned Parenthood
    H. Norman Wright -- Questions Women Ask in Private
    Cline & Faye -- Parenting With Love and Logic
    Tim LaHaye - The Spirit-Controlled Temperment
    Ross Campbell -- How to Really Love Your Child
     
    Are there any other differences that make the Titus 2 Birthing Program different or unique?
    Much of the Titus 2 childbirth education program is decidedly geared to natural childbirth. It includes a focus on ways that the medical model has trapped women into a system that infers that God's method of childbirth and infant nutrition is somehow inferior to the one that man can devise. This is not to say that there are not legitimate needs for medical intervention or artificial human milk. It does mean that we acknowledge that God created women to give birth and feed their babies in a certain way and that under normal circumstances, His Way is still best. God's most creative work, human beings, were the only part of His creation that He said was "Very Good" and the only part created in His image.
    We encourage the use of midwives, non-interventive doctors, traditional birth settings, and environments which support women who want to birth normally and naturally. We encourage women to work with their caregivers, spouse, and support system to create the best possible birth environment for herself and her baby. We encourage family-centered birthing and attachment parenting, both before and after birth.
    We have chosen to explore the efficacy and safety of vaccines because many parents may never see information on the risks or disease statistics. We also look at options in vaccine exemptions. Other newborn options covered include circumcision, Vitamin K injections and eye ointments. The material is presented to give parent's a full picture of the benefits, risks, and alternatives to these newborn pprocedures.
    We present options in parenting styles including: discipline, breastfeeding, kangaroo care, attachment parenting, family beds, family planning, and marriage enrichment. Family communication skills, bonding, newborn massage, and mentoring are all presented as methods to increase the attachment between parents and children and ways to strengthen the family in an age where families are under attack.
    We encourage working with churches and para-church ministries because we believe that one aspect of church ministry should be to encourage and support families as they grow. This should include a spiritual and biblical emphasis on the responsibilities of parenting, sexuality, and family communication. We also believe that the pro-life perspective should be included when discussing choices in reproductive technology, birth control, vaccination, and pre-natal testing.

What Others Are Saying About the Titus 2 Difference

And finally, a word from the author:
"It does take the rebel approach to some birth and newborn options. That's not necessarily bad. Better to be a Rebel With a Cause than a rebel without a cause. The intent is to equip parents to make well-informed choices for themselves and their children. If the rebel approach works to accomplish this, then I'm not ashamed to be considered a rebel. Kathy Rateliff (in response to a comment about the program appealing more to the rebel or radical birth professional than the main-stream through support of homebirth, homeschooling, non-vaccination status, natural health options, and quiverfull lifestyles.)

If you would like more info on any of the Titus 2 Birthing programs, you can contact Kathy Rateliff at: titus2ed@aol.com

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