Comprehensive, Self-paced, Distance Learning for Christian Birth Professionals

“I chose Charis because it was a program I could follow while being a single mom. I identified with Kristin and Charis’ vision and passions. I enjoyed and needed the support given through the personal mentoring and partnership of other Charis students. I was stretched and blessed through the process and I have recommended the program to many women!!”

“The Lord began laying midwifery on my heart while I was serving in East Asia as an English teacher, language student, and cultural ethnographer. I encountered SO MANY women who were being lied to about their bodies and their babies. I did not really consider a “second career” at that time, however.  It just seemed overwhelming….like it would take too much effort and investment. I felt like I wasn’t qualified to serve women in this way because I am single and have never had any children. A few years later, however, as I learned more about the service that doulas could provide, the Lord began to, once again, open my heart to “the big picture.”  He spoke to my heart, making clear that He could really use me to impact women and families around the globe if I would just put myself in a position to be of service to them. About that same time, my mother (who knew of my journey and interest in midwifery) ran into Kristin Schuchmann at a homeschooling conference. The training that Charis provides seemed too good to be true. Yes, it would take some time. Yes, it would be an investment. But, the quality of training and the methods used by Charis' coaches was irresistible. I knew that Charis was where I would not only grow to be an excellent childbirth educator, doula and midwife. I also knew that this organization is where I would grow in my walk with the Lord. Little did I know what a solid support base would form from my relationship with the Charis family. Truly women around the world ARE being served and strengthened because of the service the Lord uses me for, as a representative of His Kingdom and of Charis. I could not do it without this family! And, thankfully, the Lord did not ask me to do it alone.”  

“I first heard of Charis through my cousin who did a lot of research on other doula programs. She spoke highly of Charis but encouraged me to search other programs for myself. What really stuck out to me was the Biblical aspect of Charis. I believe the Bible applies to every category of life, including childbirth, and I really appreciated that this program acknowledged that as well.”

“First of all, I feel like I must say that it was really the Lord who chose Charis for me and not the other way around. I was in contact with 2 different organizations, both Christian, and wasn’t sure who was in charge of either one, but Kristin called me back first…. The other organization never even followed up until another 2 weeks after that.  I wasn’t sure which organization Kristin was with but knew after talking with her that this was the right fit.  She was so passionate about it. I loved the fact that we would have the opportunity at least twice to learn from a senior doula. (I really lucked out when Kristin was mine) I loved that the director would be my coach and I loved the fact that above all the other lessons, Christ came first.  Because of the format of the lessons, it is easy to see the Creator’s part in every detail of our studies. The final reason I choose Charis is because my passion is not just being the support person for a mom in labor but also teaching expectant couples how to prepare for this blessed event. Charis has added that important detail I feel is necessary for all childbirth educators…. How to bring Christ into the Labor experience. Many childbirth classes today focus on how to get through labor by focusing “within”  depending on yourself and your body. I love how Charis points to Grace and how it is given to us at such a time as this (labor) to show evidence of How the Father so graciously poured out his love for us through the gift of His Son, so that we can never boast but point directly to the Lord. And it is through that dependency that we can share His love through childbirth with the world.” 

“The reason I chose Charis was based on the meaning of the name Charis (Grace). When I heard that this was the name, and its meaning was found in the Greek and speaking to Kristin, I knew that the foundation was Christ. That was all it took for me. In my mind, I could imagine childbirth being the branches in a big beautiful tree, and the babies being all the beautiful leaves on the tree.. the trunk of the tree would be Charis, the roots, Christ and His Grace. I have been so blessed to be a part of this (Charis)  tree.. whose branches reach far and wide throughout the world, For the Glory of God.” 

“Actually, my dreams of studying midwifery hunted me down–but only by the kindness of the Lord! I have wanted to become a midwife for as long as I can remember but the dream had been put on hold for many reasons, including having a large, young family. At the end of summer 2007, a friend of mine told me a little about the Charis midwifery training that she was involved in. That same day, I visited the Charis website only to see that a “labor support/doula” workshop was scheduled for the next month. Well, I got really excited and started praying that the Lord would open the doors for me to attend, except that we didn’t have the money for me to pay for it at the time. God is so good! That next week He, miraculously, provided a way for me to attend and then swung wide open the next door for me to begin midwifery training through Charis. I have not regretted a single minute of my studies during this past year and know that it is a dream come true! ‘Delight thyself in the Lord and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart’ Psalm 37:4“

“As I was growing up, the Lord impressed on my heart a desire to serve women, especially as they were welcoming their babies into the world. I took note of many birth stories and was saddened that they were often very difficult or traumatic and not full of joy. When I found out what a doula was, I knew it was my calling to help families as an informed professional who could serve in tangible ways. I began the Charis Childbirth Certified Doula/Childbirth Educator program immediately after I graduated from high school. About 6 months later, I just could not get enough information and began the Charis Childbirth Midwifery Academics Course. I began praying that the Lord would use me however he saw fit and felt he was calling me to become a midwife. I began hearing about high maternal and infant mortality rates, especially among women of color here in the United States. I completed my Charis midwifery academics with the help of Susan Oshel, my wonderful Charis coach. Once I finished my training and became an LM, CPM, I felt called to DFW, Texas and began looking to see which areas needed health care the most. I started learning about South Dallas and how they have the lowest access to prenatal care and highest rates of infant and maternal mortality. The Lord pressed it upon my heart that we should go wherever people have need, especially if it is a place where not many desire to go. It is such a joy for me to be opening a non-profit prenatal clinic in South Dallas that offers services to everyone, regardless of whether they can pay. I never thought that this is what my life would look like when I began my studies with Charis Childbirth, but I am so glad it is!”