The results are in: I passed my exam! Though I was told that it would take several weeks to receive the results, the waiting felt longer than I expected. Particularly because I work closely with other birth professionals who periodically asked: 'did you get your results yet?'

In preparation for the exam, I spent a lot of time with the study guide, my laptop, and Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn propped on one knee. I found that although the worksheets helped organize information, I much preferred taking my own notes and creating my own mnemonic devices in order to remember information. I also appreciated the test breakdown sheet that was offered online, which told approximately how many questions of each type and section would be on the exam. Before I found that worksheet, I spent far too much time trying to memorize all of the 'useful acronyms' offered in the early pages of the study guide.

When it was finally exam day, I left early to the tucked away testing center and they sat me down in a grey cubicle. I wasn't quite sure what to expect out of the questions; though I had been able to get the study guide, I did not take the prep course and was not exposed to the format of the questions. As a result, I found myself second-guessing on questions which asked what the first thing I would say or the most important information to give. When I emerged, there was also a little snafu with the software and I stood around worrying whether I would have to repeat it because of a fluke with the machine! The biggest pressure I felt was not to let down the numerous people who donated to my crowdfunding campaign - they were truly the people who allowed me to get so far down this path. As I left, unsure whether I had passed or not, I had to leave it up to the universe to determine my results.

An added benefit of studying for this exam is that I have now broadened and deepened my knowledge of childbirth and teaching, which ultimately helps me to better support my doula clients and have more creativity when teaching even in settings unrelated to birth. I feel like this process supported my professional development beyond the exam itself.

I am glad to be able to share these positive results! Going forward, I hope to continue working with Parent Trust for Washington Children as an educator and also teach some of my own independent classes. For the past few months, my childbirth educator work has slowed as I figure out my next steps for 2018. But I hope to pick it up again in a few months and to learn from some of the amazing birth professionals working in the Seattle area. Thanks again to all those who have supported me, with finances and well wishes, along the way. I will update you all again when I finish all my observations and begin teaching on my own. Until next time.

Note: You can find Jordan on her website. Congratulations to all the new LCCE Educators that received their exam results this week. Job well done for all of your effort and your hard work. I want to welcome you to the world of the LCCE credential and rejoice in all the families you will help and your contribution to improving maternal-infant health. Great work! The list of all the new LCCE Educators can be found here. - Sharon Muza, Science & Sensibility Community Manager.

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