We wholeheartedly believe that introducing trained Black & POC perinatal workers and educators back into their own communities is the most effective way to overcome the significant maternal and infant wellness disparities in Tulsa.
There is a desperate need for diversification in the birth community in Oklahoma. There is a lack of Black & POC perinatal workers in Tulsa who can speak the languages and understand the cultures of different communities. This is so important to the process of efficiently educating mothers in breastfeeding, preventing pre and postnatal health complications, as well as evaluating postpartum anxiety, depression, vaginal issues including dryness or discharge, painful sex, and other sensitive topics not typically discussed. We want to create a culture of safety and comfort for mamas to discuss issues that are typically hidden because of shame or lack of knowledge. It is Innovation Family Wellness’s vision to sponsor the trainings of local Black & POC perinatal workers who are from the underserved areas of Tulsa and will come back to work with our team in serving communities that most need their support.
Life, Business, Health & Wellness Coaching
Meet the Coach
Montika Collins, MA, BS, BSN, RN, CLC, IBCLC, and Founder, President, Executive Director of Innovations Family Wellness, is a remarkable individual with extensive experience and expertise. As a mother of three, business owner, mentor, healthcare professional, college professor, and pillar in the community, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate approach to her work. Now, Montika is expanding her support by offering VIP days and one-on-one coaching sessions in life, business, health, and wellness, providing personalized guidance to help individuals thrive in every aspect of their lives.
Description: Whether you're seeking guidance in navigating the complexities of life, building a successful business or non-profit organization, or enhancing your overall well-being, Montika brings a unique blend of expertise, compassion, and understanding to her coaching practice. With her guidance, you can unlock your full potential and achieve your goals with confidence.
VIP Day
One-on-One Coaching
Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)
CLCs are members of the health care team who can provide knowledge and counseling about optimal and sub-optimal breastfeeding. CLCs understand that breastfeeding decisions are made by the mother, who may have values and goals different from the counselor. A counseling approach is used to gather information and provide appropriate support to the mother and her family. CLCs work as part of the health care team, assuring appropriate referrals and recommendations. CLCs are qualified to provide education, counseling and clinical management.
There are three pathways to qualify to sit for the ALPP Certified Lactation Counselor Exam: the Comprehensive Course Pathway, the Aggregate Pathway, and the Alternate Pathway. Our applicants will typically follow the Comprehensive Course Pathway in which you need the following:
52 hours of training based on the WHO/UNICEF (World Health Organization/United Nations Children's Fund) Breastfeeding Counseling Training Course, that is worth a minimum of 3 college credits. We prefer the course offered through Healthy Children Project, Inc.
Demonstrate the competencies and skills required to provide safe, evidence-based counseling for pregnant, lactating, and breastfeeding women, within the context of the course.
Overall Cost Associated:
$625 for Healthy Children Project, Inc. Tuition
$120 for Exam Fee
$80 for Textbooks
Birth Doula & Postpartum Doula
A Doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. Doulas have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family.
A doula’s skilled hands and positioning tools can often help a malpositioned baby find its way through the pelvis and into the birthing parent’s arms. Doulas help families to feel supported, easing the emotional experience of birth and also helping to create a space where the hormones of labor can work at their best. DONA International doulas are trained to help families connect with evidence-based resources so they can ask great questions and make informed decisions about their births.
DONA Birth/Postpartum Doula requirements:
Attendance at a DONA approved birth/postpartum doula workshop
Current Membership in DONA International
Basics of breastfeeding education (online or in-person)
Basic childbirth education in accordance with Certification Packet (in-person)
Completion of required texts from the Birth Doula Required Reading List
Participate in at least three 15 hour birth experiences
Overall Cost Associated:
$650 for DONA Training
$200 for prerequisite classes
$160 for required reading
$150 for DONA application packet
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
IBCLCs function and contribute as members of the maternal-child health team. They provide care in a variety of settings, while making appropriate referrals to other health professionals and community support resources. Working together with mothers, families, policymakers and society, IBCLC certificants provide expert breastfeeding and lactation care, promote changes that support breastfeeding and help reduce the risks of not breastfeeding.
To be eligible to sit the IBCLC examination, you may pursue one of three pathways (Pathway 1, Pathway 2, or Pathway 3) to meet the key eligibility components. Our candidates will primarily use Pathway 3 as we have an IBCLC on staff who can provide the necessary mentorship needed.
15 collegiate health sciences courses
95 hours of lactation specific education, including five hours of education focused on communication skills, within the five years immediately prior to examination application.
500 hours of directly supervised lactation specific clinical practice obtained within the five years immediately prior to examination.
Overall Cost Associated:
$4500 for Accredited College Prerequisites
$2000 for 90 hrs of lactation specific education
$150 for online exam
$700/month living expenses (for 1 year)
Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)
A Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is a knowledgeable, skilled and professional independent midwifery practitioner who has met the standards for certification set by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) and is qualified to provide the Midwives Model of Care. The Midwives Model of Care includes: monitoring the physical, psychological and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle; providing the mother with individualized education, counseling and prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery and postpartum support; minimizing technological interventions; and identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention.
The Midwifery Core Curriculum from Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery consists of 90 credits over three years. The Commonsense Childbirth program provides students with the academic and clinical learning experiences required to be eligible to sit for the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) exam. The clinical experience requirements exceed those required by NARM and MEAC, and include:
Participation in 75 births a varying management levels including a minimum of 5 Planned Home Births and 2 Planned Hospital Births
50 Prenatal Exams
50 Newborn Exams
50 Postpartum Exams
5 Well Woman GYN Exams
5 Continuity of Care Cases
5 Suturing Patients
1350 clinical hours
Overall Cost Associated:
$27,000 for Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery Tuition
$150 for Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification
$485 for a Doula Certification
$485 for a Childbirth Educator Certification
$485 for a Lactation Educator Certification
$700/month living expenses (for 3 years)
Our Economic Impact
“...You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
