Natural Childbirth Directory
Frequently Asked Questions
How are sites for this directory chosen?
What is the basic organization of the directory?
How many people use this directory?
Can I suggest a topic?
The doula or CBE I found is no longer taking clients.
Why would you decline to add a site?
Do I have to link to the directory to be in the directory?
Then why do you provide linking information?
How do you keep the directory current?
How do I get listed in this directory?
How do I know where in the directory I should be located?
Do I need to have a web site?
Will you make a section for professionals without web pages?
What should I say on my web page?
How are sites for this directory chosen?
The web sites linked in the Natural Childbirth Directory fall into two categories. Some web sites are included because they advertise services readers can use to help achieve a natural childbirth. These web sites, include regional and international organizations as well as individual birth professionals organized by location. Other web sites are included because they offer quality information on a topic most readers of the Birthing Naturally web site would find interesting. These web sites are organized by topic.
What is the basic organization of the directory?
The directory is built from the general to the specific. For example, childbirth is a general topic. Within that topic are many subcategories such as birth stories. For some topics the large volume of material available on the web makes it possible to break down the topic even more into categories like waterbirth, homebirth, or complications. As the directory grows, sections that become too large to easily scan through and choose pages will be broken down into subcategories.
Birth resources are organized by location. For example, if you were preparing for a natural birth in Dublin, Ireland, you could begin by reviewing international organizations then move to European organizations. You would then review the United Kingdom resources and resources specific to Ireland.
How many people use this directory?
Currently, the entire Birthing Naturally web site (including the directory) has about 200,000 page views a month, and it is in a growing trend. About 700 readers a month enter through the main page of the directory; many more enter through topical pages found through search engines.
Can I suggest a topic?
I always welcome reader feedback and would be glad to know what other types of information would be valuable to you. Just use the feedback form from any page on the directory and share your comments.
The doula or CBE I found is no longer taking clients.
Please use the feedback form so I can remove her from the directory.
Why would you decline to add a site?
The primary reason for declining a site would be lack of useful content. For example, many sites offer a list of comfort measures for labor, but there is no explanation of when or how to use them in labor. In this example information is not useful. Another example would be an online store which offers products for sale but no real information.
Recently with the increase in spam submissions, the main reason for rejecting a site has become lack of relevance. The directory is managed by hand, so there is no automatic inclusion. Web sites not about pregnancy, childbirth or parenting will not be added.
Do I have to link to the directory to be in the directory?
The Natural Childbirth Directory is not a link exchange system. Your site will not be monitored for return links and adding a return link will not improve your chances of being inclulded in the directory.
Then why do you provide linking information?
Links to the directory help the readers in two ways. First, it provides the directory as a resource for readers who are already seeking childbirth information. Second, linking and the quality of links to a site are important factors search engines use to determine placement in search results. More links to the directory make it easier to find in search engines.
A link to the directory can help a web site too. First, it can compliment the content (text) of sites that are built on a free web service that doesn't provide a lot of space; site owners who are not comfortable with their website building skills; those that do not want to have lists of links on their pages; and those who do not have the time to spend looking for quality links. Secondly, as the Google "ranking" or importance of the directory goes up with links, the "ranking" of all the sites listed in the directory improves. This makes it easier for readers to find the these websites in search engines.
Third, many people consider it proper etiquette to return links because of the value they add to the site. The "value" is the improved importance of the site, and the traffic generated from the link. These people want linking information, and so it is provided for them.
Finally, my hope is that you will link to the directory. To me, a link means that the site is valuable. It means that the users of the site are recommending it to their readers because it meets a need. It's a virtual "pat on the back" or "well done," and is therefore appreciated.
How do you keep the directory current?
I run a program that checks the links on the entire site for me. It lets me know when an external link has died (is no longer functioning). This is not fool-proof however, as some hosting services will display a "site for sale" sign instead of an error message and this can confuse the link check program. Links are randomly checked by hand to ensure they remain relevent and in proper working order.
How do I get listed in this directory?
Submit your URL using the submission forms. Your web site will be reviewed and you will receive an email when if it is added. Please be patient, the process of updating the directory by hand takes time.
How do I know where in the directory I should be located?
The directory is organized topically. If you have a web site on a particular topic, choose the most general way to describe the topic and suggest it be placed there.
For Childbirth Educators: Because most clients will be traveling to you, give the state and the city you work in - this should be the location listed on your web site If you live on the border of two states and frequently teach clients from both states, please indicate that.
For Doulas: Because you travel for your client, please select the largest region you serve and find a two or three word way to describe that such as Northern Regions or Greater Chicagoland.
As an example: I work from my home in a city right outside Albany, NY (the states capital. For CBE I would list myself as Colonie or Albany (since I live right on the border). For doula I would list myself as "Capital District" since I serve hospitals in an hour radius which covers 4 counties.
Do I need to have a web site?
This is a web directory, which means it is a listing of web sites. Because of that it is necessary for you to have a web site to be included as a professional in the directory.
Will you make a section for professionals without web pages?
At this time I have no plans to build a section of the directory like that. In my estimation, the amount of work it would take to add all the necessary information for every professional would make building the directory thus far look easy. It would also be nearly impossible to keep current since e-mails change regularly and most listed professionals would not remember to update their information (I’ve seen this on MANY lists I’ve reviewed).
You can always have your services listed with your certifying or membership organization. Some organizations will provide you with a free website and you can list that. Another option is to build a web page with other professionals in your area. You can use one page to list a group of doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, midwives and others. This can help get the word out about these services, and gets professionals without access to a computer the ability to be found on the web.
What should I say on my web page?
You don’t need to build a large web site of pregnancy and childbirth information for your page to be effective. Readers will be looking for basic contact information and what your services are. Be sure to give them your name, phone number, email and the areas (city and state) that you serve. If you offer several services, you will want to list them all.
Please note: The directory is provided in an attempt to help you locate information and childbirth professionals to assist you in planning for a natural birth. Listing in the Natural Childbirth Directory does not indicate that professionals and sites only offer natural childbirth services.
What would you like next?Learn comfort techniques for labor. Find out how what you eat can impact how you give birth. Learn ways to stay comfortable during pregnancy. Read sample birth plans. Get emotionally prepared to give birth. |
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