We are the community resource for pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood and love to help women by answering questions, or giving you a place to go for fun, inspiration, local resources, and support through your process. These years of your life are a precious unfolding and blossoming, and we also are going through this time of our own lives. Having honest, down to earth, woman to woman, non-judgemental information just feels good. We are nestled in our homes with books nowadays and want information to also be out there for our community~from one woman to another....
Childbirth Classes: a. Feb 26, March 3, 10, 17/b. May 5, 12, 19, 26/c. Sept 2, 9, 16, 23/ d. Oct 28, Nov 4, 11, 18
Motherhood and Birth Art Show: venue and time TBA, first friday April 4th
VBAC information meeting: tues April 15th
Doula Trainings: April 25, 26, and 27 and Dec 5, 6, 7
Pregnancy Retreat- Sat July 12th
We believe that birth is a natural and normal process. Just like anything natural, we believe also you cannot plan it and that it may be different than you expect. Whether you are a first time mom, or a mom that had a hard birth prior to coming to us- we hope to help you find trust in your own process. Our chilbirth class series is $100 for a 4 week session of a 2 1/2 hours or so class one time per week. Our first class/Pregnancy- contains information about pregnancy choices, nutrition, birth plans, taking care of your body, and more. We also watch a video, and do a visualization. We like to have someone from our community to come and pamper or share pregnancy services with you in some way. Our second class/Tools for Labor- We usually have someone who comes to share a birth story from our community (either hospital, birth center, or homebirth). We also go the placenta in detail and learn about the use of it and customs from around the world. We also go over every conceivable tool for natural childbirth to reduce labor pain and give you ideas for your own -toolbox-. We watch a video too! Our third class/ Ripening and Labor- As you get close to your due date, trust in the natural ripening process of your body! We go over signs and symptoms of labor, as well as the labor process itself (if you can describe it). We show a video and do a visualization. Our fourth class/ Breastfeeding and Postpartum Mama and Baby- Our fourth class is about breastfeeding and sometimes we have a speaker come and share in a service fr mamas. We also go over some common questions with newborns as well as a mother and her healing process. Our classes are much more than this description, and we hope you make it! Our teachers are- Charlotte McCarvel, (hopefully) licensed as a Midwife in 2008, mother of Nevica, Lactation Counselor and Doula. Colleen Alber, Doula and mama of Cassidy and Cale and Ashley Hinton-Sharp, Midwife, Doula, Diaper Service Owner, and mother of Montaro, Lupine, and Rio. We all hope to be a valuable resource to you during this wonderful process. To register for classes, please call Colleen at 251.4401 or email bearruncreek@aol.com. We can send you deposit/class registration information.
First Friday of April every year (2008 will be our 3rd annual), mothers in our community put art into a fundraiser/party event that opens first friday as a party and viewings occur all month. Art is inspiring and unique and gorgeous. We usually fund raise for a specific gentle birthing organization of cause. There is music and food and children and a sweet celebration. The art is about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, mothering, adoption... anything really. The venue changes. Please come, and most importantly participate. To participate or for more information, please call Charlotte at 546.6452/543.1232 or email chardoula@msn.com. We can tell you about it or send out participation information. We must have submissions by Feb/March prior to event. Usually art is hung 2 days the week of. Art is also expected to be picked up on a particular date at the end of the month. We hope you are a part!
VBAC- We also have a meeting of support and talk for women who have had prior cesareans and want to emotionally process for their next birth and are thinking about VBAC. Women from our community who have successfully had VBACs come and lead the group and offer insight and pointers and what helped them. It is a one time event and is mellow and welcoming. If you are pregnant again, or plan to be come- not for stats, but to hear women`s stories. On a Tuesday in April, listed above on website. Call 543.1232 for more info and to let us know you are coming.
Postpartum Knitting Circles-You do not need to knit to come!) Come meet some other Birth Mamas. We also have a postpartum knitting circle for new moms (newbornbaby up to 1yr at Jeanette Rankin library) and one for toddler moms (babies 1yr plus at individual women`s homes). Here, we will likely chat, swap info, and relax into motherhood. There is also a resource sheet with everything from a good housecleaner, a great place to go to yoga that has childcare, to information on good local resources for postpartum issues. We are here for tea, and hangout and it is sort of different than a -new moms group-. Call 543.1232 for more information. There are also other great pp groups around, so ask us about local resources.
We have a doula circle for women interested in our doula services. We love being doulas and want women to feel supported in any place of birth that they feel most comfortable in. Each of us have different strengths as women and, in general, have even been one anothers births. If we have not, we adore each other and are trusting friends anyway. If you decide to not have a birth doula, but are interested in some postpartum doula support, do call. Local birth doulas have varying individual prices and varying visit schedules, but range anywhere from $300-$500 which includes 24 hour phone support, 2 prenatal visits, attending the birth however long you need her, and a postpartum visit. Postpartum services are usually hourly, or come in a package of days support, for a fee. Charlotte(543.1232/546.6452), Colleen(251.4401/531.4980), (we are sure Ashley(549.2084/396.0222) would do some doula work if called upon), our friend Michelle Klassen(721.3550/880.3743), and Christina Harrell in Darby (821.0897/239.0546)are part of our doula circle. Come to us for support. Our support extends to each other and we believe in each other! If anyone wants to list their own local doula services on our site, please let us know.We know there are lots of great doulas out there. Our circle is open to you.
Birth Mama Reunions- Are meant for anyone, whether you have been a participant in Birth Mama or not. Twice a year we advertise in the Independent Calendar 2 dates Spring and Fall (as well as on or webpage) for Welcome to the World reunions in a local park. Come and meet other mothers, as well as give the kiddos a chance to play with each other. We welcome you!
Pregnancy Retreat- This year, we will have an all day retreat at a local sweet and nuturing environment. Pregnant women will have a choice of different classes and pampering areas for an entire day of joy and information. Yoga classes, Birth Mama special sessions, Massage, Bodywork, Art and much more. More information coming later. The event will occur summer 2008.
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