Tips on advocacy

[CMcC]

Okay, me and a few other moms are starting a local natural birth advocacy group. Most women in the area see a dr, get induced, have a cesarean, and don't breastfeed.... Soooo, we are up against quite a lot. I think our main focus should be on the women and how they percieve birth because doctors aren't going to offer a friendlier birth when no one is asking for it.... Of course, we should also focus on the doctors and hospitals..... but how?

Does anyone have any tips on how to go about changing things in our area?

[A&L+1]

You could do a web search for other advocacy groups to get ideas.

Check out the Meet the Doulas nights, Ask the Expert panel events, and community resources events that are done by www.bayareabirthinfo.org Pretty cool!

[courtenay_e]

check out BirthNetwork.org. They have a great "program", and it might be a good way to go about what you want to do...and why reinvent the wheel, you know? They are happy to help you get started...

[CMcC]

Thanks A&L+1 and courtenay_e.

courtenay_e: Are you part of a chapter? Is the manual worth the $15 to download? This really sounds like what we are looking for!

[Charmie981]

You can find an article called "How to Start a Birth Network" at Midwifery Today. It has a lot of helpful information in it.

I think it's okay to have a few meetings to decide what you're going to do/be...what your mission is, what your vision is, are you a consumer group or a professionals group, etc...

[courtenay_e]

Not, but I've been involved with many of the members, and, as a matter of fact, RNChrista DOES head up a chapter in my area, I think. She could probably help you out!