birth circles

[snugglebug14]

I went to BOLD rent tent event a few days ago and had the most amazing time. the whole experience was so transformative and i saw it impact so many people. so it has inspired me to start hosting birth circles. i want to invite women from the community to my house maybe once a month and have a potluck dinner and then share birth stories, reactions, emotions, poems, songs, art, dreams, injustices, whatever birth related.
do anyone of you have suggestions on things to do during the birth circle or was of facilitating, advertising for it? thanks so much

[MonTana Mama]

Did you start this? I am interested in doing this too.

[moonglowmama]

I work with an organization that does these periodically. I would suggest having people write out their birth story. It is much more useful for both the mother/father reading and for the listeners.

You can team up with any grassroots organizations dealing with birth, or local doulas, midwives, or childbirth educators. You can print up a simple postcard or flyer and ask maternity stores and baby stores to have them on display. You can have it at your library or community center or possibly a babies r us, or a place that has a meeting room.

hope that helps!

[mothercat]

We have been doing a Birth Circle at the birth center I own www.mothersownbirth.com for about three years now. It is not the same as you describe because the parents and families who attend have also asked for some speakers that include parenting topics. We had about 2 dozen people for a babywearing session last night.

The first hour we have a speaker , then a break for snacks, and the rest of the time is for everyone to network. Usually it becomes a time for everyone to share birth stories.

Next month the speaker will be a hypnobirth instructor talking about using hypnosis to heal birth trauma. And the month after I hope to have a nurse practitioner who will speak on whether your child needs to see the pediatrician. Things like how to know when they are sick enough to go in or if you can continue to provide support and comfort at home. He and his wife have helped several UC families I know.

Birth Circles provide a wonderful place for women who are interested in NCB to find support in a world where everyone needs to be induced for a baby who is too big and "OMG why would you do that w/o an epidural".

Plus it's just fun to be around all that parenting and birthing energy.

Linda