tell me about Bellingham living & midwives

Congratulations on your new adventure! Bellingham is a very cool town. There are lots of midwives, doulas, and a new birthing center (independent) that just opened this month.

There are several areas that are affordable. I would just avoid living by WWU since there are lots of students and lots of parties, etc.

There are a myriad of opportunities for school here as well. There is montessori programs, waldorf school, and loving space preschool and school. Loving space combines several philosophies into one and is a cool program.

I think the town is alright for something so small. Lots of parks, the library is very cool, and the weather is beautiful. If you have any more questions just let me know.

Peace,
Shelbi

I am not that familiar with the housing prices. I would do a search online though. I know the area realtors probably have quite a few listings online. That way you could try and see what kind of homes are in that range.

Hope you find something you like, but trying to find an old victorian in Fairhaven may prove to be a rather difficult task.

Peace,
Shelbi

Thanks for all of the great info! I'm very excited to come discover Bellingham for myself. We will actually be out for a visit sometime next month. We are of coarse very curious about many things. I've heard that the job prosepects in Bellingham leave much to be desired, but I'm am holding the faith that all will work out for us when we come.
Thanks again!

Kristine

Plan when you move into the community carefully. It is better to come when the majority of the western kids go home for the summer. We moved in October and it was very difficult to find work. But, somehow we managed to make it through and really like it here.

I hope you find your way.

Peace,
Shelbi

I'm interested in Bellingham information, too. Looking for unschoolers in the area. I'm an unschooling mom to a 12 and 6 yo, and we're looking at moving over there. WE're in Montana now. We have always really liked the area. We're looking for maybe an old house that's a duplex that we can share with another family, someplace within walking distance to everywhere...
Dana
in Montana

Check in the rental section in the B'ham Herald. Plus, when we moved here we paid $30 to Homefinders to get their listings as well. Many of those listings were not in the paper. In fact, the house we ended up renting was listed on in Homefinders. We got a great deal and was worth the $30.

Peace,
Shelbi

Hi
I too am going to be moving to Bellingham soon. I have a three year old and am expecting in Feb. I would love to meet you all. I'm coming from Iowa so I'll be a long way from home. My dh was laid off last month so we decided to make a change. My dh hates the humidity adn heat during the Iowa summers. We will likely be moving this fall. What is the name of the Birth center? I'm a little nervous because I love my Doc so much. She is very AP. I'm having a hard time picturing my birth without her. Is there any kind of playgroup that you all go to? I'm excited about the prospect of so many different schools. Do the schools give you a hard time about not vaxing? I would love any info.

The name of the birthing center is The Bellingham Birthing Center and is located on the corner of Cornwall and Alabama. There are many midwives in the area so the birthing center is just one of many options.

I don't know about the no vax thing since my kids were vaxed. I am sure it isn't that big of a deal. I am willing to bet there are many parents in this town who have not vaxed their kids. Plus, if the public school gives you too many hassles there are many private schools to choose from (if you can afford it because IMO they are rather pricey)

I haven't found a playgroup but there are many activities offered through the library, children's museum, and park system that are geared for children of all ages.

Hope you all have a great time moving to Bellingham. If you need some info just ask and I will be happy to help out. It was rather lonely living here at first, but now I am starting to know some people around town.

Peace,
Shelbi

Sorry, Shelbi, that it's been slow for you there to make friends! I've joined the homeschooling elist and met some people that way already, and when we went up there for a day I met a homeschooling mom in the bathroom of the co-op, lol! People there seem SO much friendlier than they do here, or maybe I just want them to be so I put myself out there more...I also have family in the area, so being there will be really nice for us.

About the vax, Washington has a philosophical exemption--I wasn't vacced when I was a kid and we never got any probelms about it (can you believe it? My mom was cool so long ago! tee hee hee).

Dana