We at the Birth Circle are entering a season of discernment and evaluation regarding our current and future programming. Several of our programs, such as playgroup and postpartum support group have fizzled this year due to low attendance, and attendance has been down at monthly meetings as well. I don’t think this is because new parents are no longer in need of support or encouragement, and I suspect that the reason lies in conflicting scheduling or venue/format. We would love to hear from those who have attended any of our programs in the past or who were interested in attending but unable to for any reason:
What has been valuable or supportive to you at a Birth Circle program?
How could we improve the program you attended?
What programs do you see a need for?
What prevented you from being able to attend a program you were interested in?
Do you see/hear Birth Circle programs advertised around town regularly? Where? Where should we be getting the word out?
When would be a good time/place for a play group to meet?
When would be a good time/place for a postpartum support group to meet?
Are you or do you know a Dad who would be interested in more Dad centered programming?
How could we facilitate more supportive environments online for those who are finding a lot of their information and support there these days?
Please send any and all comments to athensbirthcircle@gmail.com
Thank you!
Ariel Carver
Executive Director, The Birth Circle
director@athensbirthcircle.com
740-652-6262
The Birth Circle 15th Fundraising Yard Sale Donations Drop-off!
Every Saturday in July from 10am-noon.
100 A Columbus Rd. Athens, OH (Behind the ReUse store)
July is here and also a new cycle of drop-off donation. We need your help!
Donate your gently used maternity, baby*, and kid-related items.
All proceeds of our 15th Fundraising Yard Sale will help The Birth Circle continue to provide free programming for the Athens community.
Please share! The Birth Circle 15th Fundraising Yard Sale will be August 17th 8 am- 4 pm at the Community Center under the solar panels.
*We cannot accept Rock ‘n’ Plays as they have been recalled for safety.
Play Group
We will take a break in July and August to reinvent our Playgroup. We are open to hear you! Please let us know if there are ways we could facilitate a playgroup that would be helpful to you and those you know.
Mama Walks by The Birth Circle
Wednesday, July 10th
Meet outside the Athens Public Library for a walk on the bike path 6-7 pm
Join Birth Circle board member Leanne and her baby for a casual stroller walk on the bike path. A great chance to meet new moms, socialize, and get a little fresh air!
Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, July 31st, 7 pm
Athens Public Library
The Mental Load, discussion facilitated by Rachel Siegle of Siegle Transformations
The mom brain is a real thing, the endless to-do list is called the mental load and women carry more of it. Come talk about the mental load with us!
Prepared Mommy Camp
August 10th, September 14th, October 12th, and November 9th 10 am – 2 pm
Athens Friends Meeting House, 22 Birge Dr, Chauncey, OH 45719.
We are now accepting registrations for the Fall session!
This Camp is geared toward providing birth and parenting education and community building with young Mamas age 23 and under, though when we do have extra space and are glad to include others as well. More information, as well as a video and the registration form, can be found on our website. We deeply appreciate your support!
www.athensbirthcircle.org/prepared-mommy-camp
Meals for Families
Let The Birth Circle community cook for you! If you’ve just had a baby, if you are going through another type of transition in your family, or have experienced a loss, The Birth Circle is more than happy to organize a meal calendar to help support you. If you are interested in receiving meals, providing meals or both, please contact our Meals For Families Coordinator, Ariel Carver at arielrose.carver@gmail.com for more information.