Thanks so much to all those who came out to make the 11th Annual Pregnancy and Baby Fair a success! We had a ton of wonderful service providers, vendors, and volunteers working to put together an enriching experience for all who attended.
If you received a phone call from one of our volunteers informing you that you have won a raffle prize, please pick it up at our Monthly Meeting on May 29th if you have not done so already!
Thank you CASA/GAL for joining us with kids’ activities! Also, thank you, Liz Kelley, Central Ohio Music Therapy, Elizabeth Chamberlain from Bodhi Tree Studio, and Taryn Lentes from the Athens Public Library for all the demonstrations and classes we had at our 11th Pregnancy and Baby Fair.
This month we look forward to gathering for the meeting that is at the core of why the Birth Circle exists: sharing birth stories as we process our journey through parenthood. We at the Birth Circle believe that your story is important, whether you had the birth you planned for or had to make adjustments, whether you chose to be at home or at the hospital, whether you felt instant attachment for your baby or it took a while to develop. We are here to hear from you and remind you that your experience is inherently valuable. We also welcome those who are preparing for birth, and who are supporting loved ones to join us in listening and acknowledging each other. See you there!
Ariel Carver
Executive Director, The Birth Circle
director@athensbirthcircle.com
740-652-6262
Loss Support Group
Thursday, May 2nd, 6:30 pm
Central Avenue Church, 73 Central Ave., Athens
If you are in need of support because of a pregnancy loss or the loss of your child, you are welcome to join us every first Thursday of the month for this support group. These meetings are free and facilitated by a professional social worker. All family members, such as grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles, as well as friends, are welcome. Childcare is provided.
Postpartum Support Group
Friday, May 3rd from 2:30- 4:00 pm
Athens Public Library, 30 Home St. Athens.
There will be a Postpartum Support Group for Moms that are battling the blues, blah’s, and the super hard stuff. Those who wish to will have the opportunity to share their postpartum story and create a circle of mutual support with other Mamas who are struggling during this intense time. A representative from Hopewell Health will be available at the meeting in addition to mom – to – mom support. Please feel free to share this!
Play Group
Tuesday, May 7th, 3pm – 5pm
Athens Public Library, 30 Home St. Athens.
Join Birth Circle member Maira and her children for an informal free play and socializing in the children’s section of the Athens Library every first Tuesday of the month, 3-5 pm.
Mama Walks
Wednesday, May 8th
Meet outside the Athens 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, May 29th, 7pm
Birth Stories
Join us for the meeting that started the Birth Circle back in May of 2002. We will dedicate our whole meeting to sharing birth stories. Whether you gave birth 30 years ago or two weeks ago, or you just want to come and listen, all people and all stories are welcome!
Prepared Mommy Camp
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. We are halfway through our spring session and enjoying this new group of participants and all they have to share. Many thanks to Kaiser’s and Brenen’s for donating lunch for our first two meetings! 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.