Here’s hoping we’ve seen the last of the snow and can look forward to more spring weather and a beautiful Mother’s day! As always we look forward to celebrating the continuing journey of parenthood with you by “gathering” on Zoom to share Birth Stories in May. But first we have some opportunities to talk about the often tumultuous part of the journey that is the postpartum period. We are delighted to continue to support local midwife Ash Dasuqi as they facilitate a monthly support group for those experiencing pregnancy and postpartum during the pandemic, and we will hear from Kailyn Browning of Birthsource (also known as the Birth Circle’s Assistant Director) about realistic expectations and tools to support yourself and your loved ones through the often unpredictable postpartum emotions.
As an organization, the Birth Circle is also in search of new members for our Board of Directors! Would you like to be more involved in supporting expecting and new parents in Athens County?
Whether you have experience you would like to share in marketing, community outreach, or fundraising, or are interested in learning more about these skills through practice while serving your community, we need you!
Our board is currently made up of parents who know how hard the journey through pregnancy and parenting can be and are passionate about supporting others through the journey, though parenthood is not a requirement for participation. We are looking for a diverse group of people to bring together their range of personal and professional experiences for the common goal of supporting families through this time of major life transition.
The Board of Directors is responsible for guiding The Birth Circle as an organization, overseeing staff members, planning fundraisers and events, and promoting the organization in the community and to potential donors.
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Catch the recording!
New Parent Mood Support: a DIY Guide to Planning a more Positive Postpartum
Wednesday April 28th at 6:30pm
Expecting a new baby–or already have one?
You’re probably aware that while there is so much beauty in it, the postpartum period (which can apply to you even if your “baby” is quite older now) can also be quite challenging. Whether you struggle through a lack of sleep or battle full-on depression, you’ll very likely find yourself in need of support to help you cope and navigate the emotional ups and downs.
The great news is that there are so many resources and approaches you can learn to help you manage these challenges in a more positive way! And we’re to help! So if you’re pregnant or past that, join us this month to learn these things for yourself!
This month we’ll be learning from Kailyn Browning of Birthsource as she explains signs of various mood complications (from the Scobie Model of Perinatal Mood), validating our experiences while also teaching us practical ways to bring in needed support and even manage our own feelings within ourselves. This material applies to parents even far beyond immediate weeks postpartum. In our normal fashion, there will be chances for sharing and asking questions together.
Plus, immensely valuable handouts and worksheets that are normally reserved for Birthsource clients. You don’t want to miss this!
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Kailyn is a certified Stillbirthday Birth and Bereavement Doula, supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and beyond in any trimester or outcome. She also teaches Gentlebirth childbirth workshops that focus on preparing parents to feel more calm, confident, and in control both during and after birth.
She has worked with pregnant and postpartum parents in various capacities for eight years, has taken multiple counseling courses, and brings us material straight from a seminar on “Supporting the 1 in 5.” She is passionate about helping parents not only survive pregnancy and parenting, but feel validated, equipped, and empowered in their own identities as parents.
A mother of 6, she has also experienced the emotional throes of pregnancy loss and is currently pregnant herself!
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Did you know we are in the process of making our lending library available to browse online?!
The books and DVDs are up, and we are working on a way to have the non ISBN items like baby carriers and birth tubs display nicely here too. Find an item you are interested in and click “Ask About This” to connect with us so we can get it to you. Check it out!
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Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group
Thursday May 6th at 6:30pm
If you are in need of support because of a pregnancy loss or the loss of your child, you are welcome to join us in-person (or join in via Zoom) every first Thursday of the month for this support group.
Free childcare in the nursery will be provided and our babysitter will be masked!
Please wear a mask. We will be seated spaced apart.
You needn’t be local to Athens to join virtually. These meetings are free, welcoming, hopeful, and honoring. All family members, such as grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles, as well as friends, are welcome.
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Birth Stories!
Wednesday May 26th at 6:30pm
No presenter this month, the whole meeting will be focused on sharing birth stories together. This is a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space where ALL experiences are welcome.
Register in advance for this online meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/…/tZ0uceyprTgjHdeZ4DtWXDDD5Arbq…