Birth Works E-News A publication of Birth Works, Inc.
Editor: Debra Mendelson, MSW, CCE
Volume III, Issue 3 
January 15, 2003

Welcome to the Birth Works E News. This is a forum for you to get to know us better and read about new and exciting things going on at Birth Works.

Birth Works embodies the philosophy of developing a woman's self confidence, trust and faith in her ability to give birth. It is the goal of our Childbirth classes and Doula services as well as our Childbirth Educator, Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula certification programs to promote safe and loving birth experiences through education, introspection and confident action. 

2003 Bith Works National Conference Human Values in Birth: A New Perspective

July 11-13 Clarion Hotel Conference Center in Cherry Hill, NJ (6 miles from Philadelphia)


In This Issue...

A Conference Preview

  • Our Keynote Speakers and Topic Preview
  • 20 additional workshops!
  • Spend the Day with Jean Sutton or Suzanne Arms in special full-day pre-conference workshops, Thursday, July 10th
  • 4 Post-Conference Trainings
  • Friday Night Banquet and Social
  • Schedule of 2003 Childbirth Educator, Birth Doula, and Postpartum Doula Training Workshops!

    Conference Keynotes

    Human Values in Birth by Cathy Daub Cathy is the founder and designer of the Birth Works program and philosophy. She is the author of the Birth Works Doula Journal, Doulas of Love: A Guidebook for Doulas and Expectant Parents and numerous articles. Her upcoming book is entitled, Birthing in the Spirit.

    Most women say they need more confidence when giving birth. When there is more confidence, there is less fear. Putting into practice the human values of truth, right action, peace, love, and nonviolence, builds confidence and has transforming power. It is what will make a difference not only in your birth, but also your life.

    Let Birth Be Born Again by Jean Sutton Jean, a midwife from New Zealand, with more than 30 years of experience, is the co-author of the popular book, Optimal Foetal Positioning and her most recently published book, Let Birth Be Born. She is also a member of the Birth Works Advisory Board.

    Women, mothers, and midwives have deep inside them the "women's wisdom" of generations before. The human birth process was not designed to cause problems. Viewing the female pelvis from an engineering angle, we can see how to help a woman's labor progress. In addition, the baby is not a passive recipient of outside forces, and has its own role to play in a successful birth. Jean will share important information from her own extensive midwifery experience and old midwifery textbooks that is in danger of being lost. She will help to restore birth to its rightful place as the safe, simple, and exciting family event it can and should be. Jean will be presenting a full-day pre-conference workshop on Thursday, July 10th in addition to her keynote address during the conference.

    The Farmer and the Obstetrician by Dr. Michel Odent Michel is an obstetrician and midwife and is a prolific writer of many books including Birth Reborn, The Scientification of Love, Primal Health, and his newest release, The Farmer and the Obstetrician. He is an international speaker who is sought after around the world. Many of his books have been translated into different languages. He founded the Primal Health Research Center in London and publishes a quarterly newsletter The Primal Health Newsletter (available in the USA from Birth Works) which studies the irreversible effects of fetal life on all aspects of life.

    There are many similarities between the "industrialization of farming" and the "industrialization of childbirth," two phenomena that developed side by side during the twentieth century. Disasters such as mad cow and foot and mouth diseases have brought about a new awareness. The history of childbirth has not yet reached the same phase of its evolution. Which disaster are we waiting for?

    The Impact of Beliefs on Birth by Dr. Lewis Mehl-Madrona, MD, PhD is coordinator of integrative psychiatry and systems medicine, for the Program in Integrative Medicine of the University of Arizona. where he is directing the world's first certificate course in Integrative Psychiatry for practicing mental health professionals. He is the author of Coyote Medicine and of Coyote Healing (to be released March, 2003). He has written on the mind-body relationship during pregnancy and birth, and has a research interest on how consciousness and intentionality affect physiology.

    Just what are beliefs and where do they come from? How do they influence the way women give birth? All beliefs begin with thoughts which lead to actions which then develop habits. Dr. Mehl-Madrona will describe how the mind affects and relates to your body physiology so you can take steps to change beliefs not conducive to positive birthing

    The Roots of Trust or Fear by Suzanne Arms Suzanne is an internationally acclaimed author, photojournalist, visionary, activist, leader of the natural birthing movement, and midwifery advocate in the United States for over 25 years. She is author of the many books including The Immaculate Deception, Bestfeeding, and has recently produced the popular video Giving Birth: Challenges and Choices. Suzanne will share experiences from her recent travels to Africa, showing us what we can learn about birth in third world countries.

    Suzanne will present a cross-cultural look at the factors that have continued to shape the way women give birth and the way babies are born. She will explore birth from Ethiopia to Australia and Guatemala to Alaska and show the impact the American way of birth is having around the world. Learn how to blend ancient indigenous wisdom together with modern scientific evidence.

    20 Additional Workshops

    This conference also features 20 additional workshops and speakers from around the country.

    Truth: Changing Beliefs, Changing Birth by Lewis Mehl-Madrona
    Right Action: Preventing Dysfunctional Labors by Jean Sutton
    Peace/Love: The Scientification of Love by Michel Odent MD
    Non-Violence: Music of Birth and Power of Ritual & Visualization by Suzanne Arms
    Maya Abdominal Uterine Massage by Pat Chichon
    Normalizing Breech Birth by Kristine Lauria
    Pelvic Bodywork by Debra Mendelson
    Of Breath and Birth: Yoga for Pregnancy by Jean Childers Arnold
    Respecting the Spirit of the Newborn by Iris Wolfson
    Incorporating Human Values Into Your Doula Work by Kristin Minor
    Anesthetizing the Neocortex Without the Use of Drugs by Joanne Dozor
    Our Mothers and Our Health by Cathy Daub
    Luminous Wounds by Connie Pike Urlacher
    Plus Size Pregnancy by Pamela Vireday
    Prenatal Parenting by Robin Frees
    Gentle Birth, Peaceful Parenting by Vicki Hedley and Susan Esserman
    Working Through Cultural Barriors by Sunday Tortelli
    Birth Touch: Acupressure for Pregnancy and Birthing by Kathy Morelli
    Creating Healing Mandalas by Joan-e Rapine
    Can Humanity Survive the Industrialization of Childbirth? by Michel Odent, MD

    Pre-conference Workshops Thursday, July 10th

    Are you unable to attend the full weekend or are you someone who always leaves a childbirth conference wanting more? Arrive Thursday, July 10th to attend one of the two full-day pre-conference workshops featuring keynote speakers. Spend the Day with Jean Sutton and learn how optimal positioning of the baby can make the need for medical procedures the exception rather than the rule. OR Spend the Day with Suzanne Arms and learn about Healing and Transforming the Generational Patterns of Birth Trauma (morning) and Creating a Sustainable Life (afternoon). Learn how to balance your inner and outer world in sacred time and space, to prevent burn-out and maintain hope. For more information on the pre-conference workshops and to register visit http://www.birthworks.org/conference2003pre.html

    Post-conference Trainings July 14th-16th

    Maya Abdominal Uterine Massage with Pat Chichon Pat is a certified teacher of Maya Abdominal Uterine Massage, an external massage for pelvic health developed by Don Elijio of the Maya Civilization, and brought to the USA by Dr. Rosita Arvigo. This self-care training includes a fascinating insight into the human abdomen and pelvis and includes a personal treatment in Maya Abdominal Uterine Massage. For further information email chkysalisC@aol.com CEU's available for massage therapists.

    Birth Works Childbirth Educator Workshop with Debra Mendelson This is a certification workshop for Birth Works educator trainees who wish to teach the Birth Works childbirth education series to women and couples in their communities. Entrance into the Birth Works Childbirth Education program is a prerequisite for this workshop.

    Birth Works Birth Doula Training Workshop with Kristin Minor This is a certification workshop for Birth Works birth doula trainees. Entrance into the Birth Works Birth Doula program is a prerequisite for this workshop.

    Birth Works Postpartum Doula Workshop with Vicki Hedley and Susan Esserman This is a certification workshop for Birth Works postpartum doula trainees. Entrance into the Birth Works Postpartum Doula program is a prerequisite for this workshop.

    Friday Night Banquet and Social

    Join us for dinner and socializing with old friends and new followed by an evening of movement with Gabrielle Roth's Moving Dance Company. Using rhythm, breath, music, and movement, find yourself in an experience that frees the body, expresses the heart, empties the mind, and embodies the spirit. Families are encouraged to attend and chidren under 5 attend free! Awards for Childbirth Educator and Doula of the Year will also be presented this evening

    For complete information on conference speakers and workshop program visit http://www.birthworks.org/conference2003.html

    Register online today and receive early bird rates. http://www.birthworks.org/conf2003reg.html

    For exhibit and sponsorship opportunities visit http://www.birthworks.org/conference2003exhibit.html

    To inquire about Birth Works childbirth education classes or to find an Birth Works Certified Educator and/or Doula in your area visit http://www.birthworks.org/directory.phtml.

     

    2003 Birth Works Training Workshops

    February 7-9 Cleveland, Ohio Childbirth Educator
    March 14-16 Portland, Oregon Childbirth Educator
    March 28-30 Indianapolis, Indiana Birth Doula
    May 2-4 Indianapolis, Indiana Birth Doula
    May 4-6 Fairfax, VA (Hampton Inn) Childbirth Educator
    July 14-16 Cherry Hill, NJ (post-conference) Childbirth Educator
    July 14-16 Cherry Hill, NJ (post-conference) Birth Doula
    July 14-16 Cherry Hill, NJ (post-conference) Postpartum Doula
    July 14-16 Cherry Hill, NJ (post-conference) Self-Help External Uterine Massage Technique w/ Pat Chichon
    September 19-21 Indianapolis, Indiana Birth Doula

    Entry into our educator, doula, or postpartum doula certification programs is a prerequisite for attendance at training workshops.

    Go to http://www.birthworks.org/cecert.html for Educator Certification,
    http://www.birthworks.org/doulacert.html for Birth Doula Certification,
    http://www.birthworks.org/ppdcert.html for our Postpartum Certification program.

    Birth Works E News has been written to provide information on Birth Works, Inc. programs and general information about pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. The information provided is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation with a childbirth educator, lactation consultant, doula, midwife, or physician.

    Hope you enjoyed this edition of Birth Works E News. Pass Birth Works E News on to your friends and colleagues--it's free! To subscribe to the next FREE Birth Works E-News, send your name and email address to enews@birthworks.org To stop receiving this newsletter: Send the email address you received it under to: unsub@birthworks.org and write unsubscribe in the subject box.

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