A publication of Birth Works, Inc. Editor: Debra Mendelson, MSW, CCE Volume III, Issue 4  April 15, 2003

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 Birth 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)

• Hear Henci Goer at the Birth Works National Conference
• More on the Keynote Speakers and Workshop Topics
• Conference at a Glance
• 4 Post-Conference Trainings
• Schedule of 2003 Childbirth Educator, Birth Doula, and Postpartum Doula Trainings

photo by Suzanne Arms

Henci Goer is an award-winning medical writer and internationally known speaker, She is the author of The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth. Her previous book, Obstetric Myths Versus Research Realities, is a highly-acclaimed resource for childbirth professionals, and she is an acknowledged expert on evidence-based maternity care. Henci has written consumer education pamphlets and numerous articles for magazines as diverse as Reader's Digest and the Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing. She is a doula and a retired Lamaze-certified childbirth educator.

The Bottom Line: Protecting the Passageway in Vaginal Birth Henci refutes the prevailing medical argument that vaginal birth carries so much risk of damage that cesarean section may be preferable. She will share with us how we can make informed choices regarding obstetric intervention and management of pushing and advise women on ways to avoid the indiscriminate use of medical interventions.

Cathy Daub is the founder and designer of the Birth Works program and philosophy. In her keynote address she will focus on the practice the human values and how truth, right action, peace, love and non-violence can build confidence and have transforming power. 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.

Our Mothers and our Health Cathy will also help us look at ways in which a woman's relationship with her mother affects the way she lives her own life and how she parents her children. When a woman gives birth, she wants her baby to love her the rest of her life, but she may not have a good relationship with her own mother. When this happens, our own health is affected. This is a workshop for all women, to explore through birth art, the relationships of mothers and daughters.

Jean Sutton is a midwife from New Zealand, with more than 30 years of experience. She 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.

Preventing Dysfunctional Labors Labors don't have to be long. When they are, it is most likely due to malpositioning of the baby. How a woman positions her body especially in the last weeks of pregnancy, matters! As a midwife with extensive years of experience, Jean will show us how to avoid dysfunctional labors.

Dr. Michel Odent 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.

The Scientification of Love Michel describes how an understanding of the behaviors of hormones can help you become a “birth physiologist.” He explains how the role of hormones is simply a response to our feelings. Feelings determine our actions and decision-making during the birth process.

Suzanne Arms 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.

Music of Birth and Power of Ritual & Visualization Music is the language of the heart. Sing the songs and chants that inspire courage and connection with the spirit in us all and learn how to transform energy and bring healing through visualization and ritual.

Conference at a Glance

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.

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.

Upcoming 2003 Birth Works Training Workshops

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.