DEEPENING THE KNOWLEDGE OF BIRTH
June 7 & 8, 2008 - ATHENS, GEORGIA
A Workshop for Doulas, Birth Attendants
Moms and anyone with a love of birth
Saturday – 9:30 to 5:30
The Matrix of Holistic Care
Birth as an Altered State
The Holistic Stages of Labor
Sunday - 9:30 to 5:30
The Complete Cervix
Creating Win-Win Solutions
Placenta Medicine and Postpartum Weavings
__________ _________ _________ _________
SATURDAY
The Matrix of Holistic Care
We'll explore various models of care including the technocratic, the humanistic and the holistic. We'll look at the Caregiver's Spiral and the role of the birth partner. We'll explore our greatest gift for the pregnant family... our ability to nurture. And we'll describe how to nurture in the holistic paradigm.
We'll understand the equation, MW = w Woman NOT Woman = w MW. We'll discuss the value of education. We'll look at the qualities of a birth attendant. We'll discuss the value of choice, through a new lens. We'll explore a participatory universe and discuss empowerment. And we'll see how the Holistic model of Birth can change the consciousness of the planet. Join us for a lively, mind-expanding discussion.
Birth as an Altered State
The experience of labor really has very little to do with numbers and centimeters. It has much more to do with a change of location from a familiar to a non-ordinary reality. What actually happens in non-ordinary reality – in the vortex of birth? How can we create and maintain sacred space in any setting? What is the relationship of hormones and
endorphins to the altered state of labor?
We will look at the visionary work of Dr. Michel Odent and examine the parameters needed for the birthing couple to achieve an uninhibited transformative state; one that results in a fulfilling and safe birth experience.
A Holistic Interpretation of the Stages of Labor
We will redefine labor using the metaphor of a journey and discuss how this journey is perceived by Mom and Dad. We’ll explore the role of the partner in the Birth Circle. We’ll parallel the medical framework with the holistic model and offer a fresh and meaningful perspective for families
and doulas. Handout included.
Sunday
The Complete Cervix
Sometimes a woman's cervix gets more attention than any other part of her laboring body. Let’s study the mysteries of this amazing gateway to the uterus. We’ll do a bit of anatomy and physiology and explore the concepts of effacement and dilation.
We’ll relate dilation and effacement to stages of a holistic labor. We’ll discuss when and why to check a cervix – when and why not to check a cervix. We will establish what can be ascertained by a cervical exam, and then acquire the skills necessary to perform one.
We’ll use a variety of teaching tools to palpate several stages of dilation including an unripe cervix and a cervical lip. We’ll experience the feeling of bulging waters and we will be able to detect fetal fontanels during an exam. We will discuss sterile technique and non-sterile technique and
understand the parameters of each. We will also discuss pelvimetry, including how to find the ischial spines and establish engagement.
Handouts will include information on checking pelvimetry and checking cervical dilation on the mother’s foot. Whether or not you choose to check cervixes as part of your doula practice, the knowledge you receive will be of incredible value for your own understanding of the birth process. You will also be better able to guide moms through this intimate experience and able to interpret information more appropriately.
Creating Win-win Situations
Ever wish you had the tools to facilitate a smoother experience for yourself and your families in the institutional setting? Let's explore various situations and offer tools and techniques that are consistent with a holistic model and participatory care. We can remain grounded and effective in challenging circumstances if we understand one simple thing... how to collaborate. Let's talk about this skill and role
play a few scenarios.
Placenta Medicine and Postpartum Weavings
Placentas are magical and medicinal, and doulas are often keepers of this special organ. The Tree of Life can be discerned on every placenta and viewed by families and caregivers. Prints can easily be made – right at the birth or later in the postpartum – and various customs exist
regarding the care and treatment of placentas. There are so many ways to address the placenta with respect and sacredness.
What else can we bring to the postpartum to offer closure to the birthing and affirmation of parenting? What does it mean to weave the story of birth, and what is the role of the birthkeeper in the postpartum? Let's explore what we have to offer during this crucial and often neglected time in the life of the family.
_________ _________ _________ _________
Cost: $150
For information on curriculum and class content, please email Whapio at belovedpilgrim(at)yahoo(dot)com
For logistics and registration, call Jean: (706)-338-8894
