Global Events
Florida
Birthgirlz VBAC Summit 2010co-sponsored by ICAN and FFOM
Miami, Florida
February 12 &13, 2010
Details Coming Soon!
Luna Deniz Ekendiz, May 29, 2009.
Successful Homebirth VBAC
Cesarean sections are on the rise nationwide. Nowhere is this trend more evident than right here in South Florida, where there can be little denial that cesareans, both primary and repeat, are reaching epidemic proportions. In response to this health care crisis, BirthGirlz, South Florida ICAN, and Florida Friends of Midwives present the 2010 VBAC Summit.
Cesareans, by the Numbers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended an optimal cesarean rate of 5-10%, which is supported by findings that cesarean rates above 15% appear to cause more harm than good. However, in 2007, the national rate for births by cesarean section in the United States was 31.8%. With a 2.0% increase over the cesarean rate for 2006, this number marked the eleventh year in a row that the national cesarean rate increased. As a state, Florida’s cesarean rate of 38.2% in 2008 is well above both the WHO guidelines and the national average. Finally, in South Florida (comprised of Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties) the cesarean rate in 2008 was an astounding 46% -- which means that any mother in South Florida with low risk, singleton pregnancy has nearly a 50/50 chance of giving birth by cesarean section. Compounding the increasing rate of primary c-sections are actual, and de facto, bans on mothers attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), which limit, and often completely eliminate, the opportunity for VBACs for no reason other than a prior cesarean.
The VBAC Summit
The 2010 VBAC Summit will look beyond the anecdotal reasons given to support VBAC bans and look at the evidence-based facts surrounding VBACs. Additionally, we will:
· discuss healing after a disappointing or traumatic birth experience
· examine the risks and benefits of a VBAC versus a repeat cesarean
· explore the impact of cesareans and VBACs from both the perspective of mother and baby
· address the legality of VBACs and mothers’ rights in regard maternity care and birth
Please join us for a full day of education, resources, and advocacy. We will welcome Nancy Wainer, author of the renowned book “Silent Knife: cesarean prevention and VBAC”; local physicians who will provide a balanced perspective on the impact of cesareans and the safety of VBACs; and other local advocates, organizers, and mothers.
Althabe, Fernando., and Jose Belizan, “Cesarean Section: the paradox”, The Lancet, v. 368, issue 9546 (2006). Hamilton, Brady, et al., “Births: Preliminary data for 2007”, National Vital Statistics Reports, v. 57, no. 12 (March 18, 2009). http://www.floridahealthfinder.gov/researchers/QuickStat/cesarean-buffer.shtml Florida Department of Health “Cesarean Rates 2000-2008”.
Awakening and Strengthening The CoreDuring and After Pregnancy with Movement Science based Yoga and Dance.
Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 6:30pm
Carico Headquarters
4002 Aurora St Coral Gables, FL 33146
Suggested Donation: $5
Michelle Maniaci, Licensed Physical Therapist, Yoga, and Belly dance teacher will be sharing the most current evidence based exercises that are safe and effective for the specific needs of pregnant and postpartum women. She will be presenting at Birthworks International Conference in October and is sharing her insight to help inspire women towards a safe, empowered, and joyful journey to motherhood with safe and effective mind-body exercises.
- Learn how to correctly recruit and train the "core."
- Breathing exercises to feel energized, relaxed, and accelerate healing.
- How to prevent low back and shoulder tension, while strengthening your natural corset and pelvic floor.
- How to let go of tension and cultivate mindfulness on the journey to motherhood.
- Movements that connect you to your playfulness, creativity, and empowered femininity.
Nora Farinas from Carico will be preparing organic juices and share the benefits of raw food for mother and baby.
RSVP: Michelle Maniaci at 305-206-2229 or visit Michelle at www.nurturingmoves.com
This event has been organized by Michelle Maniaci to benefit BirthGirlz.
Optimal Health and Your Family with Dr. Bruce Nadel
Saturday, September 26, 2009, 2 pm - 4:30 pm
Pinecrest Community Center
5835 SW 111 Street
Miami, FL 33156
Suggested Donation: $5
We are proud to present a very special guest speaker, Dr. Bruce Nadel, Chiropractor (www.drnadel.com). He has 35 years of knowledge in the care of the body, and showing patients how to make the body function optimally. We would love for you to join us for this exciting discussion covering current topics, to help us make informed decisions about our lives and the health of our families.
Subjects covered in this discussion will be:
- Natural Healing
- Dis-ease vs. Disease
- The Truth about Vaccinations
- Pregnancy and Chiropractic
- Health for the Entire Family
The discussion will be followed by a question and answer session. Light refreshments will also be served.
Nursing Babies, in arms, are always welcome.
Embracing the Miracle:
How your prenatal choices influence who your child can be.
With Barbara Harper, RN, CLD, CCC
Co-sponsored by the Institue of Health and Wellness
Date: Sunday, August 9, 2009Time: 3:00 PM
Location:The Lexi7901 Hispanola Ave
North Bay Village, FL
Entrance is on the west side of the building.
Sixth floor party room.
Cost: One person admission: $35.00
Two person admission: $55.00
Space is LIMITED: Reserve your space now!
Birthgirlz and The Institute of Health and Wellness have partnered to bring internationally recognized waterbirth and child birth reform expert, Barbara Harper, to Miami for a very special event:
Embracing the Miracle:
How Your Prenatal Choices Influence Who Your Child Can Be
The bond between a parent and child is the foundation for the rest of the child's life. The attachment created in the womb, during birth and the first precious hours after or the absence of this critical bond, determines much about the child's resiliency and what kind of adult they can grow up to be. How do your birth choices affect this critical and essential event? Is it possible for babies to be born gently and for the mother to give birth in joy, experiencing pleasure instead of pain? Barbara blends the latest science, heart, soul and humor to present a riveting and challenging case for everyone to examine.
Join us for this wonderful presentation, delicious food, and discussion.
Light refreshments and beverages are included in the price of admission.
**Babes in arms are welcome.
BirthGirlz Street Team Meeting
Date:Monday, July 13, 2009
Time: 7:30 PM
Location:The Lexi
7901 Hispanola Ave
North Bay Village, FL
Entrance is on the west side of the building.
Sixth floor party room.
Cost: Free
Join the revolution! Come to our Street Team Meeting to get involved!
On the agenda so far:
Join the revolution! Come to our Street Team Meeting to get involved!
On the agenda so far:
Elect a Secretary!
Report on our latest successes!
1. Push for Vbac fundraiser
2. Meeting with FIU Chief of Family Medicine
3. Petition for Mother friendly hospital started
Planning for NEW Event: An Afternoon with Barbara Harper: August 8, 2009
Planning meeting for the Fundraising Gala Dinner in September to benefit BirthGirlz and the Coconut Grove Doula Outreach program.
Topics to discuss:
- location
- silent auction
- menu
- film?
And so much more! Bring your thoughts and ideas! We really hope to see you there!
For more info, contact Kristin 305-342-5844
or Michelle 305-975-6227
Mother's Day Soap Box Derby
Friday, May 8, 6:30pm Whole Foods Pinecrest, Miami FL
Every mother has a story. A powerful, overwhelming, joyous, disappointing, unexpected, inspiring, satisfying, transformational story! Come share yours.
Why a soap box? Because mothers need to be heard. We need a platform to share what makes us us. A forum to listen to each other. A place to step up and speak, but not so high that the village can't hear...
Why a derby? A derby is a race. We're running that marathon everyday, making dinner, making decisions, making people! We're running, but not against each other, for each other, together...
Come pass the baton. Get up on the soap box!
BirthPros Street Team Meeting
Monday May 11, 7:00pm
Location TBA
Contact Michelle@BirthGirlz.com to get involved!
Earth Day is My Birthday!
Wednesday, April 22, 20094pm - 7pm
Dante Fascell Park, Miami
In the spirit of thinking globally and acting locally, BirthGirlz and the Miami Natural Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting Meet-up Group are hosting a Potluck Picnic on Earth Day. There will be yoga for grownups and kids, you will be able to get some henna body art, win prizes in our Earth Day raffle, and eat delicious food in great company!
To attend, please bring a dish to share and make a donation in any amount using the button below. Even if you are not able to attend, please make a dontation to the cause! Proceeds will make it possible to continue the amazing network of support initiated by Michelle Fonte, as well as go toward the production of a Birth Options brochure for south Florida. And it really is her real birthday, so give generously!
Doula Training and Certification
Become a Birth Doula with Barbara Harper
Start Time:Monday, April 20, 2009 at 9:00am
End Time:Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 5:00pm
Hollywood Birth Center
2316 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, FL
Phone:954.925.4499
DescriptionHollywood Birth Center is proud to host Barbara Harper of Waterbirth Internation for A CAPPA certification doula training. Cost will be $450 and includes all material for the 4 day program. Those with a nursing or midwifery background will only need 3 days at $350.
Miami Goin' Green!
Saturday April 25, 10 am - 7pmBayfront Park, Miami Florida
Entrance to the event is FREE
Eco-events, entertainment, displays, and incredible offers. BirthGirlz Kristin is hosting Green Parenting 101: Mama, What's it Mean to Be Green?The basics of being green and how green living translates to life with kids. http://www.miamigoingreen.com/
California
Family Fest 2009
Celebrating Families in the Doula Spirit
Saturday, May 09, 2009
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(The Park Center Picnic Area - near the Merry-go-round, look for the DASC banner and signs)
Cost:FREE
We have a fun filled day planned for you and your family in the park... there will be vendor booths, activities for the kids, events for parents (including a discussion panel of experts to include Midwives, Physicians, and more) and plenty of food available for purchase.
Please join us, bring blankets or chairs and the entire family and let us CELEBRATE YOU.
Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein will be our guests, and have their newest book available to you, another insightful resource for all parents. Look for their booth!
If you or someone you know has a product or service that you would like to showcase at our event, consider getting a booth and reaching a multitude of people.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact your doula directly or any
Michel Odent at Bini Birth "Fetal Life, Birth and Health"
April 26, 2009
10:00am - 4:00pm
Bini Birth Loft 5355 Cartwright Avenue
North Hollywood, CA
Dr. Michel Odent, MD, founder of Primal Health Research Center and
author of 12 books, has been attending births for over 50 years. He
authored the first articles to appear in medical literature on: "Birth Under
Water", "Early Expression of Rooting Reflex", and "Gate Control Pain
Theory" as applied to obstetrics. His most popular book titles include, The
Scientification of Love, The Farmer and the Obstetrician, and The
Caesarean. For more information on Dr. Odent please visit
$130 per person includes an organic, rooftop, oxytocin filled
lunch with Dr. Odent.
*All attendees must pay in advance to reserve a space.
3 easy ways to pay:
- For Credit or Debit Card call 818.822.9568
-Send check or money order, made out to Bini Birth to:
Bini Birth
5355 Cartwright Ave, unit 313
North Hollywood, CA 91601
**Please Note:
All payments must be received by April 17.
No reservations will be confirmed until paid in full.
Partial refunds will be made for on call, birth professionals only
