by Kim Avera and Cindy Lamb, The Birth Care Network of Louisville, KY
On June 5, 2004 , Birth Care Network hosted the 2nd Annual "Birth In The Bluegrass, A Conference of Childbirth for the Commonwealth." It had promised to be bigger and better than its debut the year before and judging from the turnout and feedback, we succeeded. Held at Baptist Hospital East in Louisville , KY, the gathering brought together the area's doulas, childbirth educators, midwives and lactation professionals with the consumers they serve.
Many doulas returned to the same hallways where they are often seen in the wee hours of the night and morning, supporting laboring women and working alongside medical staff. However, they were there this time amidst the sun streamed windows of the Education Center on a long-planned Saturday morning and afternoon. Miraculously, no doulas were called away to births during the day-long event. It was beeperless, indeed!
Participants totaled more than 83, as well as walk-ins from Baptist East's breastfeeding class held on site. This accomplished BCN's goal of more than doubling attendance from last year. Blending consumer demand with advocate access worked in a way that is still bringing response from expectant families and birth professionals.
Although this was the second annual Birth In The Bluegrass, this event brought normal birth into the community consciousness. In an area where normal birth options are not widely supported, women were finding validity in other choices for care. Many were encouraged as they mingled with other like-minded individuals with whom they could share the same values in mothering.
Simultaneous opportunities for participants on site were the tempting silent auction offerings, a bountiful exhibit hall, birth professionals interview room, documentary filming, and a lavish sandwich and sweets buffet.
Many women and couples went "shopping" for their birth experience, taking in the retail and education opportunities displayed. They also appreciated the impressive, expansive board of posted member's photos, philosophies and contact information that was located in the birth professionals' interview room.
BCN is grateful to so many organizations and individuals, and in particularly Uta Mattox, Doulas of North America's Southern US Director. Our appreciation goes to DONA for sending her to share her wisdom and warmth both in and out of her speaking sessions. Speakers of note also included Robin Elise Weiss, author. "The message that birth is a normal process is an important one," Weiss stated .
To continue the efforts of BCN to educate and promote breastfeeding, a $500 corporate sponsorship from Medela, the resource for breastfeeding products and information, was a welcome addition this year. They presented a comprehensive exhibit for the nursing mother.
Lamaze International also added its supporting vote by awarding BCN with a $500 Mini-Grant aimed specifically at promoting Birth Networks nationwide. Lamaze International President, Barbara Hotelling, is enthused with the progress of Birth Care Network. "Lamaze International supports the important service Birth Care Network is providing to the Louisville community throughout the grant that was awarded in December 2003," Hotelling stated. "Expectant parents, eager to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, are often at a loss to find health care providers and resources in their communities that will promote a normal, healthy birth. We look forward to the day when birth networks are a recognized resource in the health care community." One of 3 co-authors of the grant, BCN president Kim Avera is excited about their progress in the region as well. "Birth Care Network is one of only a few birth networks in the country," she noted. "Louisville area women have a unique opportunity to take advantage of BCN's many resources. As President, I have been privileged to be a part of a group of women who are truly dedicated to improving all aspects of motherhood. I am always impressed with their sacrificial efforts as a group and with the mothers they serve. Through their efforts, Birth in the Bluegrass was made possible. I have every confidence that the community of birthing women will continue to be impacted by this event...one mother at a time."
BCN publicity director, Cindy Lamb, finds an analogy that doulas can agree upon.."We had good planning and a strong delivery with Birth in the Bluegrass-- the joy, the tension, the great outcome... sounds kind of like a great birth experience, doesn't it?" Truly it was.
2004 Sessions
Current Childbirth Initiatives - Uta Mattox
Prenatal Visits - Robin Weiss
VBAC - Kim Avera
Childbirth: Nothing To Fear - Kathy Markham
Lactation Technology - Vicki Sanders
Normal Birth - Robin Weiss
Chiropractic and Massage - Jason Ollis and Laura Davis
Postpartum Mood Disorders - Deb Karsnitz
Effects of Birth On Breastfeeding - Uta Mattox
Postpartum Husbands - Amy White
What is a Doula? - Bobbie Morgan
The Real Baby Story - Panel of Louisville Mothers
Postpartum Care Options - Angela Young
Voice of the Midwife Panel Discussion and Documentary Video Taping
Birth Rites and Rituals - Lisa Bache and Donna Miles