Starting a birth network?

[mrslifeofreilly]

Hi all. I'm new to the forum and am currently working towards a birth doula certification with CBI and a childbirth education certification with ALACE.
My husband and I just recently moved and I'm pretty disappointed with the resources for expecting parents in this area. There is one hospital (with a higher than average caesarean rate), a yoga center that offers prenatal yoga, and that is about all I could find during my search. It was a huge shock to me because we moved here from an area with lots of info and resources about birth options, natural birth, homebirth, birthcenter, birth classes, etc.
I was just reading on the Lamaze website about starting a birth network and was wondering if anyone has undertaken this, and what it involved for you, how many people were part of the project, etc. This is something I'm thinking I'd like to bring to this area.
Any info would be very helpful. Thanks!

Lia

[Ohio Doula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrslifeofreilly Hi all. I'm new to the forum and am currently working towards a birth doula certification with CBI and a childbirth education certification with ALACE. My husband and I just recently moved and I'm pretty disappointed with the resources for expecting parents in this area. There is one hospital (with a higher than average caesarean rate), a yoga center that offers prenatal yoga, and that is about all I could find during my search. It was a huge shock to me because we moved here from an area with lots of info and resources about birth options, natural birth, homebirth, birthcenter, birth classes, etc. I was just reading on the Lamaze website about starting a birth network and was wondering if anyone has undertaken this, and what it involved for you, how many people were part of the project, etc. This is something I'm thinking I'd like to bring to this area. Any info would be very helpful. Thanks! Lia

Diane (thebirthtrainer) and I started a chapter of Dar a Luz (www.daraluznetwork.com) in our area in January. It's listed on the Lamaze website. It was a fairly easy and fun process. First, you have to go through the leadership process and there are different tracks for where you are in you life. You get assigned a mentor who is there to answer questions and guide you through the process. Once you become a leader you can open your chapter. You are given everything you need to start up and successfully run your chapter. You are not just thrown out there to fend for yourself All of the leaders are on a yahoo group to share ideas and support each other. Everyone in the organization is friendly, helpful and easily available. I highly recommend it It's a great way "to spread the word" or "turn on the light in your community"... Good luck to you.

[aspecialbond]

I just emailed them about getting info I am so excited.

[Breathe Easy Doula]

Thanks! I am also going to be looking into this!

[KristinDoula]

You should also look into birthnetwork.org and see if that's a good fit for you. I have been involved in their organization, and they are WONDERFUL! They make it very easy for you to start up a chapter.

[Bridey]

Thanks for posting the info for both organizations. I have been working on an idea to start a birth network in my area, but wasn't sure where to start, so this will be a huge help!

For Kristin: Where is the application located on the birthnetwork.org website for becoming a leader? I couldn't find the application. LOL

[earthgirl]

How's it going?