Birth Circle & Community Events Bulletin Board

A Circle of Women

A circle of women unite

who believe it is better

to speak truth

than it is to deceive.

We are women of integrity,

beauty and soul.

Raising our children

in consciousness

is truly our goal.

We draw on each other's

wisdom and strength,

and strive to be

present, at any length.

We share our frustrations,

joys and victories,

hoping to impact

our children's destinies.

Our teachers have arrived --

they are the youth.

With voices strong,

let us spread our truth.

This poem is from the book Sacred. It is a book of photography about pregnancy, birth and children. Linda Hasley is the poet, and Lisa Dunlap is the photographer.

Birth Circle

Birth Circle is a discussion and support group for families interested in exploring all options available for birth and parenting. The emphasis is on creating a sense of community through the experience of parenthood.  We want to support each other while sharing resources that contribute to knowledge and understanding of alternatives. The format for each meeting is a guest speaker during the first hour, a break with healthy snacks, and then a time to share birth stories and parenting tips, ask questions, and discuss birth and parenting resources. Meetings are from 7-9 PM at:
 
Mother's Own Birth Center
1715 W. Dean Rd.
Temperance, MI 48182

734.847.8100

    The Birth Circle promotes a feeling of openness, encouraging women and their partners to share their thoughts or concerns about pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.

We are off for the summer.

Hope to see everyone in the fall.

At the birth center at 7 PM. Free and open to the public.
Healthy snacks provided and feel free to bring something to share.

Hope to see you all there.

Linda

 

Baby Wearing

If you are interested in any type of slings, Mei Teis, baby wraps, pouch carriers, etc. or have questions about a carrier you have, here is the contact info for the Toledo Area Baby Wearers (formerly NINO)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toledoareababywearers/

Holly's Email is hla280@yahoo.com.

Cloth Diapering

Two resources for you:

The cloth diapering yahoo group in the Toledo area is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toledoareaclothdiapertalk

Miracle Diapers (cloth diapers for low income families)

Miracle Diapers is anonprofit organization is dedicated to providing cloth diapers, baby products, and natural living items to struggling families all over the world. They accept donations that were given generously by caring individuals and redistribute them to families who are in need of assistance.

Communities exist for the health and enjoyment of those who live in them.       Theodore Roszak

How to Build a Community

Turn off your TV. Leave your house.  Know your neighbors. Look up when you are walking.  Greet people.

Sit on your stoop.  Plant flowers.  Use your library.  Play together.  Buy from local merchants

Share what you have.  Help a lost dog.  Take children to the park.  Garden together.  Support neighborhood schools

Fix it.  Even if you didn't break it.  Have potlucks.  Honor elders.  Pick up litter

Read stories aloud.  Dance in the street.  Talk to the mail carrier.  Listen to the birdsPut up a swing

Help carry something heavy.  Barter for your goods.  Start a tradition.  Hire neighborhood young people for odd jobs

Organize a block party.  Bake extra and share.   Ask for help when you need it.  Open your shades.  Sing together.  Share your skills

Take back the night.  Turn up the music.  Turn down the music.  Listen before you react in anger.  Mediate a conflict

Seek to understand.  Learn from new and uncomfortable angles.  Know that no one is silent though many are not heard.  Work to change this.

This list was compiled by Karen Kearney, a member of the Syracuse Cultural Workers.  It, and her watercolor art about community, hangs in a small frame in the office at the birth center.