Birth Support.Net

Martian Child

My family experienced a first this weekend. A first boys weekend away since my son Juna was born. Now 18 months and more boy than baby at times (since he chases after big brother) my husband took both boys and I stayed home for a "home-vacation" while waiting for a birth.  After feeling the moments of panic when I waived goodbye to my boys all in one car (there goes my whole family!) it was followed by the profound joy of being home alone. Of course then I find myself watching a movie about fatherhood. My mom and sister and I watched  the Martian Child starring John Cusack. Inspired by true events, It's about a boy who is adopted by Cusack's character after his wife dies. The boy believes he is from Mars in what the adults feel is a coping mechanism for his early abandonment (either bad by the psychologists or good if you are the sci-fi writing new dad).  I found the film so endearing...to think of all of the little souls that are so much closer to All That Is than we remember to be with our busyness and responsibilities. As I watch my sons I'm amazed at how they see the world--like they are from another planet-- categorizing,naming, exploring this beautiful, amazing planet. There are wonderful moments about the challenges of parenthood and the truths that children bring to us! 

DONA International Conference-Vancouver, BC

Can I really say it? I'm a DONA conference virgin. I've been a doula for almost ten years and  this will be my very first doula conference with DONA. Small children and birth schedules never permitted me to wander very far from my 2-hr sphere that we all know so well, but now I'm very excited to be representing Mother Tree Birth and some of the Oregon community at this sellout event next week. I hope to bring back lots of goodies for everyone.

Artemis Institute: Women's Wisdom for the Childbearing Year.

The Artemis Institute is a a project created by and for women to encourage community, education, and the healing arts. We offer affordable and accessible Women's Healing Arts courses which powerfully integrate the creative and healing arts. In each series, we share, listen, learn from elders, and create together in a supportive circle.

Women's Wisdom Series: Level I starts September 7th in Portland, OR
This 11-week series can help you awaken and deepen your knowledge of women's wisdom. Experience a holistic approach to supporting new mothers and families in the childbearing year. This class is for doulas, mothers, childbirth educators, women's healthcare practitioners, and any woman interested in developing her understanding of healing arts.    

You will:

• Discuss women's nutrition for the childbearing year
• Prepare herbal medicines and oils for women's body care
• Practice prenatal and postpartum yoga and healing Qi (Chi) Gong
• Explore our relationship to power and connection to the natural cycles of the Earth
• Learn about healing modalities of pregnancy and infant massage and cranial sacral therapy
• Develop trust and build community through discussions on communication, ritual, and holding sacred space for birth and beyond
• Deepen our connection to our source of creativity through activities of intentional arts, song &
           drumming      
• Learn MORE

Mother Tree Sponsors BSdN

Mother Tree Birth Services is the proud sponsor of Birth Support.net--connecting doulas and expectant families for pregnancy, birth and postpartum support. For doula members, a complete professional marketing package is available to customize to your practice's needs. Pregnant and parenting families will find qualified, personalized doula support to meet the needs of their growing family.