Prepared Parents Workshop is back and we still have space available! Please feel free to share!
Do you want to get ready to be a parent and earn baby stuff at the same time?
Meet other moms and hear their stories?
The come hang out with us!
The Prepared Parents Workshop is offered by The Birth Circle, a small community group helping moms-to-be and families in the Athens area!
The 2021 Prepared Parents Workshop consists of five consecutive sessions spread over May-September on the 4th Saturday of each month. June 26th, July 24th, August 28th, September 25th.
We are excited about our new location at Serenity Grove in Athens, OH! Help with transportation can be arranged if needed. 6263 State Route 56, Athens
*We will be following CDC guidelines to decrease risk of the spread of Covid-19 for small group meetings, with the understanding that these guidelines are likely to change during the course of the program.
You just need to register to attend!
Register at: https://forms.gle/Yg6StNYgpAj2r7Jy9
www.athensbirthcircle.org/prepared-parents-workshop
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Postpartum Stories!
Wednesday June 30th at 6:30pm
No presenter this month, the whole meeting will be focused on sharing postpartum experiences together. The postpartum weeks and months are often full of a wide range of emotions and new experiences, and also unfortunately often isolating and a time where it has become taboo to talk about our struggles. This is a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space where ALL experiences are welcome.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uceyprTgjHdeZ4DtWXDDD5Arbqb_5cwAW
As always, our meetings remain free and all are welcome. (And we don’t mind kids popping in and out as we Zoom together!)
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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Pregnant and Postpartum during a Pandemic Support Group
Monday, July 5th at 8pm
The process of going through pregnancy, birthing, and/or caring for a newborn is such a major transition-in wonderful ways and in difficult ways-and those who are doing this during a global pandemic are experiencing very unique challenges, griefs, and even pleasures that are unprecedented. Older generations cannot guide us through this different birthing environment-because they haven’t experienced this before either.
Join midwife, childbirth educator, and parent Ash Dasuqi of Embodied Birth Class for this FREE virtual space to engage topics together related to pregnancy, birthing, and caring for a new baby in the middle of the COVID era.
Sign up at www.embodiedbirthclass.com for virtual link.
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Looking for ways to support postpartum families in our community? If you have the ability over the next month or two, we have several postpartum families currently signed up with our Meals for Families program who could use some extra support! I think all of us who have experience postpartum can attest that a healthy meal you did not have to cook is a huge boost and relief! Sign up to provide meals using this form link and we will contact you to coordinate further.
https://forms.gle/EDDoRVCxUaagnyDDA
Thank you!
If you would like to sign up to receive meals for your family in the future, use this form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1l1UjNGaSNEWC6mXAMZigEvrHsJF-FEsINf8ptsvw3qU/viewform?edit_requested=true
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Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group
Thursday July 1st at 7:30pm
If you are in need of support because of a pregnancy loss or the loss of your child, you are welcome to join us in-person (or join in via Zoom) every first Thursday of the month for this support group.
Free childcare in the nursery will be provided and our babysitter will be masked!
Please wear a mask. We will be seated spaced apart.
You needn’t be local to Athens to join virtually. These meetings are free, welcoming, hopeful, and honoring. All family members, such as grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles, as well as friends, are welcome.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83806036484
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We are sad to announce that the Birth Circle Yardsale is taking a break this year. Many of our staff and board members are expecting new babies this summer and we have chosen to support the group’s health by not over-stretching with an event that involves so much prep time and labor. We look forward to bringing back this popular event next year!
We always welcome your support of the Birth Circle and other local organizations supporting families by:
- Donating your kids items to New to You thrift store on Columbus Road, who provide support for foster families
- Donate a portion of proceeds from your own yardsale or online sales to support the work of the Birth Circle
- Learn more about joining our Board of Directors to help organize future events and programs by emailing athensbirthcircle@gmail.com
- Sign up for our volunteer mailing list to be notified when we are in need of extra hands for the day of an event or program https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1CN2MmJhYZaFbOASu1VxNdKG03y7RBWhqg4Ck-ogapDk/viewform?edit_requested=true
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Did you know, we are in the process of making our lending library available to browse online?! The books and DVDs are up, and we are working on a way to have the non ISBN items like baby carriers and birth tubs display nicely here too. Find an item you are interested in and click “Ask About This” to connect with us so we can get it to you. Check it out!
https://www.librarycat.org/lib/AthensBirthCircle
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As an organization, the Birth Circle is also in search of new members for our Board of Directors! Would you like to be more involved in supporting expecting and new parents in Athens County?
Whether you have experience you would like to share in marketing, community outreach, or fundraising, or are interested in learning more about these skills through practice while serving your community, we need you!
Our board is currently made up of parents who know how hard the journey through pregnancy and parenting can be and are passionate about supporting others through the journey, though parenthood is not a requirement for participation. We are looking for a diverse group of people to bring together their range of personal and professional experiences for the common goal of supporting families through this time of major life transition.
The Board of Directors is responsible for guiding The Birth Circle as an organization, overseeing staff members, planning fundraisers and events, and promoting the organization in the community and to potential donors.