Birth Circle
*****BIRTH CIRCLES HAVE BEEN CANCELED IN THE AUSTIN AREA.*****
In an era where "reality" television and other media bombard our society with sensational and unusual stories of childbirth, the CTBN Birth Circle is a safe and nurturing forum for expectant families to connect with one another while learning more about normal birth and positive birth experiences.
Each month, the Circle is led by CTBN members in a fun and interactive format that allows participants to:
Hear stories of positive birth experiences from new parents
Discuss the topic of the month and get answers to your burning questions
Discover and learn more about options that are available to expectant and new parents in
our community
Connect with other families and make new friends
Cost: FREE
Who Can Attend: Expectant and new mom, dads and partners, women and couples thinking about becoming pregnant, friends and relatives. Babies in arms are welcome, but we kindly ask that other care for older siblings be arranged to limit distractions within the Circle.
What Exactly are Healthy Birth Practices?
The members of the Central Texas Birth Network support a woman’s right to make informed decisions about her pregnancy and birth options and advocate evidence-based, mother-friendly care as defined by Lamaze International's Six Healthy Birth Practices:
- Walk, move around and change positions throughout labor
- Bring a loved one, friend or doula for continuous support
- Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary
- Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body's urges to push
- Keep mother and baby together - It's best for mother, baby and breastfeeding
Birth Circle Topics
Connecting as a Couple
Adding a baby to your family often changes the dynamics. We will examine the impact of pregnancy and birth on your relationship, and identifying ways to nurture your important relationship with each other.
Creating Your Support Environment for
Birth and Beyond
Learn how to create a "circle of support" that will respect and advocate for your unique personal preferences and needs for the birth of your baby and the early postpartum period. Learn how to communicate your needs to everyone involved in your care and the baby's care.
Myths vs. Realitites of Pregnancy, Birth and the Postpartum Period
It is easy to get overwhelmed by the abundance of information available to us about pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. Join us as we uncover some common myths and offer evidence-based information and resources to dispel them.
Gestating Parenthood
Pregnancy is not only a gestation period for your baby. It is also a period of growth for you and your partner in becoming parents. This month, we'll talk about common concerns about becoming a parent.
Choosing Your Ideal Birth Place
Where is the “safest” place to give birth? Are there studies that address this? Join us as we examine the choices available to birthing women in the Austin area.
The First Six Weeks Postpartum
Learn about the unique physical and emotional adjustment that occurs after the birth of your baby. We will also discuss changes in the family dynamic as it adjusts to the new baby.
Connecting as a Couple
Adding a baby to your family often changes the dynamics. We will examine the impact of pregnancy and birth on your relationship, and identifying ways to nurture your important relationship with each other.