Play Group

Thursday, January 6

from 3:00 to 5:00pm

in the kids' section of the Athens Library

Join us for two hours of socializing and support. It's a great chance for both kids and parents to make new friends, and to get out of the house!

Infertility Support Group

Tuesday, January 11

from 7:00 to 8:00pm

at the Athens Library

So many of us are or have been affected by fertility issues. We offer this group as a time of sharing and support. These sessions are facilitated by Dr. Connie Patterson, a licensed professional counselor. Because the success of the group is dependent on its size, please RSVP to 740-592-4408 or molly.wales@yahoo.com.

January Monthly Meeting: Birth Videos

Wednesday, January 26

from 7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

For our first meeting of the year, we'll show a variety of professional birth videos -- hospital birth, home birth, even births in the ocean! The videos are all of positive birth experiences. We'll have time in between to share impressions and answer questions.

*Thanks to this month's Evening Sponsor: Lifeways Parent-Child Program, and Certification Course

Missy Whaley is a certified Llifeways Early Childhood instructor who has a program, Rainbow Heart And Wings. Lifeways is a relationship-based care approach to caring for young children in child care centers and in the home. The model is based on the "living arts" (daily activities in the home, nurturing care, discovery and deep relations). Missy will share the intention of the Lifeways approach at an upcoming parent-child program that will be offered to Birth Circle folks (exact dates to be announced). There is also a year-long, part-time certification course for parents and teachers beginning in June 2011, where on-site coursework will be split between Columbus and Athens. For more information on the certification course, contact Missy at 740-448-7248 or missymoo4peace@gmail.com. Details on the parent-child program will come soon.

November Play Group

Thursday, November 4

from 3:00 to 5:00pm

in the kids' section of the Athens Library

All ages are welcome for two hours of play, socializing and support. This is a great chance for both children and parents to make new friends!

Birth Plans: How and Why?

Wednesday, November 17

from 7:00pm to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

This discussion will include tips from doula Angela Cross on how and why to write a birth plan, Dr. Jane Broecker's perspective on potential benefits and pitfalls, and a local mother's story of writing and following her birth plan. And there will be plenty of time for questions!

No Meetings or Play Group in December

Check back in mid-December for information on our January 2011 events! And if you need us before then, feel free to call or email. Happy holidays!

October Play Group

Thursday, October 7
from 3:00 to 5:00pm
in the kids' section of the Athens Library

All ages are welcome for two hours of play, socializing and support. This is a great chance for both children and parents to make new friends!

Pregnancy & Infant Loss Memorial Dedication

Sunday, October 17

3:00pm

at Sells Park, next to the pond

Join us for a dedication ceremony for our Pregnancy & Infant Loss Memorial Bench, to honor and celebrate the short lives of our babies. The ceremony will include readings, a time of sharing, and bulbs for families to plant at the site. This ceremony is open to the public and we encourage you to spread the word, as nearly one in three pregnancies ends in miscarriage and so the suffering, though often kept silent, is very prevalent. If you cannot attend the ceremony but would like a bulb planted in honor of your child, email molly.wales@yahoo.com or call 740-592-4408 and we will plant one for you.

Expecting a Baby? What Do You REALLY Need to Buy?

Wednesday, October 27

from 7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

Find out how few things you might need to buy for your new baby. We'll emphasize being economically frugal so we can “spoil” our babies with what they need most – our love, our touch, and our attention. Focus is on big ticket items and expenses, 0 - 12 mos. Facilitated by Lucy Juedes, Lamaze Childbirth Educator.

*And thanks to this month's Evening Sponsor! Roberts Family Photography is a fine art portrait studio specializing in relaxed, artistic portraits of your family. We offer maternity, newborn, high school senior and family portraits. We love making art for your home featuring your family! Roberts Family Photography, art you love of the people you love!

Web: www.robertsfamilyphoto.com

Blog: http://www.robertsfamilyphoto.typepad.com/be_blogged/#tp

Car Seats & Cloth Diapers

Wednesday, September 29

from 7:00 to 8:30pm
at the Athens Library

Join us for an informational meeting on car seats and cloth diapers. Mary McPherson of OUCOM and Brittany Dodd, a Child Passenger Safety Technician, will go over what car seats are best for what age, how age and weight limits work, installment tips, general pros and cons of types of seats, etc. Then we'll have a presentation on cloth diapers by Hanna Vorisek, mom of three, who will have a variety of samples to show us. You might want to take notes, so bring pen and paper!

*Thanks to this month's Evening Sponsor, Music Together in Athens! In 2006, Athens singer-songwriter, Laura Nadeau, became a Registered Music Together®Teacher and created Music Together in Athens, a licensed Music Together® provider for the surrounding area. Laura teaches ten weekly 45-minute classes, held at ARTS/West in Athens, Ohio, that feature a new song collection every fall, winter, and spring. These song collections feature great arrangements of original and traditional songs in a wide variety of tonalities, meters and cultural styles. Classes are for children ages birth through 5 years and their parents and/or caregivers. Visit http://www.musictogetherinathens.com to learn more about the classes being offered this fall for the Flute Collection.

October Play Group

Thursday, October 7

from 3:00 to 5:00pm

in the kids' section of the Athens Library

All ages are welcome for two hours of play, socializing and support. This is a great chance for both children and parents to make new friends!

Expecting a Baby? What Do You REALLY Need to Buy?

Wednesday, October 27

from 7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

Find out how few things you might need to buy for your new baby. We'll emphasize being economically frugal so we can “spoil” our babies with what they need most – our love, our touch, and our attention. Focus is on big ticket items and expenses, 0 - 12 mos. Facilitated by Lucy Juedes, Lamaze Childbirth Educator.

September Play Group

Thursday, September 2nd

from 3:00 to 5:00pm

in the kids' section of the Athens Library

All ages are welcome for two hours of play, socializing and support. This is a great chance for both children and parents to make new friends!

Pregnancy Loss Support Group

Tuesday, September 7th

from 7:00 to 8:00pm

at the Athens Library

This month's support group, facilitated by Dr. Connie Patterson, will focus on pregnancy loss, which can range from miscarriage to stillbirth to grieving your pregnancy after the baby is born. We hope you'll join us for this safe and intimate time of sharing and support.

RSVP: Because the effectiveness of the group is dependent on its size, please RSVP to molly.wales@yahoo.com or 740-592-4408.

Car Seats & Cloth Diapers

Wednesday, September 29

from 7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

Join us for an informational meeting on car seats and cloth diapers. Mary McPherson of OUCOM and Brittany Dodd, a Child Passenger Safety Technician, will go over what car seats are best for what age, how age and weight limits work, installment tips, general pros and cons of types of seats, etc. Then we'll have a presentation on cloth diapers by Hanna Vorisek, mom of three, who will have a variety of samples to show us. You might want to take notes, so bring pen and paper!

*Thanks to this month's Evening Sponsor, Music Together in Athens! In 2006, Athens singer-songwriter, Laura Nadeau, became a Registered Music Together®Teacher and created Music Together in Athens, a licensed Music Together® provider for the surrounding area. Laura teaches ten weekly 45-minute classes, held at ARTS/West in Athens, Ohio, that feature a new song collection every fall, winter, and spring. These song collections feature great arrangements of original and traditional songs in a wide variety of tonalities, meters and cultural styles. Classes are for children ages birth through 5 years and their parents and/or caregivers. Visit http://www.musictogetherinathens.com to learn more about the classes being offered this fall for the Flute Collection.

Annual Yard Sale for Birth Circle & La Leche League

Date & Time: Saturday, August 14th from 8am-3pm

Location: 3 Coventry Athens (just off Pomeroy Rd)

Donations accepted August 7th-13th at 3 Coventry

Drop off everything maternity, baby, toddler, child, housewares, furniture, electronics, etc...

Please note: we will not be accepting adult clothing this year

Volunteers Needed: please sign up with us via email or at the next meetings!

Please contact us for additional information:

Cassie Meek Waller at cassmee@yahoo.com or Lindsey Goss at lindseyklgoss@gmail.com

Picnic in the Park

Wednesday, August 25

from 6:00 to 8:00pm

at the park on Richland Ave

Every summer we dedicate one meeting to visiting and having some fun before the busy school year begins! Bring a picnic dinner for your family and socialize with Birth Circle families both new and old.

Birth Circle Awarded Grant from The Foundation for the Advancement of Midwifery

Thanks to a grant from The Foundation for the Advancement on Midwifery, The Birth Circle is launching “Raising Awareness of Midwifery in Appalachian Ohio,” a two-part project to educate Birth Circle participants and the wider public in our region of Ohio about the midwifery model of care. We will ensure that every branch of eight county libraries has access to two copies of Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin, the children’s book Baby on the Way by Sears Children’s Library, and the documentary “The Business of Being Born.” We will also give each new Birth Circle participant a copy of Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth and brochures that will encourage them to learn as much as they can about their choices and their rights, and inform them about the midwifery model of care. The project will begin in July 2010 and will unfold throughout a twelve month period. Thank you FAM!

Preparing For and Dealing With Changes in Your Relationship

Tuesday, July 20

from 7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

With help from Dr. Brooke Wright, we explore how partner relationships are impacted by pregnancy and the baby's arrival. We will focus on communication tips, trouble areas to be aware of, maintaining a good relationship post birth, and more.

*This month's Evening Sponsor is Ancient Roots, a locally owned, family run business making premium herbal products in right here in the hills of Athens, Ohio. We use the highest quality organic, chemical-free, and ethically wild-harvested herbs available. We feature many pregnancy and birth related products, plus remedies to help your family be naturally healthy all year round.

Find our products locally at...

The Village Bakery & Cafe

The Farmacy

...or come see us on Saturdays at the Athens Farmer's Market!!

Summertime Ice Cream Social

Sunday, July 25

from 6:00 to 9:00pm

at 120 Morris Avenue

Join The Birth Circle for a summer get-together in Angela Cross’s English garden. Enjoy ice cream, homemade cake, and locally-grown fruit -- and enjoy the company of other Birth Circle families! The toy train will be running in the garden, or relax inside with air conditioning. Donations are appreciated but not required, and all proceeds will benefit The Birth Circle.

Birth Circle Awarded Grant from The Foundation for the Advancement of Midwifery

Thanks to a grant from The Foundation for the Advancement on Midwifery, The Birth Circle is launching “Raising Awareness of Midwifery in Appalachian Ohio,” a two-part project to educate Birth Circle participants and the wider public in our region of Ohio about the midwifery model of care. We will ensure that every branch of eight county libraries has access to two copies of Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin, the children’s book Baby on the Way by Sears Children’s Library, and the documentary “The Business of Being Born.” We will also give each new Birth Circle participant a copy of Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth and brochures that will encourage them to learn as much as they can about their choices and their rights, and inform them about the midwifery model of care. The project will begin in July 2010 and will unfold throughout a twelve month period. Thank you FAM!

Postpartum Depression Support Group

Tuesday, July 6

from 7:00 to 8:00pm

at the Athens Library

We offer this group as a time of sharing and support. The sessions are open to all and are facilitated by Dr. Connie Patterson, a Licensed Professional Counselor. Because the effectiveness of the group is dependent on its size, please RSVP to Molly at 740-592-4408 or molly.wales@yahoo.com.

Preparing For and Dealing With Changes in Your Relationship

Tuesday, July 20

from 7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

With help from Dr. Brooke Wright, we explore how partner relationships are impacted by pregnancy and the baby's arrival. We will focus on communication tips, trouble areas to be aware of, maintaining a good relationship post birth, and more.

*This month's Evening Sponsor is Ancient Roots, a locally owned, family run business making premium herbal products in right here in the hills of Athens, Ohio. We use the highest quality organic, chemical-free, and ethically wild-harvested herbs available. We feature many pregnancy and birth related products, plus remedies to help your family be naturally healthy all year round.

Find our products locally at...

The Village Bakery & Cafe

The Farmacy

...or come see us on Saturdays at the Athens Farmer's Market!!

Summertime Ice Cream Social

Sunday, July 25

from 6:00 to 9:00pm

at 120 Morris Avenue

Join The Birth Circle for a summer get-together in Angela Cross’s English garden. Enjoy ice cream, homemade cake, and locally-grown fruit -- and enjoy the company of other Birth Circle families! The toy train will be running in the garden, or relax inside with air conditioning. Donations are appreciated but not required, and all proceeds will benefit The Birth Circle.

June Play Group

Thursday, June 3

3:00 to 5:00pm

in the kids' section of the Athens Library

All ages are welcome for two hours of play, socializing and support. This is a great chance for both children and parents to make new friends!

Baby Signs, and Open Q&A

Wednesday, June 30

from 7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

Experienced parents and caregivers share how and why they used signs to communicate with their babies. Learn the basics, see demos, share tips, and ask questions! The second half of the meeting will be an open Q&A period so pregnant and new parents can voice any concerns or questions they have, on any subject -- labor, sleep, breast feeding, discipline, etc.

Postpartum Depression Support Group

Tuesday, July 6

from 7:00 to 8:00pm

at the Athens Library

We offer this group as a time of sharing and support. The sessions are open to all and are facilitated by Connie Patterson, a Licensed Professional Counselor. Because the effectiveness of the group is dependent on its size, please RSVP to Molly at 740-592-4408 or molly.wales@yahoo.com.

Fertility Support Group

Wednesday, May 12

from 7 to 8pm

at The Plains library

So many of us are or have been affected by infertility. We offer this group as a time of sharing and support. These sessions are open to all and are facilitated by Dr. Connie Patterson, a Licensed Professional Counselor. Please RSVP to 740-592-4408 or molly.wales@yahoo.com.

No Monthly Meeting in May

Because we celebrated the Pregnancy & Baby Fair in May, we'll be taking the rest of the month off. Happy 8th birthday Birth Circle!

Baby Signs (How to Talk with Your Baby Before Your Baby Can Talk), and Open Q&A

Wednesday, June 30

from 7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

Experienced parents share how and why they used signs to communicate with their babies. Learn the basics, see demos, share tips, and ask questions! The second half of the meeting will be an open Q&A period so pregnant and new parents can voice any concerns or questions they have, on any subject!

Birth Circle Pregnancy & Baby Fair!

Saturday, May 8th

10am to 3pm

at The Market on State (formerly University Mall) in Athens

The second annual Birth Circle Pregnancy and Baby Fair is a free one-day event on Mother’s Day weekend. Learn! Win! Shop! Celebrate!

Schedule of Events:

10:15am Performance by the Athens Irish Dancers

11:00am Kindermusik demo class for ages 0-18 months (open to the public)

12:00pm Music by Flyaway Saturn

1:00pm "Taking Care of Ourselves, Taking Care of Our Patients and Taking Control of the Narrative about Birth" keynote address by Patricia Harman, midwife and author of The Blue Cotton Gown. Book signing to follow.

2:30pm Performance by Music Together® class with Laura Nadeau of Music Together in Athens

Door Prizes will include:

A year of professional baby portraits (sittings and prints) by Roberts Family Photography

25 maternity portraits (one sitting and an 8x10 per mom) by Roberts Family Photography

A semester of Kindermusik classes

One-year membership to WellWorks

And much, much more!

Browse booths featuring:

OU-COM Little People's Hospital (small version)

unique baby products (slings, bibs, shoes, diapers)

pregnancy accessories

healthcare providers

photographers

childbirth educators

pediatricians

governmental services

childcare options

prenatal and children’s recreation

Thanks to our sponsors!

Roberts Family Photography, University Medical Associates, Frog Ranch Foods, Holzer Clinic, River Rose Obstetrics & Gynecology, Casa Nueva, Donkey Coffee, Hyacinth Bean Florist, Lamaze Childbirth Classes, Ohio Department of Health, Office of Healthy Ohio, Bureau of Health Promotion and Risk Reduction, Violence and Injury Prevention Program, OUCOM AHEC/CHEAO

The Psychosocial Impact of Infertility: A Conference for Health Care Providers and the Community

Tuesday, May 4th

Registration 8:30am, Conference 9am-12:15pm

at Ohio University, Baker Center Ballroom B

(Parking Passes Available)

Space is Limited, RSVP to infertilityconference@gmail.com

Infertility affects approximately 10% of the population (Resolve, the National Infertility Association, 2008). An infertility diagnosis can be very devastating to couples and has physical, social, emotional, and cultural implications. For this reason, it is important for counselors, health care providers, and community members to have an awareness and understanding of the psychosocial impacts of infertility and how it may appear in patients, clients, friends or family members.

We are honored to present as speakers and panel members:

Dr. Jane Broecker- Ohio University Assistant Professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology

Dr. Frank Schwartz- Ohio University Professor, Endocrinology. Male Infertility Specialist

Ms. Heidi Sommer McAlister- Professional Clinical Counselor specializing in fertility counseling. The Sommer Group- Counseling and Consulting

Ms. Carey Stamberger- support group leader for RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association

* 3 Continuing Education Units will be offered for Counselors

This program is funded by an Ohio University College of Education Grant authored by Dr. Cornelia Patterson, Director of Assessment and Dr. Christine Suniti Bhat, Assistant Professor of Counselor Education. Drs. Patterson and Bhat would like to thank the following individuals or organizations for their support: our panel members, Molly Wales, Director of the Athens Birth Circle, the Alpha Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, and Amber Koester, Counselor Education doctoral student.

Fertility Support Group

Wednesday, May 12

from 7 to 8pm

at The Plains library

So many of us are or have been affected by infertility. We offer this group as a time of sharing and support. These sessions are open to all and are facilitated by Connie Patterson, a Licensed Professional Counselor. Please RSVP to 740-592-4408 or molly.wales@yahoo.com.

Sharing Birth Stories

Wednesday, April 28

7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

Every year we dedicate one meeting to the sharing of birth stories. Whether your children were born last week or decades ago, we invite you to share your story or just sit and listen to others. All backgrounds, experiences and choices are honored at all Birth Circle events.

*This month's Evening Sponsor is Amy Broderick, a Realtor with Athens Realty. She represents both buyers and sellers of residential real estate and enjoys working with families. Sometimes with the birth of a child comes the need for a change of residence. Let Amy help you with this transition during such an important time in your family's life. You can e-mail her at amy@athens-realty.com or call/text her at (740) 856-2392.

Birth Circle Pregnancy & Baby Fair!

Saturday, May 8th

10am to 3pm

at The Market on State (formerly University Mall) in Athens

The second annual Birth Circle Pregnancy and Baby Fair is a free one-day event on Mother’s Day weekend. Learn! Win! Shop! Celebrate!

Schedule of Events:

10:15am Performance by the Athens Irish Dancers

11:00am Kindermusik demo class for ages 0-18 months (open to the public)

12:00pm Music by Flyaway Saturn

1:00pm "Taking Care of Ourselves, Taking Care of Our Patients and Taking Control of the Narrative about Birth" keynote address by Patricia Harman, midwife and author of The Blue Cotton Gown. Book signing to follow.

2:30pm Performance by Music Together® class with Laura Nadeau of Music Together in Athens

Door Prizes will include:

A year of professional baby portraits (sittings and prints) by Roberts Family Photography

25 maternity portraits (one sitting and an 8x10 per mom) by Roberts Family Photography

A semester of Kindermusik classes

One-year membership to WellWorks

And much, much more!

Browse booths featuring:

OU-COM Little People's Hospital (small version)

unique baby products (slings, bibs, shoes, diapers)

pregnancy accessories

healthcare providers

photographers

childbirth educators

pediatricians

governmental services

childcare options

prenatal and children’s recreation

Thanks to our sponsors!

Roberts Family Photography, University Medical Associates, Frog Ranch Foods, Holzer Clinic, River Rose Obstetrics & Gynecology, Casa Nueva, Donkey Coffee, Hyacinth Bean Florist, Lamaze Childbirth Classes, Ohio Department of Health, Office of Healthy Ohio, Bureau of Health Promotion and Risk Reduction, Violence and Injury Prevention Program, OUCOM AHEC/CHEAO

The Psychosocial Impact of Infertility: A Conference for Health Care Providers and the Community

Tuesday, May 4th

Registration 8:30am, Conference 9am-12:15pm

at Ohio University, Baker Center Ballroom B

(Parking Passes Available)

Space is Limited, RSVP to infertilityconference@gmail.com

Infertility affects approximately 10% of the population (Resolve, the National Infertility Association, 2008). An infertility diagnosis can be very devastating to couples and has physical, social, emotional, and cultural implications. For this reason, it is important for counselors, health care providers, and community members to have an awareness and understanding of the psychosocial impacts of infertility and how it may appear in patients, clients, friends or family members.

We are honored to present as speakers and panel members:

Dr. Jane Broecker- Ohio University Assistant Professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology

Dr. Frank Schwartz- Ohio University Professor, Endocrinology. Male Infertility Specialist

Ms. Heidi Sommer McAlister- Professional Clinical Counselor specializing in fertility counseling. The Sommer Group- Counseling and Consulting

Ms. Carey Stamberger- support group leader for RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association

* 3 Continuing Education Units will be offered for Counselors

This program is funded by an Ohio University College of Education Grant authored by Dr. Cornelia Patterson, Director of Assessment and Dr. Christine Suniti Bhat, Assistant Professor of Counselor Education. Drs. Patterson and Bhat would like to thank the following individuals or organizations for their support: our panel members, Molly Wales, Director of the Athens Birth Circle, the Alpha Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, and Amber Koester, Counselor Education doctoral student.

Play Group

Thursday, April 1
3:00 to 5:00pm
in the kids' section of the Athens Library

All ages are welcome for two hours of play, socializing and support. This is a great chance for both children and parents to make new friends!

Sharing Birth Stories

Wednesday, April 28

7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

Every year we dedicate one meeting to the sharing of birth stories. Whether your children were born last week or decades ago, we invite you to share your story or just sit and listen to others. All backgrounds, experiences and choices are honored at all Birth Circle events.

*This month's Evening Sponsor is Amy Broderick, a Realtor with Athens Realty. She represents both buyers and sellers of residential real estate and enjoys working with families. Sometimes with the birth of a child comes the need for a change of residence. Let Amy help you with this transition during such an important time in your family's life. You can e-mail her at amy@athens-realty.com or call/text her at (740) 856-2392.

Birth Circle Pregnancy & Baby Fair!

Saturday, May 8

10am to 3pm

at The Market on State (formerly University Mall) in Athens

The second annual Birth Circle Pregnancy and Baby Fair is a free one-day event on Mother’s Day weekend. Learn! Win! Shop! Celebrate!

Schedule of Events:

10:15am Performance by the Athens Irish Dancers

11:00am Kindermusik demo class for ages 0-18 months (open to the public)

12:00pm Music by Flyaway Saturn

1:00pm "Taking Care of Ourselves, Taking Care of Our Patients and Taking Control of the Narrative about Birth" keynote address by Patricia Harman, midwife and author of The Blue Cotton Gown. Book signing to follow.

2:30pm Performance by Music Together® with Laura Nadeau of Music Together in Athens

Door Prizes will include:

A year of professional baby portraits (sittings and prints) by Roberts Family Photography

25 maternity portraits (one sitting and an 8x10 per mom) by Roberts Family Photography

A semester of Kindermusik classes

One-year membership to WellWorks

And much, much more!

Browse booths featuring:

unique baby products (slings, bibs, shoes, diapers)

pregnancy accessories

healthcare providers

photographers

childbirth educators

pediatricians

governmental services

childcare options

prenatal and children’s recreation

Thanks to our sponsors!

Roberts Family Photography

United Medical Associates

Frog Ranch Foods

Holzer Clinic

River Rose Obstetrics & Gynecology

Casa Nueva

Donkey Coffee

Hyacinth Bean Florist

Lamaze Childbirth Classes

Ohio Department of Health

Office of Healthy Ohio

Bureau of Health Promotion and Risk Reduction

Violence and Injury Prevention Program

OUCOM AHEC/CHEAO

Play Group

Thursday, March 4

3:00 to 5:00pm

in the kids' section of the Athens Library

All ages are welcome for two hours of play, socializing and support. This is a great chance for both children and parents to make new friends!

Pregnancy Loss Support Group

Wednesday, March 10

7:00 to 8:00pm

at The Plains Library

This month's support group, facilitated by Dr. Connie Patterson, will focus on pregnancy loss, which can range from miscarriage to stillbirth to grieving your pregnancy after the baby is born. We hope you'll join us for this safe and intimate time of sharing and support.

RSVP: Because the effectiveness of the group is dependent on its size, please RSVP to molly.wales@yahoo.com or 740-592-4408.

Benefits of Doula Care/Role of a Birth Partner

Wednesday, March 31

7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

Local doulas will discuss the history and benefits of doula care: What is a doula? How can a doula support you, your partner, and your expanding family through birth and the postpartum period? We'll also exchange ideas for other birth partners such as husbands, mothers, etc.

*This month's sponsor is Jennifer Cochran, Licensed Massage Therapist, offering Swedish massage, myofascial release, and deep tissue massage in the comfort of your own home. Pregnancy massage, or prenatal massage, supports the health and well-being of both mother and child. Massage reduces stress and anxiety, relieves muscle tension and pain, promotes relaxation, improves circulation and immune function, and alleviates physical and mental fatigue. Jennifer can be reached at jennijan@yahoo.com or 740-593-6869.

Birth Circle Play Group

Thursday, February 4

3:00 to 5:00pm

in the kids' section of the Athens Library

All ages are welcome for two hours of play, socializing and support. This is a great chance for both children and parents to make new friends.

Self Care in Pregnancy

Wednesday, February 24

7:00 to 8:30pm

at the Athens Library

Join us for a conversation about how to take care of yourself in pregnancy, including: exercise and relaxation, emotional well-being, diet and supplements, preparing for breastfeeding and other changes, and how to pamper yourself!

*This month's Evening Sponsor is Kelley Evans, PhD, Certified BodyTalk Practitioner. BodyTalk is an alternative health practice that motivates the body’s potential to heal itself. BodyTalk sessions involve a questioning process that finds which parts of the body need better communication and harmony. A light tapping technique is used to help the brain restore communication. Each session is tailored to your body’s specific priorities for healing.

Safe, effective, and noninvasive, BodyTalk can help with pregnancy and after, helping prepare and sustain yourself physically and emotionally. BodyTalk is also great for anyone—babies, children, spouses, and grandparents alike. In addition to helping the body balance the stresses of pregnancy, BodyTalk typically improves conditions such as allergies, joint pain, and digestive disorders, as well as depression and anxiety. BodyTalk complements Western and alternative medicines.

Kelley does BodyTalk sessions at Inhale Yoga Studio, 8 N. Court St., Garden Level. An initial session is $75, and follow-up sessions are $60. She can be reached at her cell phone, 254-644-1664, or by email, kel_e_evans@yahoo.com.

Pregnancy Loss Support Group

Wednesday, March 10

7:00 to 8:00pm

at the Athens Library

This month's support group, facilitated by Dr. Connie Patterson, will focus on pregnancy loss, which can range from miscarriage to stillbirth to grieving your pregnancy after the baby is born. We hope you'll join us for this safe and intimate time of sharing and support.

RSVP: Because the effectiveness of the group is dependent on its size, please RSVP to Molly at 740-592-4408 or molly.wales@yahoo.com.